[Gratitude, Encouragement, Memories] Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs You Can’t Listen to Without Crying [2026]
The graduation ceremony marks the culmination of your school life.
As you look back on your memories, you may feel nostalgic, lonely, or reluctant to say goodbye—so many emotions can come rushing in.
In this article, we’ll introduce graduation songs that will stay close to your heart when you’re overflowing with such feelings.
“I held it together and didn’t cry at the ceremony, but once I got home and was alone, I felt lonely…” “I’m hopeful about my new life, but saying goodbye to everyone is still so sad!” We’ve gathered songs we want you to listen to in moments like these.
They’re all timeless tracks that capture the loneliness you’re feeling and the memories you cherish—moving songs that might just bring you to tears.
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[Gratitude, Encouragement, Memories] Tearjerking Graduation Songs You Can’t Listen to Without Crying [2026] (1–10)
Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu
You can tell just from the title that Yuzu’s “Tomodachi ~Tabidachi no Toki~” is a graduation song.
Released in 2013, it was featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” and was also selected as the set piece for the 80th NHK National School Music Competition.
From the very first lines it grabs your heart—a song packed with many different feelings for friends.
If your graduation is near, you’ll surely find yourself thinking of your dearest friends and shedding tears.
spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE
A message song that truly resonates with the younger generation, shining a spotlight on the depths of emotion.
It’s a track by the rock band Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, included on their sixth single “Love me, Love you,” released in 2018.
Vocalist Motoki Omori wrote it the day after he graduated from high school, and it vividly captures what he was feeling at the time.
That’s why anyone approaching graduation will likely relate.
It really makes you reflect—how was my own school life, I wonder?
YELLikimonogakari
It’s “YELL,” a hit song released in 2009 by Ikimono-gakari.
This masterpiece was created as the required piece for the NHK National School Music Competition (Junior High School Division), with lyrics and composition by member Yoshiki Mizuno and arrangement by Masataka Matsutoya.
Its lyrics are inspiring: even though the path from school days spent with friends to each person’s individual dream can be a lonely one, it reminds us never to forget that our friends are always cheering us on.
It’s a graduation song you’ll want to listen to when you run into obstacles in a new chapter of life.
[Gratitude, Encouragement, Memories] Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs You Can't Listen to Without Crying [2026] (11–20)
Timeless masterpieces essential for a beautiful, youthful graduation
How was it? I think it was packed with timeless classics and songs that could become new standards. From here, we’ll keep introducing the editorial team’s top picks. These songs are filled with lyrics that bring back memories of school life and sing of hope for the future—you’ll probably find yourself in tears, swept up in nostalgia and precious memories of your youth.
far; distant; by farGReeeeN
Packed to the brim with youthful spirit, the popular drama ROOKIES—and its film adaptation ROOKIES: Graduation—features the song Haruka by GReeeeN.
Released in 2009 as GReeeeN’s 11th single, it’s a perfect graduation song, with soaring, heartfelt vocals that capture your heart and lyrics that can move you to tears.
Even if it’s a classic you’ve heard for years, take a moment to really sit with the words and listen closely.
It’s a song that’s sure to make you cry.
Kitearashi
Kite is a song that stands beside everyone graduating from their place of learning.
Composed by Kenshi Yonezu, it’s also known as a work released before Arashi’s hiatus.
As hope for the future intersects with gratitude for the past, its message powerfully supports graduates taking their first steps and gently soothes the tears shed at graduation ceremonies.
The moving harmony of the five members of Arashi is perfectly suited to the day of departure that is graduation, giving courage to set off into a new world.
On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai
This song, “Tabidachi no Hi ni…” included on Ai Kawashima’s eighth single “Dear,” released in 2006, is one of her signature tracks and a staple graduation song.
It’s a gentle ballad packed with memories of student life—the fun times and the bittersweetness of parting—all in one piece.
It’s a graduation song that makes you feel ready to take a new step forward: even with some anxiety, you can believe a new life awaits and do your best.
Dropkick&TEAM
A song that kicks hardships away together with your friends and gives you the courage to move forward.
It’s included on &TEAM, the global boy group from HYBE LABELS JAPAN, and their first full album “First Howling : NOW,” released in November 2023.
This work is a youth anthem portraying young people who keep running toward their dreams.
Its message—reaching out to each other when you’re about to fall and standing up again—resonates alongside a refreshing pop sound.
Ryan Tedder, known for his work with Beyoncé and Maroon 5, participated in the production, and the stadium-ready scale and bright melodies leave a strong impression.
The music video, featuring dynamic performances in sportswear, is also a must-see.
It’s a recommended track for those facing graduation and feeling anxious about stepping into a new environment.
Listen to it when you want a push on your back, keeping the bond with your precious friends close to your heart.