[Gratitude, Encouragement, Memories] Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs You Can’t Listen to Without Crying [2026]

It’s okayji ma ma

jimama “It’s Okay”

Many of you probably remember that gentle singing voice from the commercial! This song by jimama, a singer-songwriter from Okinawa, is a warm ballad that seems to wrap listeners’ anxieties in comfort.

The words, inspired by “the precious person who always supports you,” resonate deeply with hearts facing graduation or a new departure.

Released as a single in April 2009, it was featured in a Taiyo Yakuhin Kogyo TV commercial at the time and played in living rooms across the country.

It topped the charts in Okinawa and was rediscovered after a 2014 TV appearance, remaining a beloved classic.

It’s also included on the album “BEST OF jimama ~Kimi ni Okuru Uta~.” As spring brings changes, it’s perfect for friends who are feeling anxious.

Rather than forcing encouragement, it’s filled with a gentle presence that simply stays by your side—sing it at a farewell party or karaoke, and the whole room is sure to be wrapped in a warm atmosphere!

Cherry Blossom Rainhalyosy

halyosy – Sakura no Ame feat. Hatsune Miku

A song created using the Vocaloid Hatsune Miku that gained popularity on Niconico Douga.

As it looks back on the things gained and lessons learned during days of youth, it evokes nostalgia for all the days that have passed—so much so that you can’t help but shed a tear in empathy.

It’s a track that depicts not only farewells with friends but also the bonds that will continue into the future.

Until we meet againHirai Dai

Until we meet again

This is a moving ballad by singer-songwriter Dai Hirai, known for his surf music-inspired sound.

It portrays not only the sadness of parting, but also gratitude for having met and hope for meeting again, gently wrapping listeners’ hearts in warmth.

The scene of waving and saying “see you” along the usual tree-lined street is enough to make your chest tighten, isn’t it? The song is included on the album “Slow & Easy,” released in May 2015.

In its lyrics, you can feel the protagonist’s strong resolve to step into the future as the seasons change.

It’s a perfect track to accompany a montage that looks back on memories with dear friends at the moment of graduation—be sure to give it a listen.

If I turn around…Janne Da Arc

Janne Da Arc: If You Turn Around — TV Appearance

It was released in 2006 as Janne Da Arc’s 25th single.

The song was used as the theme for the film “HIRAKATA,” which features the band members and is inspired by their alma mater, and the music video features actress Maki Horikita.

It is one of Janne Da Arc’s signature songs and is also popular as a graduation song.

Born on this planetGasshou Kyoku

[Chorus] Born on This Planet (Mixed Chorus in Three Parts)

A classic choral piece that celebrates the preciousness of life and hope, with a majestic melody that resonates in the heart, “Born on This Planet.” Composed by Ryuichi Sugimoto as the theme for NHK’s “Living Planet,” it was released to the world in August 1996 on the album “Born on This Planet: NHK ‘Living Planet’ Soundtrack 2.” Many people may remember this melody alongside the beautiful images on television.

Its themes—courage to pursue one’s dreams and gratitude for the miracle of meeting—make it perfect for graduation season.

If you’ve sung it at a choral competition or a graduation ceremony, the very first notes will bring those scenes flooding back, perhaps even moving you to tears.

It’s a deeply moving song, beloved across generations, that reaffirms the bonds with those you cherish.

Sakura rollFunatsu Mahiro

Masato Funatsu “Sakura Roll” Official Lyric Video

With the arrival of spring, the song that makes me want to listen is Masho Funatsu’s “Sakura Roll,” released in March 2021.

The title is a coined word that blends “sakura” (cherry blossoms) with a smartphone’s “camera roll,” a clever touch that layers the fleeting season with the enduring nature of memories.

This piece, graced by the soothing sound of acoustic guitar, features high school singer Ren on chorus; the overlap of their voices creates a beautiful harmony where warmth and wistfulness coexist.

The lyrics capture a contemporary feeling—the desire to etch fleeting moments into the heart like photographs—and gently resonate with those facing graduation or a new chapter in life.

It’s a highly recommended song to send with gratitude, while reflecting on days spent with friends or a loved one.

Thank youikimonogakari

Arigatou – Ikimono-gakari (Full)

This is the 18th single by Ikimono-gakari, a duo known for their impressive vocals and evocative songs that bring vivid scenes to mind.

Although it was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyobo, it’s a well-known track even among those who haven’t seen the series.

With lyrics that express gratitude in simple words anyone can say, it’s easy to imagine friends and mentors when graduation season comes around.

It’s a heartfelt classic filled with messages you want to convey at life’s turning points.

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Hoshino Takashi

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