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

Born on this planetGasshou Kyoku

[Chorus] Born on This Planet (Mixed Chorus in Three Parts)

A classic choral piece that celebrates the preciousness of life and hope, with a majestic melody that resonates in the heart, “Born on This Planet.” Composed by Ryuichi Sugimoto as the theme for NHK’s “Living Planet,” it was released to the world in August 1996 on the album “Born on This Planet: NHK ‘Living Planet’ Soundtrack 2.” Many people may remember this melody alongside the beautiful images on television.

Its themes—courage to pursue one’s dreams and gratitude for the miracle of meeting—make it perfect for graduation season.

If you’ve sung it at a choral competition or a graduation ceremony, the very first notes will bring those scenes flooding back, perhaps even moving you to tears.

It’s a deeply moving song, beloved across generations, that reaffirms the bonds with those you cherish.

HarukaYOASOBI

YOASOBI 'Haruka' Official Music Video

Haruka by YOASOBI is a bittersweet yet warm melody that resonates in the season of farewells and new beginnings.

Based on Osamu Suzuki’s novel “Tsuki Oji” (Moon Prince), the song captivates listeners with Rira Ikuta’s clear, radiant vocals fused with YOASOBI’s signature pop sound.

Its message—“Thank you for so many wonderful memories”—will resonate especially with those about to graduate.

Used as background music for a graduation video, it will make the moment an even more memorable event.

Futabaaimyon

Aimyon – Futaba [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This is Aimyon’s warm, encouraging song, woven from and embracing the real emotions of 18-year-olds.

Created based on message videos submitted by 1,000 young people from across Japan, it delicately depicts the unique anxieties and hopes of the transition into adulthood.

Written as the theme song for NHK’s project “Aimyon 18 Festival,” it was released digitally in March 2022.

Later, it was included as the opening track on the album “Hitomi e Ochiruyo Record,” marking it as an important number.

It’s a perfect song for those about to leap into the unknown, or for graduates who, while carrying a touch of loneliness, are determined to look forward.

Be sure to listen to this piece on your special day of new beginnings—you’ll find the courage to break out of your shell and move ahead.

The Story of the Wind and MeAdo

The Story of the Wind and Me [Ado]

This work was chosen as the theme song for the film “The Silent Service: The Great Battle in the Arctic Ocean,” released in September 2025.

It’s also known for being the first time Hiroji Miyamoto provided a song to a female artist.

Inspired by Ado’s love of taking walks, the lyrics and melody evoke the sparkle of the wind and the city, leaving a strong impression.

The grand sound stirs emotions perfectly suited to the season of farewells and new beginnings.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on the way home from a graduation ceremony or when expressing gratitude to a beloved teacher.

Embrace the presentsatō moka

Satomoka – Embrace the Now (Music Video)

A ballad by Moka Sato that makes you want to gently embrace the “now” we tend to lose sight of during busy days and the season of graduations and farewells.

Released as a single in November 2025, it’s a work that lays bare unadorned feelings.

What really hits home is how it portrays the will to move forward, even while carrying loneliness, through everyday details like familiar rooms and scenery.

It’s a song that sinks into the heart when you’re tucking away precious memories and heading toward a new place.

CorrectRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – The Answer [Official Live Video from “ANTI ANTI GENERATION TOUR 2019”]

Has anyone ended up falling out with a close friend and remained on bad terms? When graduation comes, you’ll be physically separated from that friend, too.

Before that happens, why not take one last chance to make up by using your graduation movie to say “I’m sorry”? Choose RADWIMPS’ song “Seikai (Answer)” as the BGM, and, along with photos of your memories together, honestly express your wish to reconcile.

If it’s really hard to say sorry yourself, try adding the lyrics as a message!

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StoryAI

AI – Story

A ballad that sings of the reassurance of having someone precious by your side and of an overflowing, profound love.

It’s a single released in May 2005 by AI, a singer-songwriter who captivates listeners with her husky, soulful voice.

The dramatic melody that begins with a piano intro gently wraps around the listener’s heart.

Also included on the album “Mic-a-holic Ai,” this beloved classic stayed on the charts for over 70 weeks after its release.

It’s also known as the Japanese ending theme for the Disney film Big Hero 6.

Carrying the message that you are not alone, this song is perfect for graduation-season memory videos that express gratitude to friends and mentors.

Be sure to give this warm, moving number a listen.