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

The ringing beginning of a dreamkyarī pamyu pamyu

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu – Yumeno Hajima Ring Ring (Kyary Pamyu Pamyu – Yume no Hajimarin Rin) Official Music Video

When you think of graduation songs, most are slow and sentimental, but Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s “Yume no Hajimarinrin” is a cute graduation song that expands the whimsical Kyary world.

Released in 2014 as her eighth single, it’s a charming track with her signature style toned down a bit, expressing a new departure in a sweet, distinctly Kyary way.

It isn’t somber, but it’s a number that truly tugs at the heart.

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utatane

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Words of FarewellKaientai

This is the 16th single by the folk group Kaientai, centered around Tetsuya Takeda, who is active not only as a musician and actor but also on variety shows.

It’s also known as the theme song for the TV drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3B” and is famous as a classic graduation song.

While it’s a song that has likely been sung at thank-you parties and graduation ceremonies across generations, did you know it’s actually a heartbreak song based on Tetsuya Takeda’s personal experience? With a lyrical melody and beautifully written words, the lyrics evoke the farewells common to both graduation and romance, making it a tune anyone can hum along to.

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Hoshino Takashi

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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.

We Look Up to You with Respect

We Look Up to You with Respect

I imagine many people sang this song at their graduation ceremonies, but I recently came across an article saying it’s not sung as often at graduations nowadays.

Even so, when people hear “graduation,” I think many still picture this song.

The lyrics express gratitude toward teachers and friends, making it a perfect graduation song.

Goodbye, graduation.haji→

Hajime → Graduation Goodbye.

A graduation-themed song by singer-songwriter Ha-j→.

The lyrics, which can apply not only to school but also to various farewells and “graduations” like romance, getting a job, or changing careers, really strike a chord.

The message—“It’s lonely, but let’s smile and each move forward on our new paths”—conveys a straightforward sense of empathy.

Being separated and walking a different path alone can be very unsettling and make you feel isolated.

Still, it’s a cheer song that encourages you to look ahead, believing that you’ll meet again someday.

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hiyori

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Graduation song, friends’ song19

19 – Sotsugyou no Uta, Tomodachi no Uta

It’s also a cheer song that supports friends with the theme of graduation and parting.

Taking that first new step after graduation brings excitement, but also anxiety and the need for courage.

This song gives courage and a gentle push to those people.

If you listen to it at a graduation ceremony, many will likely feel encouraged.

Petals, heralding the beginningsakura shimeji

Sakurashimeji “Petals, Announcing the Beginning” Lyric Video

Sakurashimeji’s “Hanabira, Hajimari o Tsugete” is a perfect fit for that moment when you open the door to a new beginning called graduation.

The melody woven by strings and acoustic guitar has a soothing tone that blends into the quietly moving atmosphere of a graduation ceremony.

While it carries a touch of sentimentality, its lyrics sing of hope for the future, giving voice to the complex emotions graduates feel, and the gentle, unhurried rhythm softly embraces those feelings.

As you bid farewell to your place of learning, this song will surely resonate in many hearts.