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

Walking forward into the windSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

Walking forward into the wind

Parting with the friends we once shared our dreams with is sad, but thinking that each of us is doing our best in different places gives us strength to keep going, doesn’t it? We may no longer be able to see each other at school every day as we used to, but I hope we can fulfill our dreams and meet again.

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Hane Keisuke

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18imase

【imase】18（MV）

A pop tune celebrating the start of adulthood, crafted by singer-songwriter imase, who made his major-label debut in 2021.

Released in April 2023, it was written as the theme song for Suntory’s web video “Otonajan: Koko kara dane 04.” Aimed at a generation whose school life events were restricted during the pandemic, it blends scenes unique to mask-wearing life and delivers an uplifting message: “The real fun awaits in the life ahead.” With a light four-on-the-floor beat and refreshing melody, it gently embraces a wavering heart.

The track is also included on the album Bonsai, released in May 2024.

It’s a song we especially want you to hear at that moment after graduation, when anticipation and anxiety mix as you enter a new life—when you’d rather look forward to the future than lament lost time.

SAKURAikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “SAKURA” Music Video

The major-label debut single by Ikimono-gakari, a duo known for their striking vocals and songs that vividly evoke scenes.

Released in March 2006, the track was featured in NTT East’s “DENPO115” commercial and a McDonald’s Japan commercial, becoming a long-running hit that stayed on the Oricon charts for 31 weeks.

Weaving in local scenery such as the Sagami Bridge and the Odakyu Line, the lyrics recount the fleeting love of student days and the poignancy of graduation, stirring youthful memories that many hold in their hearts.

The unceasing flow of time and the protagonist’s feelings as they face parting are portrayed with care, making it a song you’ll want to listen to in that moment of quiet loneliness after a graduation ceremony.

It’s a classic of spring that gently nudges you forward as you set out on a new path.

I’m glad I met you.Inoue Sonoko

Sonoko Inoue – “I’m Glad I Met You” (short ver.)

A song by Sonoko Inoue, a singer-songwriter from Hyogo Prefecture.

It’s a number that vividly evokes a scene of holding back sadness and saying goodbye on the day of the graduation ceremony.

The lyrics express gratitude for the encounters up to now and convey thanks to someone important before setting out alone on a new path—making it a song you’ll want to listen to when you graduate.

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Hoshino Takashi

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ReunionRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS Reunion

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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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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.

Tomoë GakuenFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Tomoe Gakuen (Full ver.)

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?

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Araki Jakkan

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