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

Spring SongIkimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “Haru Uta” Music Video

It’s an anime song that evokes the breath of spring and a fresh start.

It’s a track by Ikimonogakari, released in April 2012.

Used as the theme song for the animated film Detective Conan: The Eleventh Striker, it remains beloved by many.

With a lively melody and heartwarming lyrics, Kiyoe Yoshioka’s refreshing vocals sweep away the loneliness of parting.

Be sure to give it a listen at the milestone of graduation—it’s sure to give you the courage to take a new step forward.

Best friendSonar Pocket

[Featuring popular model Hikari Shibata] Sonar Pocket “Best Friend” (Anime “Rainbow Days” OP Theme) [MV Full]

A track chosen as the opening theme for the anime Rainbow Days, evoking the fresh breezes of spring.

The song says that even after graduation and going separate ways, we’ll always remain friends and companions.

How about listening to it with someone special and reaffirming your bond before graduation?

Humming and DetoursRikako Aida

Rikako Aida “Humming and a Detour” Music Video

Rikako Aida, who is active as a voice actress, actress, and singer, wrote “Hanauta to Mawarimichi” as the ending theme for the anime Skip and Loafer.

The anime portrays the everyday lives of a class full of unique characters, and the song captures that warm, laid-back atmosphere.

It’s a tune that sings of happy feelings, so it seems perfect for sending you off from a graduation ceremony with a smile.

The piece is also said to carry the hope that listeners will welcome tomorrow with a positive mindset.

a straight roadAoba Nishi High School Judo Club

a straight road

The anime Mō Ippon! portrays girls devoted to judo, and its ending theme is Ipponmichi.

It’s performed by the Aoba West High School Judo Club from the anime, sung by the voice actors of each character.

The song is a pop tune that layers the judo term ippon with the path leading into the future.

Since it’s about the excitement of life after graduation, even those who haven’t seen the anime or don’t practice judo can relate.

The happiest treasureStrawberry Prince

[MV] The Most Wonderful Treasure / Strawberry Prince

As a heartwarming song that adds color to the graduation season, Sutopuri’s vocals resound.

Vividly depicting the March scenery of dancing cherry blossoms, it gently sings of memories with friends and hopes for the future.

Released in March 2023, the song was unveiled as a surprise during the group’s nationwide arena tour at Yokohama Arena.

Born from a collaboration with HoneyWorks, the fresh melody will gently encourage not only those graduating, but everyone taking a new step forward.

If you’re experiencing farewells with loved ones or embracing new encounters, please give this song a listen—it’s a sincere cheer from the heart.

ShineMindaRyn

MindaRyn – Shine (“SAKUGAN” Ending Theme Song) | Music Video

This is a song by Maidarin, a Thai YouTuber and anisong singer.

The lyrics evoke a new departure that recalls the story and themes of the anime SAKUGAN, while the refreshing sound suggests that this journey is filled with hope.

One of SAKUGAN’s central themes is the bond between parent and child, as well as setting out on a new journey.

This track portrays the protagonist Memempu’s perspective as a daughter—unable to be honest with her parent—alongside the hope that comes with departure.

It feels like a perfect song for graduation season.

FireYamato(.S)

Yamato(.S) – Fire (Official Music Video)

As the title suggests, it’s an energetic rock number that sings, “Let’s keep the fire in our hearts burning.” It’s a track by the musical unit Yamato(.S), released in 2021, and it was used as the ending theme for the anime SCARLET NEXUS.

It’s a large-scale work that delivers a refreshing sensation.

The sound alone lifts your spirits as you listen.

And the feelings embedded in the lyrics may give you the courage to move toward the future—an anime song that could serve as a guide for life.