[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-Inducing Graduation Songs You Can’t Listen to Without Crying [2026] (81–90)
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.
Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro
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.
Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa
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.
Promise ~promises~EXILE
A heartwarming ballad by EXILE themed around a promise to meet again.
Created as the final work featuring ATSUSHI and TAKAHIRO as the duo on vocals, who have long led the group, the song’s lyrics were written by ATSUSHI.
It is filled with unwavering bonds that remain strong even when apart and a firm hope for the future.
Played at important milestones like graduation ceremonies or farewell gatherings to express gratitude, it will surely envelop the entire venue in a warm, moving atmosphere.
DreamerJO1
It’s a ballad that gives you the courage to take one step at a time toward your dreams.
Written as the theme song for the drama “Short Program,” in which all the members starred, it was included on the album “KIZUNA,” released in May 2022.
Created as an anthem to support those pursuing their dreams, the song stays close to people who, despite their anxieties and doubts, try to look ahead.
Its melody, which blends gentleness with fragility, builds dramatically toward the end and truly moves the listener’s heart.
It’s a song you’ll want to hear on the day you set off on a new journey.
Cherry Blossom BookmarkAKB48
It was released in 2010 as AKB48’s 15th major single.
The song features Minami Takahashi and Atsuko Maeda in the center positions and reached number one on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
As a choral piece, it was included in some music textbooks in 2011.
Owing to its lyrics, it is often performed as a graduation song at graduation ceremonies.
[Gratitude, Encouragement, Memories] Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs You Can’t Listen to Without Crying [2026] (91–100)
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.
