[Song for a Departure] A send-off song for you. A classic masterpiece among departure songs.

Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai

Dai Hirai / The Way Home in March (Lyric Video)

This is a memorable ballad that warmly depicts the scenery of graduation season.

With his gentle voice, Dai Hirai delicately sings about the subtle emotional sway that mixes joy and loneliness at the moment of departure.

Expressing the complex feelings that come with life’s milestones like advancing to a new stage or graduating, alongside the calm scenery of spring, the piece is also notable for its elegant arrangement of piano and strings.

Released digitally in February 2022, it is also included on the album “LOVE＋PEACE.” It is a song that resonates with the arrival of spring, offering comfort to those setting off into new environments and to those parting from cherished friends.

Travelerssuis from Yorushika

Travelers

Suis, known as the vocalist of the music unit Yorushika, created “Travelers” as the ending theme for the game Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key.

As the title suggests, it centers on the theme of a journey, touching on the beauty of the road and the loneliness that lingers at its end.

At the same time, it carries a hopeful message that hints at a new journey awaiting.

Her vocal delivery here—distinct from her work with Yorushika—is a must-hear.

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lightly; nimbly; flutteringlyŌhara Sakurako

Sakurako Ohara – Hirari (Music Video YouTube ver.)

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.”

WINDING ROADAyaka × Kobukuro

Kobukuro – WINDING ROAD (Ayaka × Kobukuro)

It’s a classic song with the memorable lyric, “Even if it’s still far away and you can’t see it yet, let’s keep believing step by step.” A collaboration between Ayaka and Kobukuro, it was released in February 2007.

It was also featured in a Nissan Cube commercial and has been loved by many.

With its beautiful harmonies and uplifting message, it’s perfect as an anthem for those starting a new chapter in life.

In moments when anxiety and anticipation are intertwined, this song will give you a gentle push forward.

It’s included on Ayaka’s album “Sing to the Sky” and Kobukuro’s “ALL SINGLES BEST 2.” It’s a wonderful track to encourage yourself as you take a new step, or to give as a gift to someone special.

Lingering Snowiruka

Yasushi Nakanishi 'Nagori Yuki' PV Full [HD]

Released as a track on Kaguya-hime’s album “Sankaidate no Uta,” which topped the album charts in 1974, the song was later covered by Iruka and became a major hit.

Since then, it has long been sung as a graduation song and a springtime song.

The lyrics and music are by Shozo Ise.

The lyrics—read by some as “a woman whose dreams were shattered in Tokyo decides to return home”—evoke key themes like youth, dreams, and love.

In any case, just the scene of parting at a station is enough to bring tears to your eyes.

New beginnings—and the farewells that come with them—happen to everyone.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when spring arrives.

TokyoKetsumeishi

Ketsumeishi / Tokyo

It’s a warm song by Ketsumeishi that seems to portray memories and bonds with friends that don’t fade even after setting off on a new journey.

The image of gazing at the scenery and reflecting on memories, along with the refreshing atmosphere conveyed through the sound, is striking.

While it depicts treasuring those who saw you off, it also expresses the resolve to work hard far away.

It strongly conveys the message that connections with people and the memories we’ve built become the strength to move toward the future.

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1096Cody Rī (Ri)

Cody・Lee (Li) – 1096 (Music Video)

Cody・Lee (Lee) is a rock band whose talent is already well recognized, having won the grand prize in both Egg’s audition “LIVE BOOSTER” and the music audition “TIPOFF ACT.” Have you listened to their song “1096”? It’s a bittersweet yet powerful graduation song: for those graduating soon, it reflects countless school experiences; for those who graduated long ago, it stirs memories of youth.

The lyrics, which trace memories with feelings like “We spent our days meeting and parting again and again; I’m anxious about leaving this comfortable place… but thank you, everyone,” are exquisite.

There’s so much to savor too, from the piano intro to the guitar-soaked interlude.

I hope as many people as possible will listen to it while thinking about graduation.