[Song for a Departure] A send-off song for you. A classic masterpiece among departure songs.
Starting a new chapter—whether it’s pursuing further education, changing jobs, or chasing your dreams in a new place—there are many kinds of departures in life.
Leaving the familiar and stepping into a new environment is never easy, and you may face many tough moments along the way.
Here, we’ll introduce uplifting songs to cheer you on—songs for setting out, graduation songs that give you the courage to keep going in a new place.
We’ve carefully selected powerful anthems that will push you forward as you take your next step, and that are also perfect for sending to the dear friends and companions who are about to embark on their own journeys.
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[Song of Departure] A farewell song I dedicate to you. Classic departure songs (21–30)
YELLikimonogakari
This is Ikimono-gakari’s 15th single, released in 2009.
The song was created as the set piece for the Junior High School Division of the NHK National School Music Competition.
Rather than simply mourning farewells with friends or feeling lonely, the lyrics portray the process of overcoming those feelings, growing, and moving forward toward the future.
HOMEShimizu Shota
Released in 2007, this is Shota Shimizu’s debut single.
He’s highly regarded as a young R&B singer, and I still remember how surprised I was at the time to hear a vocalist with such a clear, translucent voice.
The song portrays the struggles after setting out on a journey, and its lyrics—filled with the resolve to “stay strong-willed” and the promise that “once I’m recognized, I’ll come home properly”—are deeply moving.
It truly feels like an anthem of encouragement to oneself.
[Song for Departure] A send-off song for you. Classic departure songs (31–40)
Starting lineBaba Toshihide
A song by singer-songwriter Toshihide Baba that is gentle yet invigorating.
It feels like it portrays someone turning inward, confronting themselves, and firming their resolve to move forward.
While empathizing with the setbacks we face in life, it offers a warm message of encouragement: you can start over as many times as you need.
It also seems to call on us not to keep pushing a single challenge at all costs, but to consider resetting our goals when times are tough.
YELL ~Yell~Kobukuro
This is a Kobukuro song that affirms the experiences you’ve accumulated so far and gives you the courage to move forward into the future.
With a gentle sound centered on acoustic guitar, the strumming at the beginning evokes the image of taking steady steps ahead.
While empathizing with the anxiety anyone might feel when heading into a new place, it conveys the message that taking the first step leads to a brighter future.
It’s a song that seems to give you the strength to overcome hardships—strength that’s essential for carving out your future.
DepartureGReeeeN
Since taking on the main theme for NHK’s morning drama “Yell,” GReeeeN feels like they’ve broadened their fan base even more.
It’s nothing short of astonishing that they continue to be supported despite not revealing their identities or appearing in the media! Their gentle spring song “Tabidachi” is also wonderful.
The letter-style lyrical approach is endlessly stylish, and the content is written with an unfailingly kind perspective—it gives you courage just by listening.
It’s a song I want to share not only for myself but also with a friend who’s about to set off into a new world.
SignalWANIMA
It’s a powerful song that lets you fully feel the energy and joy to move forward—qualities that are quintessentially WANIMA.
The lyrics don’t just throw out words of encouragement; they resonate by truly staying close to the struggles and pain that come with pushing ahead.
Many listeners will likely be moved by its message, which wholeheartedly supports taking on a new world and also cheers you on when you try again after failure.
Listening to this track may even make you feel the sheer fun of taking on something new.
rainbow-coloredayaka
Ayaka’s “Nijiiro” fills you with excitement for the world that awaits as you set out on a new path.
It was chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Hanako to Anne, starring Yuriko Yoshitaka.
With a warm, springlike melody, it colors your new beginning in vibrant hues.
The song tells us that both the fun times ahead and the slightly tough ones will become nourishment that shapes who you are.
Whatever happens, with this song by your side, it feels like you can keep moving forward with a positive outlook!
