A Collection of Moving Graduation Songs You’ll Want to Sing at Karaoke! [Farewells, Friendship, and Fight Songs]

The happiest treasuresutopuri

[MV] The Most Wonderful Treasure / Strawberry Prince

Strawberry Prince (SutoPuri) is a six-member entertainment group active across a wide range of fields, including YouTube, TwitCasting, music distribution, and stage performances.

Their 27th single, “Saikou no Takaramono” (The Happiest Treasure), opens with a refreshing guitar riff that feels great right from the intro.

The lyrics, which pray for a bright future for someone precious, are something everyone wishes for at the milestone of a graduation ceremony.

It’s a crisp, refreshing pop tune that you’ll want to sing your heart out to at karaoke with friends graduating alongside you.

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Hoshino Takashi

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MY GRADUATIONChekkāzu

MY GRADUATION

A gemlike ballad that richly portrays the milestone of graduation.

Set to a gentle melody, it tenderly depicts scenes like exchanging buttons on school uniforms and walking together to the station.

Looking back on memories from ages 16 to 18, it masterfully conveys both the sweetness of young love and the poignancy of parting.

Included on The Checkers’ album “GO” and released in 1987, it was the group’s first self-produced work, with lyrics by Fumiya Fujii and music by Susumu Takeuchi.

Deeply rooted in Japan’s music scene as a staple to hear during graduation season, this song is wholeheartedly recommended for anyone who cherishes memories of their youth.

Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Friend’s Song”

The song I want to listen to while reflecting on a friend I’m parting ways with is BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Tomodachi no Uta” (“Song of Friends”).

The lyrics, written by Motoo Fujiwara as he thought of characters from works he loved since childhood, convey a clumsy yet warm sense of friendship, and the grand sound incorporating trumpet is sure to resonate deeply with men as well.

Released in February 2011 as their 19th single, this track moved many as the theme song for the film “Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops—Angel Wings.” It’s a song that wraps up the anxieties of a new departure and gently nudges you forward.

Even if you end up walking separate paths, it makes you believe the time you shared won’t disappear—a masterpiece filled with kindness.

End and Beginningkariyushi 58

Kariyushi58 'The End Is the Beginning'

An evocative song that captures the sparkle found in calm, everyday life, it was released in February 2010 as the B-side to Kariyushi 58’s single “Ame nochi Hare.” Its warm acoustic sound and heartfelt message—like reflecting on yourself at the end of the day—are compelling.

The lyrics gently question the finiteness of life and the importance of the everyday.

The song was used as the theme for the 2016 drama “Sanbiki no Ossan 3: Seigi no Mikata, Mitabi!!,” and from October 2024 it has also been featured in a commercial for Japan Manufacturing Service.

It’s a piece I wholeheartedly recommend, one that can stay close to anyone facing a life milestone, such as graduation or a job change.

Song of DepartureAAA

AAA – Tabidachi no Uta

A ballad by AAA that stays by your side when you take a new step forward.

With a melody that resonates deep in your heart and powerful lyrics, it gently embraces the complex emotions that come with moving or setting off on a new journey.

Beautifully expressing gratitude for past memories and hope for the future, this ballad single was released in January 2009.

Its charm lies in the vocals that showcase each member’s unique character.

It was also used as the theme song for the drama “Future Century Shakespeare” and ranked high on the Oricon charts.

It’s the perfect song for anyone facing a life milestone such as graduation or moving.

It will clear the clouds of a heart mixed with anxiety and anticipation.

Best FriendKiroro

Kiroro ｢Best Friend｣ Official Music Video

It is a masterpiece whose warm melody gently envelops gratitude and bonds between friends, sinking deep into the heart.

It portrays the precious times and memories shared with companions, and the beauty of supporting one another in life, accompanied by a calm yet powerful piano tone.

The work is imbued with boundless gratitude for those who have been a source of support throughout one’s life.

Released in June 2001, it moved many people as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Churasan.” In 2016, it was also chosen as the Japanese end theme for the Disney film “The Good Dinosaur,” and it continues to be loved across generations.

It’s a perfect song for spring, a season of many farewells such as graduation ceremonies, and will surely continue to stay in the hearts of many as a piece that accompanies life’s important moments.

Goodbye Busyuzu

Goodbye Bus / Yuzu (Cover)

A gem of a love song that gently wraps farewells and reunions in an acoustic sound.

It’s a heartwarming track you’ll want to listen to as spring arrives.

The protagonist’s hidden feelings and regrets are portrayed over a tender, bittersweet melody.

Yuzu’s refreshing vocals continue to resonate with those experiencing springtime goodbyes.

Released in March 1999 and included on the album “Yuzuen,” it was also featured as an insert song in the NHK morning drama series “Yanchakure,” capturing fans’ hearts.

It’s a song we hope those parting from someone dear, just before starting a new chapter in life, will listen to.

As a spring anthem that gives you the courage to take a step toward the future, it comes highly recommended.