Thank you, Teacher: A Song of Gratitude for Teachers and Mentors — An Emotional Farewell Song for the Journey Ahead
On graduation day, you’ll want to make sure you don’t forget to express your gratitude not only to your friends and parents, but also to your homeroom teacher and the mentors who guided you! Many of you might be thinking about surprising your teacher with a class-wide song performance, but are you having trouble choosing the right song? In this article, we’ll introduce a wide selection of songs that can convey your thanks to the teachers who have supported you in so many ways and steered you in the right direction when you went astray.
These are all heartwarming classics that not only express gratitude but also make you feel the bonds you’ve built up until now, so be sure to use them as a reference!
Thank You, Teacher: Songs of Gratitude for Teachers and Mentors — Touching Graduation/Send-off Songs (1–10)
HarukaNEW!YOASOBI
This YOASOBI song shines with a unique concept: watching a girl grow up from the perspective of a mug.
Based on Osamu Suzuki’s novel “Tsuki-ōji” (Moon Prince), it was released digitally in December 2020 and later included on the 2021 EP “THE BOOK.” It’s a presence that stays close through everyday life, catching both joy and tears, and remaining by her side until the inevitable moment of farewell.
That figure is like a teacher who has watched their students grow all along.
The gently piano-centered sound seeps into the heart, and gratitude naturally wells up.
It’s a perfect song to present from the whole class to a beloved teacher at graduation.
Highly recommended for those who want to convey the importance of ordinary days and a heartfelt thank you.
Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
This is FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ final single, “Arigatou” (“Thank You”).
It feels like they packed in all their gratitude up to now, making it perfect for graduation ceremonies.
While the lyrics sound like someone speaking to a friend, it’s also highly recommended as a token of appreciation to a mentor who has supported you.
Memories are beautifulNEW!Aimer
If you want to express your gratitude to teachers and mentors with a surprise at your graduation ceremony, Aimer’s song is highly recommended.
Its depictions of childhood memories and family warmth shine a light on the ordinary days spent in the classroom—and even the times you were scolded—as memories that support who you are today.
The band’s tactile mid-tempo sound, where brightness and poignancy coexist, is another charm.
It’s one of the title tracks of her 15th single, released in September 2018, which also includes the theme song for the film “Kasane.” The track also became widely known through its use in a Canon commercial.
This song is truly perfect for those who want to convey “thank you” more deeply than words—whether at the moment you hand over a bouquet or on the way home after the graduation ceremony!
Because you are hereNEW!Uru
This is a masterpiece that makes you realize anew just how important a special person can be.
Written and composed by Uru, with arrangement by Takeshi Kobayashi, the song weaves warm feelings—the desire to protect someone and make them happy—into the vocals, piano, and strings.
Released in February 2020, it captured the hearts of many viewers as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “Theseus no Fune” (Ship of Theseus).
It was also included on the March 2020 album Orion Blue, and as of March 2025 it has surpassed 200 million streams.
It’s a perfect song for expressing gratitude to teachers and mentors at graduation ceremonies.
Why not send your feelings to those who supported you through this song?
Thank youIkimonogakari
From the title “Arigatou” (“Thank You”), it’s the perfect song to express your gratitude.
Saying thank you directly in words is great, but when you add music, the emotional impact soars.
Rather than trying to sing perfectly, sing with heartfelt feeling.
That way, even what can’t be conveyed by words alone will reach your teachers’ hearts.
proofflumpool
It’s a classic song often used for graduation, and it’s also frequently chosen as a choral piece.
The lyrics about friendship convey a strong sense of bonds, and it might be a great choice to give to a teacher you were able to meet and thank at graduation.
The line about wanting to be scolded, even after graduating, whenever you feel like giving up as you did in your school days is especially moving.
Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//
DISH//’s ‘Jinchoge’ is perfect for adding color to an emotional send-off.
Co-written by Takumi Kitamura and Hattori, the frontman of Macaroni Empitsu, this warm and comforting track will enrich graduation memories.
The lyrics, filled with gratitude to the mentors who supported you, give voice to feelings that can be hard to express directly, making it ideal for a surprise performance.
By singing your thanks and engraving hope as you step toward a new future, it will bring moving moments to your graduation ceremony.