1.
graduation ceremony
A formal ceremony to celebrate the completion of studies at a school.
Compound of 卒業 (graduation) + 式 (ceremony). One of the most emotionally significant events in Japanese school life.
CULTURAL NOTE:
Typically held in March. Formal events featuring the school song, individual diploma presentations, and often tearful farewells. Students wear their uniforms; at some schools, the second button (第二ボタン) is given as a memento.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 卒業式に出席する: to attend a graduation ceremony
- 卒業式で泣く: to cry at graduation
- 卒業証書: diploma
- 卒業証書授与: diploma presentation
RELATED TERMS: