Lovely anime song

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

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I started playing guitar in middle school and focused on band activities during my student years. I’ve been a hobbyist Vocaloid producer for over 15 years. After entering the workforce, I gained experience in various roles, including event sound engineering and videography/photography. As a writer, I’ve contributed introduction articles for music and manga websites, and in 2022 I had the opportunity to write the bonus liner notes for IA SUPER BEST. My specialties are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

When it comes to graduation songs, there are all kinds—classic choir pieces and popular J-pop hits alike.

But if you’re an anime fan, you’ll probably want to listen to anime songs that are perfect for graduation!

In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of anime tracks that we highly recommend for reflecting on graduation.

Alongside staple songs that every anime fan will think of, we’re also featuring tracks that aren’t originally “graduation songs” but evoke the feeling of graduation.

We hope you find a new favorite!

[Departure] A Special Feature on Anime Songs You Want to Hear at Graduation Ceremonies [Tearjerkers] (71–80)

Mitsuba knotyanaginagi

Mitsuba knot

A trefoil knot and Yanaginagi

A fantastical piece with a unique, floating sensation.

It’s a song by singer-songwriter Nagi Yanagi, whose popularity took off through her online activities, released in 2014 as her seventh single.

It was used as the ending theme for the anime Nagi-Asu: A Lull in the Sea.

Its message is striking: even if you can’t yet see your goal, you’ll keep moving forward—conveying a strong will.

There must be people who feel anxious about graduating and starting a new chapter in life.

Please listen to this song and strengthen your resolve.

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Best friendSonar Pocket

[Featuring popular model Hikari Shibata] Sonar Pocket “Best Friend” (Anime “Rainbow Days” OP Theme) [MV Full]

Best Friend Sonar Pocket

A track chosen as the opening theme for the anime Rainbow Days, evoking the fresh breezes of spring.

The song says that even after graduation and going separate ways, we’ll always remain friends and companions.

How about listening to it with someone special and reaffirming your bond before graduation?

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From Me to YouTomofumi Tanizawa

Tomofumi Tanizawa – Kimi ni Todoke [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]（Anime「Kimi ni Todoke」Opening song）

Kimi ni Todoke - Tomofumi Tanizawa

This is a message song that encourages you to be honest with your feelings and to clearly convey what you want to say to others.

It’s a track by Tomofumi Tanizawa, a singer-songwriter from Gifu Prefecture, released in 2009 as his second single.

It was selected as the opening theme for the anime Kimi ni Todoke, based on a shoujo manga.

The fresh, light melody feels great to listen to.

Graduation is also a time for confessions, isn’t it? Why not take courage from this song and bare your innermost feelings?

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See youDREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE – See You Again (from DWL 2015 Live Ver.)

See you, DREAMS COME TRUE

A bright, poppy number that’s quintessentially DREAMS COME TRUE.

It was used as the theme song for the film “One Piece: Episode of Chopper Plus – Bloom in the Winter, Miracle Sakura.” When the sadness of graduation weighs on you, it can be surprisingly hard to say even a simple “You’ve got this” to your friends.

This is a song that transforms the loneliness of goodbye into a brighter feeling with the words, “Let’s meet again.”

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Hika Re InochiKitri

Kitri -Kitri- “Hikare Inochi” Music Video [official] with subtitles

Hikare Inochi Kitri

Hikare Inochi is a song that makes you excited about moving forward into the future.

It was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Komi Can’t Communicate.

The performers are Kitri, a sister piano-duo unit known for their clear, transparent sound.

The buoyant piano tone expresses the “anticipation” and “thrill” woven into the song, and just listening to it lifts your spirits.

Graduating and stepping into a new place can sometimes feel scary, but this song will help turn those feelings into something positive.

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Spring SongIkimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “Haru Uta” Music Video

Haru Uta by Ikimonogakari

It’s an anime song that evokes the breath of spring and a fresh start.

It’s a track by Ikimonogakari, released in April 2012.

Used as the theme song for the animated film Detective Conan: The Eleventh Striker, it remains beloved by many.

With a lively melody and heartwarming lyrics, Kiyoe Yoshioka’s refreshing vocals sweep away the loneliness of parting.

Be sure to give it a listen at the milestone of graduation—it’s sure to give you the courage to take a new step forward.

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Growing UpMachico

TV anime “KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! 3” Non-Credit Opening Video [KonoSuba]

Growing UpMachico

Within its bright and refreshing melody, this song is filled with the genuine feelings of young people chasing their dreams.

It expresses the anxiety and fear that linger even as they hold ambition in their hearts, as well as the strength to keep looking forward and moving on.

Machico’s gentle vocals, which sing about growing together with friends while cherishing one’s individuality, resonate deeply.

The song was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime “KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! 3,” which began airing in April 2024.

It’s a track that not only enhances the anime, but also gives a supportive push to those starting a new chapter in life or striving toward their dreams.

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