[Gratitude, Encouragement, Memories] Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs You Can’t Listen to Without Crying [2026]
The graduation ceremony marks the culmination of your school life.
As you look back on your memories, you may feel nostalgic, lonely, or reluctant to say goodbye—so many emotions can come rushing in.
In this article, we’ll introduce graduation songs that will stay close to your heart when you’re overflowing with such feelings.
“I held it together and didn’t cry at the ceremony, but once I got home and was alone, I felt lonely…” “I’m hopeful about my new life, but saying goodbye to everyone is still so sad!” We’ve gathered songs we want you to listen to in moments like these.
They’re all timeless tracks that capture the loneliness you’re feeling and the memories you cherish—moving songs that might just bring you to tears.
- [Great Lyrics!!] Recommended Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs with Heartfelt, Moving Words [2026]
- Tear-jerking classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM
- [Graduation Songs] Choral pieces perfect for singing at elementary school graduation ceremonies: A collection of moving classics
- [Moving] Heartfelt Japanese Songs Recommended for Graduation Season [2026]
- [Farewell] A selection of moving, tear-jerking Japanese songs recommended for graduation ceremonies
- [For Graduates] Graduation Songs and Cheer Anthems to Convey Gratitude and Support
- Songs That Touch the Heart! Tearjerkers to Sing at Farewell Parties & A Collection of Song Ideas to Send Off
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [2026] A Collection of Graduation Songs Recommended for Gen Z [A Page of Youth]
- Songs to use in the memory movie. Let’s look back on our memories before graduation!
- Friendship Songs: Rediscover Your Bonds! A Carefully Curated Selection of Moving Masterpieces That Will Bring You to Tears
- A farewell song for a dear friend—an uplifting graduation song that conveys heartfelt gratitude.
- [Touching] Entrance/Exit Songs for Graduation Ceremonies: Classics & the Latest BGM
[Gratitude, Encouragement, Memories] Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs You Can’t Listen to Without Crying [2026] (71–80)
This is me ~Poem of Promise~RIKU
RIKU from THE RAMPAGE wrote “This is me ~Yakusoku no Uta~” for his solo tour.
Released as a single in November 2025, it was created to express his true, authentic self.
It embodies a resolve to accept his weaknesses and past, and to live as he is.
The song is filled with a universal message of self-affirmation that encourages listeners to be proud of themselves.
For graduates about to embark on a new world, it will surely resonate as if it were their own story.
Last SongOfisharu Higedan Dism
Released in October 2019 by Official HIGE DANDism, this song is a pop tune that gently accompanies those facing graduation.
Set to a light, piano-driven arrangement, it portrays both the bittersweetness and the hope of a new departure.
Included on the album “Traveler,” it was also used as an insert song for the TV drama “Ato 3-kai, Kimi ni Aeru” (We Can Meet Three More Times).
Satoshi Fujihara’s warm vocals gift listeners a sense of unhurried time, creating moments that linger in the heart.
While it captures the sadness of parting, it also gives courage to look ahead to the future.
It’s a perfect choice for graduations, farewell gatherings, and other moments of saying goodbye to someone important.
Cherry Blossom Rainhalyosy
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.
Cherry blossom seasonEXILE ATSUSHI
Graduation season is that time when the excitement of spring being just around the corner mixes with a bittersweet feeling, isn’t it? Perfect for that mood is “Sakura no Kisetsu” sung by ATSUSHI from EXILE.
Released in 2015 as ATSUSHI’s seventh single, the song was also featured on NHK’s program Minna no Uta.
Chosen as the set piece for the 81st NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition, it’s an ideal graduation song—a tear-jerking number.
Words of FarewellGReeeeN
GReeeeN’s song is a single released in October 2018.
It’s also known as the theme song for the film “Run! T High School Basketball Club.” The lyrics are filled with gratitude toward friends and the feelings that come with parting.
It starts with everyday life in the classroom, depicting the value of the time spent together and the emotions at the moment of farewell.
The gentle piano melody and beautiful harmonies express the deep sentiments of graduation or retiring from a club.
It’s a song that turns memories with friends into energy for the road ahead.
It’s one you’ll want to listen to when you feel lonely after the graduation ceremony.
Miracle ~To the Future~whiteeeen
This is whiteeeen’s third single and the theme song for the film adaptation of Kazune Kawahara’s shoujo manga Aozora Yell.
It’s a song that resonates with characters who, while running into various obstacles, keep moving toward their goals.
With a medium tempo, it’s also easy to sing at karaoke.
cherry blossomKobukuro
When you think of graduation, you think of cherry blossoms—and when you think of cherry blossoms, you think of this song.
It’s one of the signature tracks by Kobukuro, the musical duo behind many classics like “Koko ni Shika Sakanai Hana” and “Tsubomi,” released as their 12th single in 2005.
It drew attention when it was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama Ns’ Aoi.
The lyrics are truly wonderful, conveying the message that even if you’re sad now, the experience will help you live stronger from here on out.
With this song in your heart, let’s do our best as we start life in a new place!
