This is the definitive BGM for the graduation ceremony! A moving collection of songs you can use for everything from the entrance march to the thank-you party.

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

This song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE was written as the theme for the NHK General TV special “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18-Sai” broadcast in December 2024.

It was performed on a stage created together with 18-year-olds, and the moment when a choir of around 1,000 voices joined in was truly breathtaking.

The lyrics express questions about staying true to oneself and an earnest wish to have someone by your side.

As we struggle to meet society’s expectations, there’s an anxiety of nearly losing sight of our true selves.

The warmth that embraces such wavering emotions just as they are is a major charm of this work.

After its digital release in January 2025, it surpassed 100 million streams.

It’s a song that gently supports those facing the milestone of graduation and taking a new step forward, making it a perfect choice for entrance and exit music at ceremonies.

Last SongOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Last Song [Studio Live Session]

A heart-stirring song that weaves together a bittersweet farewell and the fragility of time.

It delicately captures the loneliness of the moment the curtain falls, while finding hope in the warmth of the words “see you again.” Its philosophical perspective—“things are beautiful because they are finite”—will resonate deeply with listeners.

This piece was also featured as an insert song in the Fuji TV special drama “I Can Only See You Three More Times.” The lyrics, which evoke memories of summer, are sure to comfort those lingering in the afterglow of graduation.

It’s the perfect track for looking back on cherished moments with close friends as you stand on the brink of a new beginning!

Sakuraayaka

Ayaka / “Sakura” (from the LIVE DVD & Blu-ray “Acoustic Live Tour 2017–2018 ~3-STAR RAW~”)

First unveiled as an unreleased track during Ayaka’s nationwide tour in the fall of 2017, this became her first graduation song, evolving with each live performance.

Although there were initially no plans to release an official recording, venue-only CDs surpassed 10,000 in sales, and in response to fans’ voices, the song was widely released to listeners in February 2018.

Polished in an acoustic arrangement, the ballad delivers the emotion of its melody and lyrics directly, without relying on flashy production.

It portrays not only the graduation where students bid farewell to friends and mentors, but also the graduation felt by parents sending off their children—an appeal that resonates across generations.

In the short-film-style music video starring Rina Kawaei, the journey from loss to a fresh start is depicted, further deepening the song’s universality.

It was later included on the album “30 y/o.” Choir arrangements are also available, making it perfect not only as a processional or recessional piece for ceremonies, but also as a send-off song for everyone to sing together.

HappinessShenelu

Che’Nelle – Happiness ft. Nao Matsushita

A graduation ceremony is a place where the joy of new beginnings mingles with the bittersweet ache of parting.

In moments like these, Che’Nelle’s “Happiness” gently stays by your side.

Released in 2014 as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday drama Dear Sister, the piece is a warm, piano-centered ballad.

Its lyrics—wishing for someone’s happiness while carrying both joy and frustration, and finding your own salvation in the process—perfectly align with the moment of setting out on a new journey.

Che’Nelle’s voice blends transparency with inner strength, and as the melody swells in the chorus, you can’t help but sit up a little straighter.

It’s an excellent choice for scenes sending off graduates, or as a recessional that leaves a quiet afterglow.

With gratitude for someone dear and hope for the future in your heart, why not take your next step forward with this song?

OrangeSPYAIR

SPYAIR “Orange” Music Video (Theme Song for Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle: The Movie)

A SPYAIR track produced as the theme song for the anime film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle, released in February 2024.

It’s a song that captures the resolve to move forward—trusting in a future reunion even while carrying the sadness of parting—set against the scene of a sunset sky.

Sweat, voices, the feeling of teammates patting each other on the shoulder—these irreplaceable memories of youth are sung as a bittersweet light.

The band has collaborated with the Haikyu!! series for many years, and this piece can be considered the culmination of that partnership.

It has surpassed 100 million streams and ranked high on the Billboard JAPAN Year-End Hot 100, winning the hearts of many listeners.

If played for a graduation processional or recessional, it will encourage you to look back on days with your friends and take a brave first step forward.

It’s a perfect song for a bright new beginning.

Until we meet againHirai Dai

Until we meet again

The song that makes the entrance and exit scenes gentle and moving is Dai Hirai’s “Mata Au Hi Made” (“Until the Day We Meet Again”).

It’s included on his 2015 album Slow & Easy.

Even when you think you’re okay, looking back on your memories can make you cry or leave your chest aching with loneliness, right? This song portrays the resolve to turn those tears and that loneliness into strength, and to keep doing your best until the day you reunite.

Dai Hirai’s warm, embracing vocals envelop the entire graduation venue and create a tender moment.

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See youNEUTRINO

See You Again — Song: NEUTRINO (with lyrics)

This track is a cover by the AI singing synthesizer NEUTRINO of a graduation song created by Hiroshi Machida, who is also a nursery school principal.

By layering multiple voice libraries—such as Tohoku Kiritan, Tohoku Zunko, and Mellow—it achieves a crystal-clear, shimmering harmony.

The lyrics are sprinkled with gratitude for the energy and kindness received from friends, as well as everyday scenes from nursery life like hide-and-seek and mud dumplings, making it a listen that tightens the chest with emotion.

Though parting is sad, its forward-looking message—let’s start walking again while holding close our memories of spring, summer, autumn, and winter—speaks directly to both children and adults.

The original version was included on the compilation album “Congratulations on Graduation: Graduation Songs & Music Collection,” released in December 2017, cementing its place as a standard.

Consider using it as BGM for a slideshow or as a choral piece for a thank-you party.