By: Ace Dispo, Staff Writer
What makes a graduation? Graduations are a rollercoaster of emotions that mark the end of the school year as upperclassmen prepare to move onto the next chapter of their lives. While anime often takes place in high school, few explore what happens when school comes to an end. But those that do offer their own perspectives on what graduation means.
(Visual from Square Enix)
High school creates memories and bonds that stick with you for life. But what if those bonds only form at the end of senior year? “Horimiya” explores this idea through the loner Izumi Miyamura, who unexpectedly starts making friends right before graduation.
The 13-episode slice-of-life series follows Izumi building new connections, ending in a finale where he reflects on his gloomy past and chooses to step into a brighter future.
(Frame from Clannad After Story)
As we grow into adulthood, we often feel lost in life, unsure of what to do without the strict structure of school. “Clannad” begins its story in high school, but expands far beyond it in its sequel series “Clannad After Story.” The sequel follows Tomoya Okazaki shortly after graduation as he faces the immediate struggles of responsibility, family, and building a stable life.
Rather than portraying adulthood as easy or stable, Clannad shows it as uncertain and rocky. The messages of this anime resonate strongly with viewers at similar points in their lives, especially those who are about to graduate.
(Visual from Kyoto Animation)
K-On! is a lighthearted slice-of-life anime focusing on a high school light-music band throughout their school journey. In their final year, an underclassman joins, and they form close friendships.
As their time together grows shorter, they must learn how to cope with farewells as they reach graduation. This feeling strikes a chord within viewers as many share experiences of saying goodbye to the friends they once knew during graduation.
About the Author
