[Departure] A Special Feature on Anime Songs to Hear at Graduation Ceremonies [Tearjerkers]

GONGWANIMA

WANIMA「GONG」OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

You’re guaranteed the hottest send-off imaginable! It’s a song by WANIMA, a three-piece band from Kumamoto Prefecture, included on their fifth single “Summer Trap!!” released in 2019.

It’s the theme song for the movie ONE PIECE STAMPEDE.

The powerful sound and the emotional message of the lyrics really stir your feelings! Graduation can be a sad event, but there are people who still want to say goodbye with a smile to their friends and teachers, right? Draw strength from this song, by all means.

Kiss: A Love Song on the Way HomeTegomasu

Kiss ~A Love Song on the Way Home~ cover [Mafumafu × Uratanuki]

I thought it was the perfect song for a bittersweet youthful romance.

It’s the kind of song that makes you want to listen to it with your partner.

You can really feel the adorable couple’s feelings of love, and listening to it makes you happy.

It brings back memories of those fun school days, and I feel like I could graduate with a smile.

the ends of the earthMinori Suzuki

Minori Suzuki – Saihate (Official Video)

It’s the ending theme of the anime Fena: Pirate Princess.

The song’s atmosphere aligns with the story, expressing a resolve to break free from a painful, difficult present and set out for a new place.

As the track progresses, the gradual addition of instruments and increasing power is striking, as if it mirrors the growing strength of that resolve.

There’s also an anecdote that its working title was “Desire,” which underscores the sense of determination and intensity.

Its blend of anxiety about a new future and the resolve to move forward makes it a fitting song for graduation season as well.

The happiest treasureStrawberry Prince

[MV] The Most Wonderful Treasure / Strawberry Prince

As a heartwarming song that adds color to the graduation season, Sutopuri’s vocals resound.

Vividly depicting the March scenery of dancing cherry blossoms, it gently sings of memories with friends and hopes for the future.

Released in March 2023, the song was unveiled as a surprise during the group’s nationwide arena tour at Yokohama Arena.

Born from a collaboration with HoneyWorks, the fresh melody will gently encourage not only those graduating, but everyone taking a new step forward.

If you’re experiencing farewells with loved ones or embracing new encounters, please give this song a listen—it’s a sincere cheer from the heart.

Higher Groundsumika

sumika / Higher Ground [Music Video]

A story, an energetic number aiming for a future even beyond the future.

It’s a song by the pop-rock band sumika, released in 2019 as their ninth single.

Written as the theme song for the anime film My Hero Academia: Heroes: Rising.

With a refreshing mixed sound that surges forward, it’s a hopeful piece that fills you with motivation and energy as you listen.

Graduation isn’t only about sadness! This song will make you feel that way.

secret baseKozue Takada

Hibi Karimero 'Secret Base' Shimokitazawa BREATH Eureka Seven

Give this a listen when you feel like you’ve grown up a little.

It’s a song by Koeda Takada, a singer-songwriter from Ibaraki Prefecture, released in 2005 as her second single.

It was used as the ending theme for the anime Eureka Seven.

Her straightforward vocals deliver the down-to-earth message—one that anyone can relate to—embedded in the lyrics with great strength.

There are surely things you once couldn’t do and now can—this is true for you as well.

Leaves of Words, Green LeavesWake Up Girls!

Wake Up, Girls! / “Kotonoha Aoba” MV (Short Ver.)

The ending theme of ‘Wake Up, Girls!’.

It’s a song that makes you think back to that day we all walked together, in the season of fresh green that comes around again and again.

The road toward our dreams is never an easy one, but let’s set out with the words we promised our friends—“We won’t give up”—held close to our hearts.