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

Sketchaimyon

AIMYON – Sketch [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A ballad penned by Aimyon as the theme song for Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Picture-World Story, released in March 2025.

Resonating with the film’s motif of a “world of pictures,” it gently portrays the warmth of the days Doraemon and Nobita have shared.

The lyrics carefully capture quiet, everyday moments not shown in the film, such as Nobita dozing off with his glasses still on, and Doraemon watching over him with a tender gaze.

Released as the title track of her 17th single, the single also includes an insert song.

With Aimyon providing both the theme and the insert song, the film is richly colored by her music.

It’s a perfect song for those looking to reflect on irreplaceable days with a dear friend at the milestone of graduation.

MemoriesNakanoke no Itsutsugo

Memories

If you’re looking for an anime song to stay by your side in that heart-swelling moment on graduation day, I recommend this one.

Featured on the EP “Quintessential Smiles EP,” released in September 2024 as a theme song for The Quintessential Quintuplets*, it’s sung by the five Nakano sisters.

Their layered harmonies are packed with the bonds forged by friends who have shared the same time together.

This song doesn’t just dwell on nostalgia—it warmly affirms that the days you’ve accumulated have shaped who you are now.

After-school laughter with friends, the challenges you overcame together, each casual conversation—while holding those treasure-like memories close, you’ll find the courage to take a new step forward.

For everyone standing at the milestone of graduation, give it a listen when you want to savor the preciousness of the time spent with your companions.

bright and clearsatou

Sato. – Roro [Music Video]

Giving voice, connecting hearts—this song, which touches the very core of youth, was created by Sato..

Released in January 2025 as the ending theme for the TV anime “Flowers Bloom, Like Asura,” it embraces the warmth of words while staying true to the original work’s worldview, set in a high school broadcasting club.

This marks Sato.’s first anime tie-in and first band arrangement.

With Shingo Sekiguchi as arranger, the piece elevates the intimacy of a solo performance into a dramatic soundscape that carries the lingering afterglow of the story.

The music video was filmed at the artist’s alma mater just before its closure, with current students appearing as extras.

It’s a visual work perfectly suited to the season of departure, leaving a voice behind in a place that is passing away.

A must-listen for those graduating and for anyone taking a new step forward.

So PreciousAsaka

Asaka “So Precious” Music Video Full ver. (TV Anime “Laid-Back Camp Season 3” Ending Theme)

Asaka’s 15th single, released in April 2024 as the ending theme for the TV anime Laid-Back Camp Season 3.

Having previously handled the series’ opening themes, this is her first challenge as an ending theme.

The lyrics and composition were created by Eri Sasaki and Hiro Nakamura, who have both been involved with the series’ endings.

It evokes a calm, gentle atmosphere—like the quiet feeling on the way home from a camping trip—that sinks into your heart.

The song expresses “the warmth that lingers at the end of a journey,” and Asaka’s restrained yet resolute vocals gently nudge you toward your next step.

When you reach a milestone like graduation, there’s that moment when the sadness of parting and the excitement of a new departure well up at the same time.

This track tenderly accompanies those complex emotions, making it a recommended listen for anyone who wants to quietly reflect on memories with friends.

Song Not to Forgetmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu 'Wasurena Uta' MV

Graduation is a send-off—meaning it’s also a new starting line.

At such a milestone, I highly recommend the ending theme of the TV anime “Oblivion Battery” by Macaroni Empitsu.

It was surprise-released in April 2024 alongside the start of the broadcast, and later included on the EP “Bokura no Namida nara Sora ni Umeyou.” Its appeal lies in a perfect balance: it raises the heat of youth head-on without forcing emotion.

Written and composed by vocalist Hattori, it’s a poignant yet powerful track that holds both the memories we never want to forget and the cruelty of time that will inevitably fade them.

Though it’s a tie-in for a series about high school baseball, it’s recommended for anyone who wants to etch their irreplaceable days into their heart.

Listen as you linger in the afterglow of graduation, and you’ll likely find tears falling.

Wonderful World&TEAM

&TEAM ‘Wonderful World’ Focus Cam (방과후 ver.)

A track where refreshing piano tones and warm vocals spread out as if wrapping the sweet-and-sour feelings of youth.

Released in January 2025, this song by &TEAM was created as the ending theme for the TV anime Honey Lemon Soda.

Its message—that a once-lonely world gains color through meeting someone special and gives you the courage to take a step forward—resonates deeply.

Paired with the opening theme “Magic Hour,” it conveys the feeling of moving ahead while holding both the brightness and anxieties of adolescence.

It’s a number that reminds you, as you face graduation and step onto a new path, to feel gratitude for the friends and loved ones who stayed by your side.

It’s a song especially for those who want to savor the miracle of having met, rather than the sadness of parting.

ContrastTOMOO

TOMOO – Contrast [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A mid-tempo ballad centered on piano and vocals that tenderly captures the complex emotions of youth.

Created by TOMOO, this piece was written as the ending theme for the second cour of the TV anime “Blue Box,” airing in January 2025.

Joy and loneliness, the frustration of being close yet out of reach, feelings swaying between bravado and true thoughts—these conflicting emotions are depicted as they coexist, unfolding with the passage of time.

As TOMOO herself says, it was made “as if co-written by my teenage self and my present self,” blending past impulses with a current perspective to gently resonate with listeners’ memories.

It’s perfect for graduation season, when you find yourself wanting to revisit feelings you couldn’t put into words and the person you used to be.

Recommended for anyone who wants to softly illuminate the light and shadow in their heart before stepping into somewhere new.