Graduation is a turning point in life! What is the graduation culture unique to Japan?

In Japan, graduation ceremonies are held in schools all over the country in March.
When we hear the word "graduation," many people think of...
The teacher's tearful speech!
Last photo with my classmates!
A thrilling moment over the second button of the uniform!
However, Japanese graduation culture actually has many unique customs and moving moments that surprise people from overseas.
This time, we will be focusing on the theme of "graduation" and introducing what "graduation" is like in Japan.

◎What does "graduation" mean? Differences between Japan and other countries
"Graduation" means completing a school or course and moving on to a new stage.
While this is a universal concept, graduation styles vary greatly from country to country.
[Japanese Graduation】
- Graduation ceremonies will be held simultaneously in March! (University ceremonies are held in February and March)
- Solemn ceremonies are the norm, with tearful speeches the norm
- Emphasis on saying "final goodbyes" to teachers and friends

[Graduating from overseas] (e.g. America, Europe)
- Graduation dates vary by school (in America, graduation is usually in May or June)
- Graduation parties are popular and have a stronger "celebratory" meaning than graduation ceremonies.
- In the US, it is common to wear a cap and gown (a square hat and a black robe).

Graduation ceremonies in Japan are characterized by a stronger emphasis on emotion and farewells than those held overseas. This is closely related to the Japanese culture's emphasis on bonds and the importance of cherishing connections with classmates.

◎What are the unique features of graduation in Japan?

~Tears are inevitable?! "Tearful Graduation Ceremony"~

Graduation ceremonies in Japan are generally very solemn.
However, as the diplomas were being handed out and the teacher speeches were being given...
"I'll never forget the memories I made with everyone!"
"Thank you so much, Sensei...!"

~Many students burst into tears! ~
Especially in elementary and junior high schools, not only the graduates but also the teachers may cry! (The whole class may burst into tears after being moved by the teacher's tears!)
While graduation ceremonies overseas have a stronger meaning of "celebration,"
In Japan, the ceremony has strong meanings of "departure" and "farewell," so it is often an emotional ceremony.

~"Graduation album" is a lifelong treasure~

At Japanese graduation ceremonies, yearbooks are very important!
Class photos, memories of school trips, messages from teachers, etc. Graduation albums also contain individual photos and memorable comments from each student, so many people say, "I want to look back on them even decades after I graduated!"
Meanwhile, overseas, there are countries that have graduation albums and countries that don't, and in Europe in particular, there seems to be almost no album culture.

Graduation in Japan is a special moment of emotion and farewell
Graduation ceremonies in Japan are a symbol of saying goodbye to precious friends and teachers, and embarking on a journey to a new future. Many people experience emotional moments at the ceremony, with tearful speeches and graduation albums filled with memories.
While graduation ceremonies overseas have a strong connotation of celebration, in Japan there is a deep-rooted culture of valuing gratitude and memories.

Graduation is not a goal, but the first step towards a new future.
Heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates who are about to embark on their journey!