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

CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi

Cheers

When you’re celebrating a new beginning, having friends who can share in your joy is the best, isn’t it? Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s “Kanpai” is a great song for celebrating graduation together.

It was included on the 1980 album Kanpai and has captivated many hearts since its release.

The lyrics originated from a song Nagabuchi wrote for a friend’s wedding, celebrating his friend’s departure into a new chapter.

Since graduation marks the start of a new life, this song is a perfect fit.

If you sing it with classmates or teachers at karaoke, you can all toast the new journey together—and it might deepen your sense of solidarity and friendship even more!

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mutō

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Last teenYuika

Last Teen / “Yuika” [MV]

A track by Yuika that captures the milestone at the end of one’s teenage years in down-to-earth words.

Written and composed by her just before her 20th birthday, it lays bare her anxieties and hopes about becoming an adult, and the wavering feelings of not quite being one yet.

From small everyday realizations—like a messy room or the cost of electricity—to the bittersweet sense of herself and her surroundings changing, the lyrics are packed with a raw realism that resonates.

This work can be seen as the final chapter in a series reflecting on her teens.

Her determination to move forward despite fearing change mirrors the feelings of graduates.

Bye-Good-ByeBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Bye-Good-Bye -Music Video-

This is a song whose positive message—seeing “goodbye” not as a sad parting but as a new starting line—deeply resonates.

Released as BE:FIRST’s second single in 2022, it was written as the theme song for the morning drama “Before the Goodbye” within Nippon TV’s ZIP!.

It has surpassed 200 million streams and continues to be loved by many, winning the Excellence Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards.

Its mid-tempo, catchy melody pairs with lyrics that balance heartache and hope, creating a perfect atmosphere for graduation ceremonies.

Even those feeling anxious about heading down separate paths from classmates may find that listening to this song helps them face forward with the belief that “we’ll meet again.”

evening primroseNovelbright

Novelbright – Evening Primrose [Official Music Video]

A love ballad by Novelbright, released in 2020 and surpassing 300 million streams.

Built on an emotive, piano-driven arrangement, it poignantly depicts the days spent together and the pain of parting, striking a chord in the heart.

It’s a song we especially want those facing graduation, parting with classmates, and anxiety about new surroundings to hear.

The dramatic melody and touching lyrics will bring back memories of the precious time you spent with friends.

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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SAKI

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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.

Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46

The Only One Who Knows Is the Graduation Photo by Hinatazaka46

It’s a bittersweet love song that colors the cherry blossom season.

Hinatazaka46 will release it in January 2025 as their 13th single.

Nao Kosaka serves as center, and the music video is produced with the theme of a “parade that heralds spring.” The lyrics depict looking back at graduation photos and reminiscing about someone you once liked, resulting in something highly relatable.

It may particularly resonate with those who have just graduated from high school.