Six types of farewell songs: goodbye songs for each scene
Farewell days appear at various milestones in life.
Some farewells are anticipated, like graduation ceremonies, while others may come suddenly—an unexpected transfer, a breakup, or even the loss of a loved one.
Not all farewells are positive; some can be heartbreaking.
But we can’t stay trapped in sorrow forever, can we?
Here, I’ll introduce plenty of gentle farewell songs to soothe your pain and stay close to the emptiness left in your heart.
I hope they help you overcome your sadness and loneliness, and take a new step forward.
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Farewell songs that make you cry when you listen (1–10)
Akaharukasumika
It’s a sublime song that portrays parting between people with a wonderfully refreshing touch.
Its theme is the feeling of reinterpreting past youth in a new light.
It sings of the anxiety and hope that come with a new first step.
This track is a self-cover by the rock band sumika—known for their bright, pop sound—featuring Rira Ikuta, and it’s included on the single “Honto,” released in February 2026.
It was originally produced as the campaign song for FM802 in the spring of 2025.
The title track of the single that includes this song is known as the theme song for the film “Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s New Undersea Devil’s Rock Castle.” For those about to graduate and part ways with friends, it’s a moving masterpiece that may bring tears to your eyes.
Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri
It sings of someone who can’t forget the memories spent with a loved one.
Though the pain of parting is there, it becomes the spark for new beginnings—a masterpiece that conveys the bonds between people.
It’s a song by the singer-songwriter Yuuri, who drew attention during his street performances.
Released in February 2021, this track is included on the album “Ichi,” released in January 2022.
If you’re looking for a song that portrays a farewell in the season of cherry blossoms, give this one a listen.
It will surely give you the courage to accept and overcome the farewell you’re facing with someone precious now.
Listen closely to the phrases filled with messages that comfort the loneliness of parting.
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro
This song drew a huge response as the theme for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon.” It’s a classic that captures warm feelings of caring for one another and the hope that, even after parting, you’ll meet again.
Motohiro Hata’s gentle voice deepens the sense of a strong bond with someone dear.
Released as a single in August 2014, it was later included on the album “Ao no Kokei.” The track was also featured in NTT West commercials and on TV programs.
Its straightforward message—that hearts remain connected even when people are apart—makes it a perfect song to send off friends you’ve spent time with or colleagues setting out on a new path.
Why not give it as a gift, with a feeling of gratitude and a wish to give back?
6. Farewell songs that comfort hearts coping with bereavement (1–10)
An unavoidable, helplessly sad farewell
Among farewells, the kind where you can never meet again is bereavement. Even though we all know that everyone will someday die, that parting may arrive without warning. It’s a heartbreaking goodbye that’s hard to accept precisely because there’s nothing we can do about it, but as long as you don’t forget the person, they will continue to live on in your heart. I’d like to introduce some gentle songs that may help ease the pain of the emptiness in your heart. Your loved one is surely watching over you from afar.
Memories are beautifulNEW!Aimer
It’s a warm song that gently wraps your sorrow.
Sung by Aimer, known for her expressive vocals, this piece vividly paints scenes from the past—childhood landscapes and the warmth of family.
It gently shows how nostalgic memories can become the strength to live powerfully in the present.
Included on her 15th single released in September 2018, it was featured as Canon’s ““This” is my life.” commercial song and became widely beloved.
Listen to it when you’ve lost someone dear and are suddenly overcome with loneliness.
The days you spent together will feel irreplaceable, and you’ll find the courage to face forward.
Beautiful daysNEW!arashi
A track that became a hot topic as the theme song for the drama “Ryusei no Kizuna,” starring Kazunari Ninomiya.
Released in November 2008, it is Arashi’s 24th single.
It delicately portrays the feeling of continuing to think of someone while carrying lost time and unreturned feelings.
The warm, mid-tempo melody further accentuates the poignancy.
Perfectly aligning with the drama’s worldview, the song won the Best Drama Song at the 59th The Television Drama Academy Awards.
It’s a moving ballad that gently stays close to your heart when you want to look back on the beautiful memories you shared, even while bearing sadness.
If I Could Paint LifeNEW!YOASOBI
It’s a grand number that portrays profound love for those left behind.
Created by the musical duo YOASOBI—composer Ayase and vocalist ikura—the piece unfolds from a quiet introduction into waves of expansive sound, while the gentle, conversational vocals stir a poignant longing for lost time.
Produced as the theme song for a stage play directed by Osamu Suzuki and starring Kei Tanaka, it was first included on the acclaimed December 2021 release THE BOOK 2, and later issued as a standalone work in August 2022.
It’s a song that will stay close to you when memories of the past come rushing in and become painful, or when you wish to calmly reflect on days spent with someone who has passed.
I remember your warmth.NEW!Teshima Aoi
It feels as if the gentle singing voice seeps all the way into the depths of your heart.
This is a song by Aoi Teshima, who is active across a wide range of genres including film music.
It’s a message song that quietly traces the memory of someone’s presence who is no longer there, and the lingering warmth that remains even after it’s gone.
It’s the kind of song that makes you cry helplessly as it brings back thoughts of a loved one that quietly stay with you in everyday life.
Included on the album “Ren’dez-vous,” released in July 2014, this track drew attention when it was featured in a commercial for FANCL’s additive-free skincare.
It’s a song we hope will be heard by anyone who wants to recover from the grief of losing someone important, or who wishes to quietly look back on the days they spent together.