[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.
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[Gratitude, Encouragement, Memories] Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs You Can’t Listen to Without Crying [2026] (71–80)
Sakura, You, and Ituki.
Layered over the gentle melody woven by the acoustic guitar, tuki.’s vocals—imbued with a level of expressiveness hard to believe for a teenager—vividly evoke the bittersweet scenes of graduation season.
Released in January 2024, this piece was written as an insert song for ABEMA’s romance reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita.
Graduation Edition 2024.” Its lyrics, which trace the farewells that come with cherry blossoms and the fleeting end of a young love, convey the universal ache of youth, portraying a protagonist who accepts the end of a relationship while striving to cherish the memories.
Much like the music video on YouTube that has surpassed 10 million views, it’s a sentimental acoustic number you’ll want to pair with a story compiling memories with friends.
The happiest treasuresutopuri
As a heartwarming song that adds color to the graduation season, Sutopuri’s vocals resound.
Vividly depicting the March scenery of dancing cherry blossoms, it gently sings of memories with friends and hopes for the future.
Released in March 2023, the song was unveiled as a surprise during the group’s nationwide arena tour at Yokohama Arena.
Born from a collaboration with HoneyWorks, the fresh melody will gently encourage not only those graduating, but everyone taking a new step forward.
If you’re experiencing farewells with loved ones or embracing new encounters, please give this song a listen—it’s a sincere cheer from the heart.
pupilŌhara Sakurako
It’s a moving number that sings, “I love you and I’m proud of you.” The song is by Sakurako Ohara, a singer-songwriter who also works as an actress, and it was released in 2015 as her third single.
Chosen as the support song for the 93rd All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, it drew a lot of attention.
So while it may carry an image as a sports anthem, its encouraging lyrics make it a perfect fit for graduation as well.
It’s a beautiful ballad that blows away the anxieties of setting out on a new journey.
Tomoë GakuenFukuyama Masaharu
It’s a moving song that brings back each of the things you experienced while going to school.
Written by Masaharu Fukuyama, a popular singer-songwriter who’s also an actor, it was released in 2017 as his third digital single and chosen as the theme song for the drama “Totto-chan!”.
The rich sound arrangement and Fukuyama’s gentle vocals stir the emotions.
Of course, it’s a great listen for students about to graduate, but it might resonate even more with working adults.
Why not take a moment to look back on your own school days?
Even when we’re apartWANIMA
A three-piece rock band from Kumamoto Prefecture, WANIMA is loved for their fast-paced rock tunes and activities overflowing with hometown pride.
This song, included on their 7th single “Chopped Grill Chicken,” showcases WANIMA’s trademark straightforward message and beautiful harmonies.
The lyrics make you feel that graduation isn’t a farewell, but something that allows you to grow and meet again, leaving you with a positive feeling.
It’s a number that lets you reaffirm gratitude toward those who matter and an unchanging friendship.
Ode to YouthMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto
Known by the nickname Momoclo, the four-member girl group Momoiro Clover Z has continually reshaped the image of idol groups, and this is their 14th single.
The song was chosen as the theme for the coming-of-age film “Maku ga Agaru,” which features all the members, and it beautifully blends their individually distinctive vocals with a piano-driven arrangement.
Its lyrics, which depict a positive parting while holding precious memories close to the heart, are sure to resonate with students about to graduate.
Offering a tone that’s a bit different from Momoclo’s usual high-energy tracks, it’s a recommended graduation song for students on the verge of commencement.
oneselfTani Yuuki
With its poignant lyrics and memorable melody, this song accompanies the important milestone of graduation.
Tani Yuuki’s powerful vocals beautifully capture both the anxiety and the hope of embarking on a new life.
Released in March 2022, the track was also featured in a UQ mobile commercial and resonated with many listeners.
It’s a song that gives you the courage to take a step toward the future.
It’s perfect for those feeling uneasy about a new environment or reluctant to part with cherished friends.
Guided by Tani Yuuki’s voice, you’ll surely find the strength to believe in yourself.