[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] (91–100)
Orangeakai kouen
Akaikoen’s new song is an emotional rock number themed around parting and new beginnings.
Its expansive, straightforward melody really resonates.
Released in November 2020, the track was also used as the opening theme for the FOD original drama “A Band Crossing Time.” How about listening to it after your graduation ceremony, when you’re back home and alone? While you may feel loneliness and lingering attachment, you’ll also find hope for a new chapter in life.
Akaikoen’s music has the power to strongly evoke empathy in listeners!
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.
365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48
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.
Graduation Song ~Let Me Say Thank You Over and Over~GReeeeN
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.
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.
Farewell, YouthChatto Monchī
This is Chatmonchy’s graduation song, with which they declared the completion of their activities in 2018.
The lyrics depict nostalgic scenes that everyone has experienced, and they’re sure to strike a chord.
You’ll realize that each ordinary day has become a very precious memory.
With its gentle accompaniment and vocals, it’s sure to loosen your tear ducts.
Thank youikimonogakari
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.