[Recommended for High School Students] New Graduation Songs & Classic Tearjerkers Collection

It’s okaywacci

wacci “Daijoubu” Music Video

People work hard at many things—jobs, sports, studies, and complex relationships.

This is a cheering song for those who are giving their all.

Graduation brings a new life waiting ahead.

Even though you have to try harder than ever, the anxiety can feel overwhelming.

In those moments, I hope you’ll listen to this song.

Dear Sir or Madam, on this day when cherry blossoms fluttermafumafu

[MV] Dear Sir/Madam, On This Day When Cherry Blossoms Flutter Down / Mafumafu [Shonen Janmaga Gakuen]

A gem of a song that gently weaves together the bittersweetness of cherry blossoms drifting in the spring breeze and the youthful scenes of student days.

Mafumafu’s delicate vocals beautifully capture school buildings tinged with the colors of spring and the sorrow of parting with someone dear.

Featured on the album “Kagurairo Artifact” and released in March 2019, this track was created as the theme song for the website “Shonen Jumaga Gakuen.” It carefully portrays memories and regrets from school days, as well as hope for the future, offering comfort to those entering a season of new meetings and farewells.

A perfect song for anyone whose heart is wavering before graduation season or the start of a new life in spring.

Until the day we meet againyuzu

Mataaeruhimade

With its lively rhythm and catchy melody giving you a bright boost, “Mata Aeru Hi Made” is a song that lets you view goodbyes in a positive light.

Released by Yuzu in 2002, it was used as the theme song for the film Doraemon: Nobita and the Windmasters.

Parting with classmates or clubmates you’ve been with throughout school life can be tough, but listening to this song makes you feel like living joyfully until the day you meet again.

It’s a perfect song to get everyone excited if you sing it together at karaoke during graduation season, so be sure to give it a try!

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Stand by MeSaucy Dog

Stand By Me

A gem of a song that poignantly portrays the heartbreak and hope of youth.

As one of Saucy Dog’s signature tracks, it has captured the hearts of many young listeners.

Included on the mini-album “Blue Period,” released in October 2019, this piece delicately expresses the confusion and inner conflict unique to adolescence.

Shinya Ishihara’s warm vocals gently accompany the complex emotions of high school students facing graduation.

With lyrics that speak to the importance of friendship and the mix of anxiety and anticipation for the future, it’s perfect for graduation ceremonies and moments of reminiscing.

As a culmination of the band’s six-year journey since their formation, this song is sure to resonate deeply with all who hear it.

Thank you, and goodbye.koaramōdo

Koalamode. 'Thank you, and goodbye'

Here is “Thank You, and Goodbye,” a graduation song delivered by the two-member music unit Koalamode., consisting of vocalist Annyu and Mr.

Obata, who handles guitar, bass, and programming, among other roles.

As they say it was written with the universal experience of graduation in mind, every small phrase is filled with memories that tug at the hearts of high school students.

Although the title includes “Thank You, and Goodbye,” there isn’t a trace of gloom in that goodbye—strangely, it sounds more like “We’ll meet again,” which must be the power of music at work.

It’s a song I’d love for you to listen to with your classmates, with smiles all around!

Song of DepartureAAA

AAA / Tabidachi no Uta (short ver.)

AAA’s 2009 track “Tabidachi no Uta” portrays the moment of taking off toward the future while holding countless memories close.

Because it’s by a mixed-gender group, it’s easy to divide parts for a graduation ceremony chorus, making it a great recommendation.

Even if you feel anxious after graduation, the memories of the days you spent together and the hope that you’ll meet again will reassure you.

It’s also a song that lets you express gratitude to the friends, teachers, and parents who gave you these feelings.

On graduation day, this is a piece that allows you to convey everything in your heart.

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pedestrian overpassNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 “Footbridge”

An ambitious work by Nogizaka46 that delicately portrays the emotions of standing at a crossroads in life.

Set against the season of cold, wintry winds, the protagonist’s hesitation and resolve as they try to take a step toward the future are striking.

While burdened by worries about their path and dreams, the image of a young person attempting to take a new step forward, as if guided by the view from atop a pedestrian bridge, is something anyone can relate to.

Released in December 2024, the work features 4th-generation member Sakura Endo as center and includes a new song by the 5th generation.

It comes in multiple editions from Type-A to Type-D, and also contains footage from the Hong Kong concert.

Highly recommended as a song that gently nudges forward those who hold both hope and anxiety for an unseen future.