[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)
STARTING OVERLittle Glee Monster
Little Glee Monster’s “STARTING OVER” brings smiles in moments of lonely farewells.
Included on the album “BRIGHT NEW WORLD,” the song was chosen as the theme for the drama “Wasteful Days of High School Girls” starring Yui Okada.
With a bright, energetic melody that’s quintessentially Little Glee Monster, it turns flowing tears into beaming smiles! Even if parting feels sad now, we’ll definitely meet again.
When we do, let’s do lots of things together and have a great time! That’s the sentiment woven into the song.
Farewells can often feel like they’ll last forever, but this Little Glee Monster track shines a light on those gloomy feelings.
To You — A Message for Your Departure
Even if a song isn’t sung by a famous singer or a popular celebrity, a good piece of music can still reach a wide audience.
A prime example, I believe, is “To You — A Message for Your Departure.” For the record, as song data: it’s the seventh track in the mixed-voice choral suite “Goddess of Time (Venus).” Both lyrics and music are by Masako Tsutsui.
The lyrics say, “We lose our way in life and grow weary, and at times we bear sorrow.
But it is precisely because of that sorrow that people can become gentle.” It’s a perfect fit for spring, when many set out on a new path in life.
Just reading the lyrics can give you courage.
And when your new life from spring onward feels like it might break you, turn to it, too!
[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.
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.
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!
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.
Words of FarewellKaientai
Back in the day, when there weren’t as many graduation songs as there are now, this song “Okuru Kotoba” was sung at schools everywhere.
If you’re in your 40s or 50s, you’ve probably sung it at least once—how about you? The lyrics depict a townscape in the first half and convey heartfelt feelings in the second, and no matter which part you take, it feels relatable, as if it were about yourself.
Tetsuya Takeda has commented that he considers this song “a breakup song,” and depending on the listener, it might be taken that way.
It’s great to listen to on your own, but it’s also a song you’ll definitely want to sing when you want to express gratitude to someone.