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

secret baseKozue Takada

Hibi Karimero 'Secret Base' Shimokitazawa BREATH Eureka Seven

Give this a listen when you feel like you’ve grown up a little.

It’s a song by Koeda Takada, a singer-songwriter from Ibaraki Prefecture, released in 2005 as her second single.

It was used as the ending theme for the anime Eureka Seven.

Her straightforward vocals deliver the down-to-earth message—one that anyone can relate to—embedded in the lyrics with great strength.

There are surely things you once couldn’t do and now can—this is true for you as well.

Tomorrow as wellMUSH&Co.

MUSH&Co. – Ashita mo (MUSIC VIDEO) <Film: The Liar and His Lover>

A song by the band that appears in the live-action film adaptation of Kotomi Aoki’s manga “The Liar and His Lover.” It also marks Sakurako Ohara’s debut as a singer.

The lyrics convey that although the distant future can feel uncertain, once today arrives, then tomorrow, and then the next tomorrow, we can keep moving step by step toward a new stage—an encouraging track that gives you courage.

GONGWANIMA

WANIMA「GONG」OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

You’re guaranteed the hottest send-off imaginable! It’s a song by WANIMA, a three-piece band from Kumamoto Prefecture, included on their fifth single “Summer Trap!!” released in 2019.

It’s the theme song for the movie ONE PIECE STAMPEDE.

The powerful sound and the emotional message of the lyrics really stir your feelings! Graduation can be a sad event, but there are people who still want to say goodbye with a smile to their friends and teachers, right? Draw strength from this song, by all means.

Leaves of Words, Green LeavesWake Up Girls!

Wake Up, Girls! / “Kotonoha Aoba” MV (Short Ver.)

The ending theme of ‘Wake Up, Girls!’.

It’s a song that makes you think back to that day we all walked together, in the season of fresh green that comes around again and again.

The road toward our dreams is never an easy one, but let’s set out with the words we promised our friends—“We won’t give up”—held close to our hearts.

Mitsuba knotyanaginagi

Mitsuba knot

A fantastical piece with a unique, floating sensation.

It’s a song by singer-songwriter Nagi Yanagi, whose popularity took off through her online activities, released in 2014 as her seventh single.

It was used as the ending theme for the anime Nagi-Asu: A Lull in the Sea.

Its message is striking: even if you can’t yet see your goal, you’ll keep moving forward—conveying a strong will.

There must be people who feel anxious about graduating and starting a new chapter in life.

Please listen to this song and strengthen your resolve.

SolaninASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION 'Soranin'

Released in March 2010, this song by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION was written as the main theme for the film Solanin, based on Inio Asano’s manga.

Its lyrics reflect the world of the movie, and its emotional melody has captured the hearts of many fans.

While conveying the pain of parting, it carries a positive message that seeks hope beyond it, making it a song that resonates with those facing the anxieties and conflicts of youth.

It’s a perfect track to listen to in spring, especially for anyone on the verge of a new beginning.

Hika Re InochiKitri

Kitri -Kitri- “Hikare Inochi” Music Video [official] with subtitles

Hikare Inochi is a song that makes you excited about moving forward into the future.

It was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Komi Can’t Communicate.

The performers are Kitri, a sister piano-duo unit known for their clear, transparent sound.

The buoyant piano tone expresses the “anticipation” and “thrill” woven into the song, and just listening to it lifts your spirits.

Graduating and stepping into a new place can sometimes feel scary, but this song will help turn those feelings into something positive.