[Departure] A Special Feature on Anime Songs to Hear at Graduation Ceremonies [Tearjerkers]
When it comes to graduation songs, there are all kinds—from classic choral pieces to popular J-pop hits.
But if you’re an anime fan, you probably want to listen to anime songs that are perfect for graduation! In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of anime tracks you’ll definitely want to hear as you reflect on graduation.
In addition to the timeless staples every anime fan thinks of, we’ll also feature songs that aren’t originally “graduation songs” but still fit the graduation vibe.
We hope you find a new favorite!
- [Moving] Heartfelt Japanese Songs Recommended for Graduation Season [2026]
- Touching Anime Ballads That Make You Cry [Moving & Heart-Wrenching]
- [Masterpieces] A Special Feature on Anime Songs to Listen to in Spring! A roundup of god-tier tracks that make your heart dance
- Moving and iconic anime songs, popular tracks
- A Collection of Moving Graduation Songs You’ll Want to Sing at Karaoke! [Farewells, Friendship, and Fight Songs]
- [For Middle Schoolers] Recommended Classic Songs to Sing at Graduation Ceremonies
- [Latest & Greatest] A Special Feature on Anime Songs Recommended for Teens
- The Tear-Jerking World of Heart-Piercing Anime Songs
- [Gratitude, Encouragement, Memories] Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs You Can’t Listen to Without Crying [2026]
- [Graduation Songs] Choral pieces perfect for singing at elementary school graduation ceremonies: A collection of moving classics
- Anime songs popular among elementary school students. Theme songs and insert songs from trending anime.
- A graduation song that's trending and popular on TikTok. A perfect track for memory videos.
- [Nostalgic] Classic and Popular Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 30s
[Departure] A Special Feature on Anime Songs You Want to Hear at Graduation Ceremonies [Tearjerkers] (41–50)
Unchanging ThingsOku Hanako
It was used as an insert song in the animated film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.
It’s a track that brings back memories of the sweet and bittersweet romances of youth.
But it’s not just a love song—it’s also great to listen to while thinking of a dear friend.
It carries the wish: Even after graduation, stay just the way you are.
[Departure] A Special Feature on Anime Songs You Want to Hear at Graduation Ceremonies [Tearjerkers] (51–60)
Teenage BlueEVE
If you ever feel like looking back on the memories of your youth, please give this song a listen.
Released in October 2024, it’s a work by Eve and was selected as the ending theme for the TBS anime “Aono Hako” (Blue Box).
Eve’s gentle vocals beautifully express a sense of nostalgia for days gone by.
The fragility of adolescence that you can only feel now that you’ve grown, and the irreplaceable nature of everyday life, will truly resonate.
For those approaching graduation, this might be a song that hits as deeply as anything could.
Song of DepartureShirahamazaka Koukou Seigakubu
A graduation song sung by the characters from the anime TARI TARI.
The drama CD that includes this track also features the days from the in-anime event “Shiro-sai” up to the characters’ graduation.
Among those days, the characters created this new song.
Filled with their feelings for their friends and the memories they’ve shared, it’s a perfect graduation song that says, “Let’s spread our wings and move forward from here.”
FlowerTakagi-san (CV: Takahashi Rie)
Sung with a clear, translucent voice is the nostalgic classic “Hana.” This track was used as the ending theme for the hugely popular TV anime Teasing Master Takagi-san 3.
The original, released in 2004 by the Okinawan band ORANGE RANGE, was a big hit, and the version here is performed by Rie Takahashi, who plays the protagonist Takagi-san.
It’s striking how the impression of a song can change with a different singer.
While the original feels like a “grand love song,” Takagi-san’s version comes across as a song about “the irreplaceable everyday life spent with classmates,” making it perfect for a graduation ceremony.
morning starLiSA
It’s a powerful anime song that makes you feel like moving forward with passion.
Performed by LiSA, the rock heroine of the anisong world, it was released in 2021 as her 20th single and used as the opening theme for the anime Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Arc.
Its melodic, grand sound pairs perfectly with LiSA’s cool vocals.
Graduation is also the first step into a new world.
This emotional track will give you a push on your back.
withPoMPoMs
Listening to PoMPoMs’ “with” fills you with a heartwarming feeling.
Chosen as the ending theme for the anime “Nana re Hana re,” the song was released in July 2024.
Yujin Kitagawa of Yuzu wrote and composed it.
This medium-tempo number expresses gratitude to the important people who helped you grow.
If you listen to it before parting ways with friends, teachers, or family, it’s sure to resonate deeply.
Little Busters!Rita
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!