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

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.

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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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.

Graduation PhotoArai Yumi

Hi-Fi Set “Graduation Photo” 1975

This song is by singer-songwriter Yumi Arai, who now performs as Yumi Matsutoya and has created numerous hit songs.

It’s included on her third album, COBALT HOUR, and is widely known as a classic graduation song.

Its melancholic melody and lyrics that evoke memories of student days stir a sense of wistfulness no matter the era.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you find yourself overlaying the passage of time since graduation with who you are today—a number that brings back youth in a flash, along with faint memories of first love.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Like a flower that blooms in the fieldGACKT

GACKT “Like a Wildflower Blooming in the Field” [Official Music Video]

This is the 26th single by singer-songwriter GACKT, who announced an indefinite hiatus in 2021 due to ill health compounded by a severe voice disorder.

The song was written to fulfill a promise to a high school student who was a radio listener, and since it was actually performed at their graduation ceremony, it’s also known as a track that showcases GACKT’s sense of honor.

Despite its minimal arrangement—just vocals and acoustic guitar—the overwhelming presence of his voice gives you a powerful push forward.

It’s a moving graduation song that fills your heart with memories of your school days and a renewed resolve.

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Hoshino Takashi

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To the days without a nameyama

yama “To the Nameless Days” MV

This is the seventh digital single by yama, a singer who started out as a cover vocalist and has been drawing attention from many quarters after the massive hit of Spring Tells in 2020.

The track is also included on their major-label debut album, the meaning of life, and was selected as the theme song for Seven-Eleven’s original web anime Rainbow Finder #3.

With lyrics about moving on to the next stage while holding on to the dazzling memories of youth, it’s likely to resonate especially with students approaching graduation.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to while basking in nostalgia, with an androgynous vocal tone and an emotional melody that truly hits home.

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Hoshino Takashi

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my graduationSPEED

Speed My Graduation

This is the sixth single by SPEED, a four-member female idol-style dance and vocal group that drew major attention for debuting with an average age of 13.5.

One of SPEED’s signature songs, it makes a striking impact with an arrangement that shifts from piano-only instrumentation before the chorus to an impassioned surge at the hook.

Rather than a typical graduation theme, the lyrics evoke a graduation from a love that once set the heart ablaze.

Still, in choosing to draw a line in one’s heart and move on to the next stage, it resonates with the same meaning in life.

It’s a memorable number that conveys the resolve to become stronger while holding cherished memories close.

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Hoshino Takashi

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