[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 for Departure] A send-off song for you. Classic travel/departure songs (51–60)
BYE-BYEHamasaki Ayumi
A parting tale spun by Ayumi Hamasaki.
A heartfelt send-off song that links the past and the future.
The lyric “Let’s pinky promise in the future, and for now, here, bye-bye to you” is striking, gently portraying how one farewell leads to a new vow.
Broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta from April to May 2024, this piece conveys the flow of time and the importance of choices.
Its words are sure to encourage those standing at life’s crossroads, such as graduation or changing jobs.
As you face a goodbye with someone dear, why not listen to this song?
Cherry Blossom BookmarkAKB48
When I first listened to this song, I was blown away.
I always had the image that she sang cute, classic idol-style songs, so realizing she sings songs like this too drew me right in.
I don’t think there’s any song that fits graduation better than this.
I really hope people listen to it and sing it during graduation season.
birthdayDISH//
This song gives you the courage to take a new step forward.
It’s a track included on DISH//’s album “X,” released in February 2021, and was created as the theme song for the smartphone game app “La Corda d’Oro Starlight Orchestra.” Takumi Kitamura’s clear, expansive vocals powerfully convey the beginning of a new journey.
While the song has an upbeat, pop feel, its melody line carries a hint of poignancy.
It’s imbued with a message that gives you a push at life’s turning points, such as moving or starting a new chapter.
Why not let DISH//’s music add a vibrant touch to your new life as you boldly move forward?
Faithmiwa
How about cheering on your friend’s new beginning with an exhilarating, fast-paced sound? In that case, I’d like to recommend “Faith.” It’s a song by singer-songwriter miwa, themed around the excitement of diving into a new environment and hope for the future.
It’s a classic rock track centered on guitar, and listening to it is sure to lift your spirits.
There’s also a section in the latter half of the song with lyrics that feel like sending cheers to a friend.
It could be nice to highlight that part for them.
Song of Departure: A send-off song for you. Classic departure songs (61–70)
Best FriendNishino Kana
Kana Nishino’s “Best Friend” is a song that lets you say “thank you” to a best friend who has shared the same days with you.
A best friend who understands you more than you understand yourself—and even more than your family—won’t have their bond easily broken, even if you both walk completely different paths.
Before feeling sad about parting ways, this is a song that lets you honestly express your gratitude for everything so far with a “thank you,” and your feelings of “let’s keep looking out for each other from now on.” How about gifting this song to your friend, filled with your appreciation and the hope that you’ll both do your best until the day you meet again?
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?
to live onKANA-BOON
A heartwarming song that portrays saying goodbye to the past and taking a new step forward.
Written by Maguro Taniguchi before moving to Tokyo, the track conveys a powerful resolve to leave a place filled with memories and a hopeful gaze toward the future.
Its message of “moving forward” gently encourages those who are relocating or starting a new chapter in life.
KANA-BOON released the song in August 2014, and the music video featuring Yukino Kishii is a must-see.
It’s a song that stands beside anyone feeling anxious about life in a new place or coping with parting from someone dear.