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

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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Full of memoriesH₂O

Memories Are Full – H2O [AiemuTV – Acoustic Cover]

This is the fifth single by H2O, a musical duo active from 1976 to 1985 that later reunited from 1999 to 2003 before disbanding.

The song was used as the theme for the TV anime Miyuki, and it’s also frequently chosen for music classes and choral competitions in junior high and high schools, so many people across generations have probably heard it.

Its lyrics, which reminisce about youth, and its wistful melody bring back memories of fun school days.

It’s an enduring graduation song whose impression changes greatly depending on whether you listen to it as a student or after you’ve graduated and time has passed.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya

Takanori Kawasaki - Sakura Usagi [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

It’s a heart-wrenchingly bittersweet graduation song that makes you see your timid self in a “rabbit.” After three years of pent-up feelings, all you can manage to say in the end is “thank you.” Doesn’t it make you overlay your own image onto that sweet-and-bitter page of youth? Takaya Kawasaki’s husky yet warm voice gently wraps around the protagonist’s frustrating, unrequited feelings.

Released in January 2021, this song is also included on the album Nukumori (Warmth).

For those who couldn’t say that single word, “I like you,” its message tenderly embraces those painful memories—and if you’ve ever had a one-sided crush, it will surely warm your heart.

Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru

Wataru Ochiai – Because We’re Friends (Music Video)

Student days are packed with memories, and the moment of parting is both beautiful and tinged with melancholy.

Wataru Ochiai’s “Tomodachi Yakarane” richly conveys those feelings.

Along with its warm melody, it portrays everyday life at school and farewells to close friends, celebrating the strength of those bonds.

Sweeping away the anxiety of growing distant, this song makes you feel a connection that won’t change, and it resonates especially deeply when listened to during graduation season.

Its sincere lyrics give courage and hope to listeners, offering a cheer for taking a new step forward.

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.

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.

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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