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

Sakura: To You Who Couldn’t GraduateHanzaki Yoshiko

Yoshiko Hanzaki “Sakura — To You Who Couldn’t Graduate —” Anime ver. (Short)

A song by Yoshiko Hanzaki, a Hokkaido-born singer-songwriter who discovered her passion for music while in college and made her major-label debut after 17 years of groundwork.

Featured as the first track on her debut mini-album “Uta-ben,” the song’s poignant lyrics, based on a friend’s real-life experience, really tighten the chest.

When student life is fulfilling, graduation itself can feel sad, but the message that safely graduating and having a future are not things to be taken for granted may be shocking and thought-provoking for students about to embark on a new path.

It’s a tear-jerking number that teaches us the preciousness of moving on to the next stage.

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Hoshino Takashi

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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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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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Embrace the presentsatō moka

Satomoka – Embrace the Now (Music Video)

A ballad by Moka Sato that makes you want to gently embrace the “now” we tend to lose sight of during busy days and the season of graduations and farewells.

Released as a single in November 2025, it’s a work that lays bare unadorned feelings.

What really hits home is how it portrays the will to move forward, even while carrying loneliness, through everyday details like familiar rooms and scenery.

It’s a song that sinks into the heart when you’re tucking away precious memories and heading toward a new place.

Thank youikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

A gemlike ballad that expresses the desire to convey heartfelt gratitude with a warm melody and lyrics that resonate deeply.

This heartwarming piece reaffirms the bonds and appreciation we feel for loved ones, and has been sung at many important moments in life.

Since its release in May 2010, it has captured the hearts of many viewers as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Gegege no Nyobo,” and is also included on the album “Ikimonobakari ~ Members BEST Selection ~.” It won the Excellent Work Award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards, and has been featured in high school music textbooks and adopted as a baseball march.

It’s a highly recommended song for occasions like weddings and graduation ceremonies, when you want to express your gratitude to someone special.

Sakura MelodyMakihara Noriyuki

Noriyuki Makihara – Sakura Melody [Music Video]

Set to gentle piano tones, this song sings of the season of farewells and new encounters.

Noriyuki Makihara’s delicate vocals resonate closely with those facing graduation.

Included on the March 2022 album “Bespoke,” this piece is a self-cover of a song he originally provided to Miliyah Kato and Shota Shimizu.

In the season of fluttering cherry blossoms, it’s a track that gives you the courage to take a new step while holding dear your memories and gratitude.

Listen to it during graduation ceremonies or times of departure, and it will surely touch your heart.

GraduationOzaki Yutaka

Yutaka Ozaki “Sotsugyo” (Graduation) – LIVE CORE Complete Edition: Yutaka Ozaki in Tokyo Dome, 1988-09-12

It was released in 1985 as Yutaka Ozaki’s fourth single.

Issued as the lead single from the album “Kaikisen” (Tropic of Capricorn), its lyrics—expressing frustrations when things don’t go as planned and the turmoil of sensitive adolescence—have long resonated with many young people.

Not only during graduation season, it continues to be sung today as one of Yutaka Ozaki’s signature songs.