Tear-jerking classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM

MiracleGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Kiseki

When it comes to youth anthems, you just can’t leave this one out! Released in May 2008 as the theme song for the drama “ROOKIES,” GReeeeN’s signature track “Kiseki” is a pure love song that celebrates the joy of meeting the person you love and the resolve to walk into the future together.

True to its title, the lyrics call the couple’s meeting a “miracle” (kiseki) and describe the path they’ve walked as a “trace” or “trajectory” (also kiseki)—a wordplay that stirs the heart every time you listen.

In 2009, it was also chosen as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, making it beloved across generations.

It’s a moving song you’ll want to play at graduations, thank-you parties, and those final moments with dear friends or a loved one, to express your gratitude.

Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Youth and a Moment” MV

This song by Macaroni Enpitsu—a rock band whose members all graduated from music college—is a high-energy number that rides on a driving sound to capture the fragility of youth and the brilliance of a fleeting moment.

Because time never comes back, the message urging us to love even the seemingly dull everyday carries a passionate cheer for young people.

Even if you make tons of mistakes, as long as you move forward as yourself, that sense of affirmation will give you a push.

Released digitally in March 2019 and later included on the mini-album “season,” the track was written for a McDonald’s commercial.

It’s a song especially worth hearing for men facing the sadness of parting from friends at graduation and the anxiety of leaping into the unknown.

Throw your arm around a friend and sing it together—you’ll feel the courage that any future can be rolled forward.

Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu

Yuzu “Friend ~The Time of Departure~”

The hardest part of graduation season is saying goodbye to the close friends you’ve made, isn’t it? When you think back on the tough club practices and the days you got through entrance exam study together, your chest tightens with emotion.

A song I recommend that gathers those precious memories into one album is “Yū ~Tabidachi no Toki~” by Yuzu.

Its lyrics are filled with gratitude for the past and a message that we’ll stay friends from here on out, making it a perfect track for a graduation movie’s BGM.

With this song, all those dazzling memories will keep your bond with your friends connected forever.

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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Gift SongCHiCO with HoneyWorks

Gifted Song / CHiCO with HoneyWorks

This song, “Okuriga” by CHiCO with HoneyWorks, is becoming a graduation classic.

It’s a moving track filled with heartfelt feelings about graduation.

Like reading a letter, the emotions are beautifully arranged.

In this letter, the sender is the graduating student, and the recipient is the teacher who supported them.

It would be great to surprise a teacher by performing it as a chorus, and creating a commemorative video with this as the BGM would make it even more touching.

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utatane

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Dear, boyHump Back

Hump Back – “Dear, Boy” Music Video

This song by Hump Back, a three-piece girls band from Osaka, is a heartfelt message to everyone who keeps chasing their dreams.

Its passionate lyrics, urging the self who’s about to forget a once-held dream that it’s not over yet, strike a powerful chord with listeners.

Carried by a simple yet powerful rock sound, and highlighted by Momoko Hayashi’s straight, earnest vocals, this track was their major-label debut single released in June 2018, and it was also used as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Buzz Rhythm 02.” It’s the perfect song to listen to when parting ways with friends after graduation or when you feel anxious about a new challenge.

It will steady a wavering heart and give you a firm push forward.

About meMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – About Me

This grand rock ballad by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE is an ode to life that, set to a marching rhythm, portrays both its beauty and its cruelty.

Even as it confronts the reality that hard work doesn’t always pay off, its powerful message grips the heart, as if affirming every step you’ve taken so far.

Released as a single in January 2019, it was written as the support song for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Championship and also drew attention as a Calorie Mate commercial track.

With lyrics that gently encourage not only the winners but also those who fell short, it’s a warmhearted song that graduating students who’ve felt the sting of club activities or entrance exams won’t be able to listen to without tears.

Highly recommended as a masterpiece that helps you recognize yourself and gives you the courage to hold your head high and take a new step forward!

Bye, my friendbokula.

bokula. – By My Friend - [Official Music Video]

A rock band from Hiroshima, bokula.

delivers a track packed with the sparkle and bittersweetness of youth.

The lyrics, which portray everyday moments with friends and the preciousness of irreplaceable time, will give a powerful push to a young man setting off on a new path.

Included on their second mini-album, “Seikatsu ni, Yorisoi.” released in May 2022, the song has garnered wide support, surpassing 1 million views on YouTube.

It’s also known for winning the China Block Award at the 15th CD Shop Awards, cementing its strong reputation.

With a driving, uplifting sound that blows away the sadness of parting, it’s perfect for karaoke, arms around your friends as you sing along.

Believe that you’ll meet again with a smile someday, and send it as a cheer to a dear friend.