March can be a sad but exciting time for many young people in Japan, as it's when the academic year ends. Students attend both an entrance ceremony in April, and a formal graduation ceremony in March.
Known as sotsugyō-shiki (卒業式), Japanese graduation ceremonies tend to be quite a formal, unique affair. While there are many similarities to Western events, such as numerous speeches and receiving certificates from their principles, students and their families are also expected to sing graduation anthems. Although contemporary hits have become quite popular choices, Hotaru no Hikari (or Auld Lang Syne), Aogeba Totoshi (Song of Gratitude) and Tabidachi no Hi (The Day of Departure) are some of the more well-known classics.
University graduations are a slightly more fun affair, with many institutions having their own energetic anthems and many girls opting to wear traditional hakama.
Congratulations to all those who are graduating this month!
Image: Ryukoku University