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

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48

[MV] Paper Airplane of 365 Days (Short ver.) / AKB48 [Official]

In the J-pop scene, long referred to as an unprecedented era of idol rivalry, AKB48 remains so prominent that many still see them at the very top.

This song was created as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Asa ga Kita,” and although it was included as a coupling track on their 42nd single “Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby,” it gained popularity across a wide range of listeners.

Its clear, airy melody evokes a bright, cloudless sky, making it perfect for celebrating the milestone of graduation.

It’s a moving track that teaches the importance of staying true to yourself.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Graduation Song ~Let Me Say Thank You Over and Over~GReeeeN

Sotsugyounouta Arigatouha Nanndomo Iwasete

I wish I could stay like this forever, but I have to set off…

This is a message song that sings of the bittersweet feelings and gratitude right before graduation.

Created by GReeeeN, it’s the coupling track to the single “Aisubeki Ashita, Isshun to Isshō o,” released in March 2014, and it’s also included on the best-of album “C, D desu to!?”.

It was featured in an AOKI commercial, cheering on the first steps into a new chapter of life.

Carried by a refreshing, warm melody, the straightforward lyrics make you want to say “thank you” over and over again, striking straight to the heart.

The harmony woven by the four voices is moving, making it a perfect song for a slideshow of memories with friends or an Instagram story to express your gratitude.

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!

Never ForgetMōningu Musume.

Never forget – Morning musume

It was released in 1999 as the B-side track to Morning Musume’s fourth single, “Memory Seishun no Hikari.” The song features Asuka Fukuda, who graduated from the group with this single, as the main vocalist, and was written and composed by Tsunku.

It is a graduation song that expresses the honest feelings at the moment of setting off on a new journey.

Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata / Aogeba Aozora Music Video

Expanding on Motohiro Hata’s unique worldview, the graduation-themed song Aogeba Aozora captures that quintessential Hata blend: the chorus hits you with a fresh yet deeply emotional punch.

It portrays the feelings around graduating and toward friends—not quite sadness or loneliness, but that hazy, hard-to-define mood so typical of student life and youth—expressed with finesse.

Yet it also carries a refreshing sense of taking a new step forward, leaving you with a feeling of exhilaration once the song ends—a true graduation anthem.

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utatane

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Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa

Lord of Major / Precious Things

A signature number by Road of Major that powerfully sings of irreplaceable bonds with friends and the bittersweet pain of parting.

Released as an indie single in August 2002, it set an astounding record by staying in the Oricon Top 10 for 19 consecutive weeks.

It’s also known for being completed by members who had been brought together for a TV show project, after enduring a grueling tour with their breakup on the line.

Their passionate spirit crossed the sea, and in 2009 the song was even used in a Taiwanese commercial.

Its driving rock sound and warm melody make it perfect as BGM for a graduation video when you want to express gratitude without getting too sentimental.

Revisit this classic—also included on the album “ROAD OF MAJOR”—alongside your cherished memories with dear friends.

cherry blossomberii guddoman

Very Good Man – Sakura (Music Video)

A song by the music group Berry Goodman—affectionately known as “Berigu”—whose heartwarming worldview and soulful vocals have won widespread popularity.

Included on their second album, Spring Spring Spring, which drew attention as the group’s first concept album, the track’s lyrical words set to beautiful harmonies evoke scenes of a graduation ceremony.

Its lyrics, which reflect on the sadness of parting from friends and the memories of school days, are likely to make anyone feel nostalgic.

It’s a number you’ll want everyone to listen to together at graduation, one that makes you believe in bonds that never change.

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Hoshino Takashi

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