[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] (91–100)
Bye, my friendbokula.
This is a gem of a song from bokula., a rock band based in Hiroshima, filled with the sparkle and bittersweetness of youth.
The lyrics, which remind us that the time and memories spent with friends—things we took for granted—are never wasted, resonate deeply alongside Ei’s straightforward vocals.
Included on the mini-album “Seikatsu ni, Yorisoi.” released in May 2022, the track has won fervent support especially among junior and senior high school students, and has become beloved by many listeners, surpassing a total of 8.5 million streams.
It’s the perfect song for those moments when you’re facing the sadness of going your separate ways but want to reaffirm an unchanging bond.
Why not send this track to your cherished friends as a token of gratitude at the milestone of graduation?
A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru
This is a ballad imbued with a warm message that gently accompanies the season of partings.
It paints a bittersweet yet beautiful scene of entrusting gratitude to a loved one and an inexpressible love to a “bouquet,” and offering it as a gift.
Released digitally in April 2016 as Hikaru Utada’s comeback work, it became familiar as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Totto-chan.
It resonated with those who had long awaited her return, earning high acclaim, including the Excellence Award at the 58th Japan Record Awards that year.
It’s perfect for moments like graduation ceremonies when you want to express thanks to teachers and friends.
This piece, which gently nudges you forward on a new path, will add color to a special day when you bid farewell with smiles through tears.
cheerMarushii
A new cheering song that gently nudges on the backs of those giving their all every day has arrived from Marcy, a three-piece rock band from Fukuoka.
Released digitally in February 2024, the track was written specifically as the 55th anniversary campaign song for Shinken Zemi’s High School Course.
Vocalist/guitarist Ukyo Yoshida handled both lyrics and composition, infusing the song with messages that validate the daily efforts that can’t be measured by scores and offer comfort for moments when you feel utterly alone in the world.
The school-set music video portrays the struggles of boys and girls and the scenery of youth as an ensemble drama, deepening the immersion into the song’s world.
It’s a number we especially hope will reach those about to take a new step after graduation, and those who are living each day earnestly even when the results don’t yet show.
ReunionRADWIMPS
A four-piece rock band, RADWIMPS has earned popularity for its gentle yet impactful vocals and a wide musical range that spans from straightforward songs to intricate arrangements.
This track, included on their major-label fifth album “X to O to Tsumi to” (Kakeru to Maru to Tsumi to), stands out for its cleverly rhymed, unforgettable lyrics and the comfort of its laid-back beat.
The message to a cherished presence connected by the heart seems to give voice to feelings and emotions that don’t quite fit the labels many people try to define—like “friendship” or “youth.” Overflowing with sentiments that can’t be expressed in cliché words, it’s a number you’ll want to listen to on graduation day while asking yourself what truly matters.
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!
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.
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.