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

Goodbye to goodbyeKaientai

Goodbye to goodbye

Theme song of Doraemon: Nobita’s Diary on the Creation of the World.

The lyrics are striking for their hopeful message that farewells should lead to new encounters.

Tetsuya Takeda’s gentle yet powerful vocals resonate deeply in the heart.

To the lightFranchouchou

TV anime “ZOMBIE LAND SAGA” Ending Theme ‘To the Light’

How about an anime song that’s the perfect fit for graduation? It’s the ending theme from the anime ZOMBIE LAND SAGA, which made waves with its idol-meets-zombie concept.

Released as a single in 2018 under the name of the in-story idol group Franchouchou, the song’s lyrics say farewell to memories and set off toward a new place—quintessential graduation material.

The choral style of the arrangement is another nice touch.

It’s great to listen to, of course, and I also recommend singing it with friends.

ReincarnateTakuma Terashima

Takuma Terashima / “Reincarnate” Music Clip (“That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime” ED)

This song captures both the sadness of leaving a place where you’ve spent a long time and the determination to spread your wings toward the future.

Performed by Takuma Terashima, who is active as a voice actor, it was released in 2021 as his 11th single and chosen as the ending theme for season 2 of the anime That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.

Its sound evokes an image of an endlessly stretching blue sky, and his resolute vocals stir the emotions.

It will make you feel like you want to live with strength.

SolaninASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION 'Soranin'

Released in March 2010, this song by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION was written as the main theme for the film Solanin, based on Inio Asano’s manga.

Its lyrics reflect the world of the movie, and its emotional melody has captured the hearts of many fans.

While conveying the pain of parting, it carries a positive message that seeks hope beyond it, making it a song that resonates with those facing the anxieties and conflicts of youth.

It’s a perfect track to listen to in spring, especially for anyone on the verge of a new beginning.

THE GIFTHirai Dai

Dai Hirai / THE GIFT (Music Video)

This song was chosen as the theme for the film Doraemon: Nobita’s Chronicle of the Moon Exploration.

It’s a piece by singer-songwriter Dai Hirai, released in 2019 as his second single.

The lyrics say, “We’re going our separate ways now, but we’ll meet again someday,” making it perfect for graduation ceremonies.

Listen to it while thinking of friends who are going to different schools.

And… Hirai’s gentle voice is truly wonderful—deeply soothing.

Friend ~I'll never forget you~AiM

AiM – Friend ~Itsumademo Wasurenai~

It’s the ending theme of the anime film Digimon Adventure 02: Revenge of Diaboromon.

AiM, the singer, is an alternate name used by Ai Maeda, who also participates in the film as the voice actress for Mimi Tachikawa.

After the intro, the first verse is quiet and calm, but the moment the chorus begins it opens up, and from there it proceeds with a refreshing feel into the latter half.

A Winter DayEri Sasaki

Eri Sasaki “Fuyu Biyori” (Music Video) TV Anime “Laid-Back Camp” Ending Theme

While thinking about a friend I’d somehow become close with, by all means.

It’s a song by Eri Sasaki, a singer-songwriter from Fukuoka Prefecture, released in 2018 as her third single.

It was used as the ending theme for the anime Laid-Back Camp (Yuru Camp).

The sound and vocals feel refreshing and pleasant, like crisp winter air slipping right into your body.

I especially recommend it if you’re looking for a song that suits a graduation ceremony but isn’t a typical tearjerker.