Songs to use in the memory movie. Let’s look back on our memories before graduation!

Song SevenRADWIMPS

Nanoka

This classic RADWIMPS song opens with a warm, gospel-like chorus and flows into a gentle rap part—an impressive progression.

Included on the March 2009 album “Altcolony no Teiri,” it wasn’t released as a single, yet it has remained beloved by fans for years.

Its message—about a protagonist who lacks self-confidence but finds the world shining through the presence of someone precious—resonates deeply during graduation season, when we reaffirm our bonds with friends and lovers.

In recent years it has also enjoyed a resurgence on social media and is popular as background music for videos.

When you’re making a montage-style memory movie from photos and clips, its dramatic structure will only heighten the emotional impact.

Thank youKagura SCOPE

Kagura SCOPE – Thank You [Official Music Video]

If you want to express the gratitude you don’t usually say out loud at the milestone of graduation, “Arigato” is a great pick.

It’s a single released for streaming in December 2024 by Rapsinger Kagura SCOPE, whose street-performance acts have also drawn attention on social media.

Blending the punch of hip-hop-rooted lyricism with an approachable melody, this track delivers straight-from-the-heart emotions that overflow beyond a simple “thank you,” and sings of the miracle of meeting you.

Its down-to-earth message slips gently into the listener’s heart, warmly wrapping the sadness of parting.

It’s perfect as BGM for a memory video—gather photos with the important people who supported you, like friends, family, or mentors, and give it a try.

Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa

Lord of Major / Precious Things

A signature number by Road of Major that powerfully sings of irreplaceable bonds with friends and the bittersweet pain of parting.

Released as an indie single in August 2002, it set an astounding record by staying in the Oricon Top 10 for 19 consecutive weeks.

It’s also known for being completed by members who had been brought together for a TV show project, after enduring a grueling tour with their breakup on the line.

Their passionate spirit crossed the sea, and in 2009 the song was even used in a Taiwanese commercial.

Its driving rock sound and warm melody make it perfect as BGM for a graduation video when you want to express gratitude without getting too sentimental.

Revisit this classic—also included on the album “ROAD OF MAJOR”—alongside your cherished memories with dear friends.

StoryAI

AI – Story

A ballad that sings of the reassurance of having someone precious by your side and of an overflowing, profound love.

It’s a single released in May 2005 by AI, a singer-songwriter who captivates listeners with her husky, soulful voice.

The dramatic melody that begins with a piano intro gently wraps around the listener’s heart.

Also included on the album “Mic-a-holic Ai,” this beloved classic stayed on the charts for over 70 weeks after its release.

It’s also known as the Japanese ending theme for the Disney film Big Hero 6.

Carrying the message that you are not alone, this song is perfect for graduation-season memory videos that express gratitude to friends and mentors.

Be sure to give this warm, moving number a listen.

spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Spring Melancholy

This song delicately portrays the transience of youth and the emotions of adolescence.

It’s said that Motoki Omori, the vocalist of Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, wrote it the day after his high school graduation ceremony.

It’s a perfect track to listen to during graduation season.

The song was tied in as the theme for Suntory’s “Craft Boss” commercial and became widely loved.

In March 2024, it surpassed 100 million cumulative streams on the Billboard JAPAN charts.

Why not give it a listen this spring, a season that evokes farewells and growth? Its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody are sure to color your memories.

YELLikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “YELL” Music Video

YELL portrays farewell words not as something sad, but as a promise to soar into the future.

Released in September 2009, it is a single by Ikimonogakari, the musical group known for Kiyoe Yoshioka’s clear, expansive vocals.

Loved as the set piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition’s junior high division, the song speaks to the importance of starting to walk on your own feet while facing loneliness and anxiety.

Holding the days spent together in your heart, the lyrics convey the resolve to set off on separate paths, gently accompanying the tears and smiles of graduation season.

This piece adds a moving touch to school-life memory videos—woven from countless photos with friends from club activities, school trips, and more—so be sure to give it a listen.

I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu

Spitz / I Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky

This piece, packed with a melody that evokes the pale days of youth and Masamune Kusano’s poetic worldview, beautifully captures a longing for freedom and the miracle of meeting that special “you.” Its lyrics gently accompany the anxiety and hope of climbing the steps toward adulthood.

Although released as a single in April 1994, it drew major attention as the theme song for the drama “Hakusen Nagashi,” which began airing in January 1996, and has been loved for many years.

Also included on the album “Sora no Tobikata,” this track is an ideal BGM for a nostalgic montage that looks back on the irreplaceable moments shared with friends or a loved one during the season of farewells.

Let this classic, which gives you the courage to spread your wings into the future with the proof of your time together in your heart, accompany your visuals.