[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 for you. Classic departure songs (41–50)
In the Morning of DeterminationAqua Timez
This is a song that gives you the courage to take the first step through the major life event of moving.
While acknowledging one’s own weaknesses, it conveys the resolve to move forward, carried by a refreshing melody.
Aqua Timez’s major-label debut, released in July 2006, was also used as the theme song for the animated film “Brave Story” and reached No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
For those feeling anxious about diving into a new environment—whether moving, changing jobs, or starting school—this song will be a reassuring companion.
Listen to it on the morning you take that new step, and it will surely give you a gentle push.
Gift SongCHiCO with HoneyWorks
“Okurigashi” is a graduation song from CHiCO with HoneyWorks that sincerely conveys gratitude for the past and hopes for the future.
Included on the album “Watashi o Someru i no Uta,” the track evokes the grand and solemn atmosphere of a graduation ceremony chorus.
It expresses thanks to the parents and teachers who have nurtured the singer up to this point, as well as to the many memories made during student life as they stand on the verge of setting off into the next stage.
The song also declares a determination to walk the road ahead with all one’s might, carrying the lessons learned and the words received from each person close to heart.
If you’re about to embark on your own journey, be sure to give it a listen.
CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
The current short-haired, muscular Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi is great, but the long-haired, slightly slender Nagabuchi from his debut days also had a nice vibe.
“Kanpai” was originally just one track on the album Kanpai, but word of mouth spread and it was later released as a single.
It went on to top the Oricon charts, win the Japan Record Award’s Gold Prize and other honors, and eventually even made its way into elementary school music textbooks.
Truly good songs that move people’s hearts don’t just get buried.
As you know, the lyrics are about raising a toast to send off a dear friend.
It’s a song you’re sure to hear during graduation season, regardless of the situation.
Cherry Blossom Rainabsorb
The three-piece band absorb.
Their major debut single is “Sakura no Ame.” It’s also known for being adapted into a novel and a film.
The lyrics liken the scattering cherry blossom petals to rain, tears, and the friends with whom we spent time.
Cherry blossoms are compared to various other things as well, so listen closely.
Another highlight is the chorus sung by vocalist Haruyoshi Mori.
His clear, heart-piercing high tone is a unique and singular charm.
lightly; nimbly; flutteringlyŌhara Sakurako
Sakurako Ohara—affectionately known as Saku-chan—is thriving as a singer, actress, and radio personality, and this is her “sakura” song.
The lyrics can be read as mourning the parting from friends who drift apart with the coming of spring, while believing the memories will last forever, evoking a sweet page of youth that everyone passes through.
Just like the world of the lyrics, it’s a song you’ll want to listen to together with a friend or girlfriend you’ll be separated from for a little while.
It was also used as the theme song for the Toho film “Cheer☆Dance: The True Story of a High School Girl Who Conquered America with Dance.”
Be kind to othersTHE BLUE HEARTS
This is another classic cheer song, and a masterpiece you’ll want to give to a friend when they’re setting off on a new journey or when you want to support them.
Listening to this song makes you realize just how much strength and support a simple, loud cheer can provide.
It’s a true masterpiece I hope you’ll send to your friend before they embark on their journey.
TOKYOYUI
A number that captures how singer-songwriter YUI felt when she left Fukuoka for Tokyo.
While holding onto the anxiety of leaving her familiar hometown, she expresses the resolve to take a new step forward with refreshing directness—something that resonates with anyone about to set off on their own journey.
The lyrics are sprinkled with beautiful words depicting scenes from the train window and her uneasy feelings, and the gentle sound of the guitar sinks into your heart.
Delicate yet imbued with hope and determination for the next stage, the melody wraps around you—why not lose yourself in that world?
