Tear-jerking classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM
At graduation, it’s common to give a graduation video: from graduates to the teachers who supported them, from teachers to their students, or from current students to the graduating class.
A slideshow that looks back on memories or a message video dedicated to those who helped you is perfect for expressing gratitude.
But one thing many people struggle with when making such videos is choosing the BGM.
So, here are some songs that are perfect for the upcoming graduation season! Pick one track that conveys your feelings.
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Burst into tears with classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM (91–100)
Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster
A song marked by beautiful, resonant harmonies and powerful vocals.
Released by Little Glee Monster in January 2018, it was also chosen as the support song for the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
The gentle sound of the piano captures listeners’ hearts.
The lyrics, which affirm past efforts and bonds with friends, will deepen the emotion of graduation.
It’s a moving ballad perfect for a new beginning—one that gives a push to those striving toward their dreams.
Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri
Yuri’s “Sakurabare” is a graduation song born from an email sent by a fan.
It was released digitally in February 2021.
The message, filled with gratitude toward parents and friends, overlaps with feelings that can’t quite be put into words and deeply resonates.
On milestone days, the same scenery can look different than usual, right? It’s a song that becomes even more moving thanks to Yuri’s emotional vocals, evoking the resolve to embark on a new beginning and the precious days spent when nothing could be taken for granted.
It fits perfectly when you want to express gratitude and will heighten the emotion of any graduation video along with countless memories.
It’s a graduation song that gives you the courage to keep moving forward with strength, no matter the adversity.
Sakuraayaka
There are so many songs titled “Sakura,” aren’t there? Many of them sing about the unique wistfulness and transience that come with cherry blossom season.
This song, “Sakura” sung by Ayaka, is one of those—an emotional number that fits perfectly with the season of farewells, focusing on graduation.
It feels like a track that looks back on what graduation means after many years have passed and you’ve grown older—reflecting on everyday moments with friends and the fun memories—and as the song progresses, the emotional intensity keeps rising.
cherry blossom pinksaidāgāru
Sakurairo, a color that evokes the beautiful scenery of spring.
This is a track by the rock band Cidergirl, included on their album SODA POP FANCLUB 3.
The song was created using phrases solicited from fans during a LINE LIVE program.
In this piece, the feelings of students graduating are depicted in parallel with the blooming of cherry blossoms.
Its warm message is sure to soothe listeners’ hearts.
With a mid-tempo pace, it seems easy to match with videos of various styles.
Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki
This song, one of singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara’s signature tracks, is perfect for graduation season.
After graduation, everyone may head down different paths and end up living far apart.
Even so, the lyrics—promising to work hard so you can hold your head high before the friends with whom you shared so many years—serve as an ideal message of encouragement for graduates.
It’s widely known across generations, so it’s sure to shine in a variety of situations.
DiplomaTHE BOYS&GIRLS
A rock band based in Sapporo, Hokkaido, THE BOYS & GIRLS.
Let me introduce “Graduation Certificate,” a track from their album Things We Want to Cherish.
Written with the hope that the song would serve as proof of the youth they spent, it pairs intense rock sounds with lyrics that bid farewell to school.
The highlight is how it captures feelings everyone can relate to—anticipation and anxiety about the future.
The music video, which features a performance at a school, is also a helpful reference.
365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48
Some of you teachers may be thinking about planning a surprise for the graduates who are about to spread their wings into the future.
In that case, how about gifting them “365 Nichi no Kamihikouki” by AKB48? Its lyrics, which encourage them to walk confidently into the life ahead, perfectly capture the feelings of teachers who genuinely celebrate their students’ growth and want to cheer them on.
I also recommend making a message video with this song as the background music.
For the students who receive it, it will become a lifelong treasure!
