[Departure] A Special Feature on Anime Songs to Hear at Graduation Ceremonies [Tearjerkers]

THE GIFTHirai Dai

Dai Hirai / THE GIFT (Music Video)

This song was chosen as the theme for the film Doraemon: Nobita’s Chronicle of the Moon Exploration.

It’s a piece by singer-songwriter Dai Hirai, released in 2019 as his second single.

The lyrics say, “We’re going our separate ways now, but we’ll meet again someday,” making it perfect for graduation ceremonies.

Listen to it while thinking of friends who are going to different schools.

And… Hirai’s gentle voice is truly wonderful—deeply soothing.

NAKAMAZedd feat. AI

TV Anime “Dragon Ball DAIMA” Non-Credit Ending Video | “NAKAMA”

A much-talked-about track born from a dream collaboration between a world-renowned producer and a powerhouse Japanese singer.

It serves as the ending theme for the anime Dragon Ball DAIMA.

Zedd’s gentle yet grand electronic sound blends beautifully with AI’s soulful vocals, resulting in a moving piece.

The lyrics, which sing of unshakable bonds with friends and hope for the future, warmly embrace the listener’s heart.

It’s the kind of song that will set your heart ablaze when you need the courage to take a step forward.

Oz.yama

yama『Oz.』MV

I think this will especially resonate with anyone who feels lonely being apart from friends, teachers, or family.

It’s a song by yama, a singer who rose to popularity through online activity, released in 2021.

It was used as the ending theme for the anime Ranking of Kings.

The warm sound alone is soothing.

It’s great to listen to yourself, of course, but it’s also highly recommended as a song to send to someone important to you, like a close friend who’s moving far away.

Definitely check it out.

The continuation of the worldAdo

[Ado] The World’s Continuation (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)

This is a grand, ballad-like piece by Ado, whose emotive, cathartic vocal style leaves a strong impression, conveying both power and warmth.

It also appears as an insert song in ONE PIECE FILM RED, notably used in a pivotal scene near the end.

Written by singer-songwriter Yuta Orisaka, the track’s sound—expressing a profound gentleness—is also captivating.

It portrays someone reflecting on their cherished memories and wishing continued happiness for the person they spent time with, making it a song imbued with a vast, prayer-like sentiment.

Kiss: A Love Song on the Way HomeTegomasu

Kiss ~A Love Song on the Way Home~ cover [Mafumafu × Uratanuki]

I thought it was the perfect song for a bittersweet youthful romance.

It’s the kind of song that makes you want to listen to it with your partner.

You can really feel the adorable couple’s feelings of love, and listening to it makes you happy.

It brings back memories of those fun school days, and I feel like I could graduate with a smile.

the ends of the earthMinori Suzuki

Minori Suzuki – Saihate (Official Video)

It’s the ending theme of the anime Fena: Pirate Princess.

The song’s atmosphere aligns with the story, expressing a resolve to break free from a painful, difficult present and set out for a new place.

As the track progresses, the gradual addition of instruments and increasing power is striking, as if it mirrors the growing strength of that resolve.

There’s also an anecdote that its working title was “Desire,” which underscores the sense of determination and intensity.

Its blend of anxiety about a new future and the resolve to move forward makes it a fitting song for graduation season as well.

Higher Groundsumika

sumika / Higher Ground [Music Video]

A story, an energetic number aiming for a future even beyond the future.

It’s a song by the pop-rock band sumika, released in 2019 as their ninth single.

Written as the theme song for the anime film My Hero Academia: Heroes: Rising.

With a refreshing mixed sound that surges forward, it’s a hopeful piece that fills you with motivation and energy as you listen.

Graduation isn’t only about sadness! This song will make you feel that way.