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

A world without wordssana

sana/HoneyWorks 'A Promise Beyond Words'

I felt it’s a song that encourages the anxiety of graduating and turns it into a positive mindset.

The vocals are beautiful and the lyrics are great, so it moves me every time I listen.

When your thoughts start to turn negative, please give it a listen.

signpostMinori Chihara

Minori Chihara “Michishirube” MV Full Size — Violet Evergarden Ending Theme / “Violet Evergarden” Ending Theme Michishirube

I’m healed beyond measure by its incredibly gentle sound.

It’s sung by Minori Chihara, a popular voice actress who has appeared in numerous anime works, and was released in 2018 as her 24th single.

It was chosen as the ending theme for the anime Violet Evergarden.

Chihara’s clear vocals shine against the grand, unhurried arrangement.

It has a touch of nostalgia—a wonderful piece.

Please give it a listen while thinking about your hometown and the precious person who’s always been by your side.

Rise up!Wake Up Girls!

Wake Up, Girls! “Tachiagare!” (WonFes 2014 Winter)

It was selected as the opening theme for Season 1 of the anime Wake Up, Girls! produced by avex.

Life is a stage where each person is the star.

This song is a cheer for you as you graduate and step onto a new stage! Even if you feel discouraged, it gives you the encouragement to stand up again and again and keep doing your best.

Little Busters!Rita

Little Busters! OP full

This is the song I especially want those feeling anxious after graduation to listen to.

It’s the opening theme of the anime Little Busters! Sung under the name Rita by Rito, who is also active as a voice actress, it was released in 2012 as the single “Little Busters! / Alicemagic ~TV animation ver.~”.

Its energy-filled sound and lyrics give you hope to live.

Listen to this track and graduate with a smile!

Asahioka Branch School SongRenge Miyauchi (CV: Kotori Koiwai), Hotaru Ichijo (CV: Rie Murakawa), Natsumi Koshigaya (CV: Ayane Sakura), Komari Koshigaya (CV: Kana Asumi)

Tried Playing “Asahigaoka Branch School Song” (Full) [Non Non Biyori Repeat OST] — Non Non Biyori School Song [Piano, from OST]

An image song for the slice-of-life comedy anime Non Non Biyori Repeat, which portrays students attending a countryside school.

The lyrics, filled with quaint, nostalgic expressions, convey the history of the school depicted in the anime.

You may find that many parts resonate with your own school life as well.

To the lightFranchouchou

TV anime “ZOMBIE LAND SAGA” Ending Theme ‘To the Light’

How about an anime song that’s the perfect fit for graduation? It’s the ending theme from the anime ZOMBIE LAND SAGA, which made waves with its idol-meets-zombie concept.

Released as a single in 2018 under the name of the in-story idol group Franchouchou, the song’s lyrics say farewell to memories and set off toward a new place—quintessential graduation material.

The choral style of the arrangement is another nice touch.

It’s great to listen to, of course, and I also recommend singing it with friends.

ReincarnateTakuma Terashima

Takuma Terashima / “Reincarnate” Music Clip (“That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime” ED)

This song captures both the sadness of leaving a place where you’ve spent a long time and the determination to spread your wings toward the future.

Performed by Takuma Terashima, who is active as a voice actor, it was released in 2021 as his 11th single and chosen as the ending theme for season 2 of the anime That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.

Its sound evokes an image of an endlessly stretching blue sky, and his resolute vocals stir the emotions.

It will make you feel like you want to live with strength.