[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] Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs You Can’t Listen to Without Crying [2026] (21–30)
Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi
A collaborative song by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu and actor Masaki Suda.
With verses kept understated that surge into an explosive chorus, it links to the wish that even as we grow, some things will remain unchanged—a number that feels like the heart’s cry of those about to graduate.
Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai
When it comes to ballads perfect for graduation season, Dai Hirai’s songs are the ones that come to mind.
The gentle melody woven by piano and strings is filled with the sadness of parting and the anticipation of a new beginning.
His soft vocals tenderly envelop cherished memories and gratitude toward friends.
Released as a digital single in February 2022, this song resonated with many hearts.
It’s perfect for listening alone after the graduation ceremony while reminiscing.
It’s a wonderful track that gives you the courage to take a new step forward.
Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
Though they disbanded in 2013 to much regret, FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ songs are still often heard.
Their 21st single, “Arigatou,” released in 2013, is well known for featuring Sanma Akashiya on the cover.
It has also become a staple graduation song.
While it’s a graduation song, it’s also a track you’ll want to gift to dear friends—people you want to cherish forever.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want as a good-luck charm for the times after graduation when things get tough or you feel like giving up.
The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46
This song carries the feeling that, although parting is painful, we should face forward and keep moving on.
It’s a track by the popular idol group Nogizaka46, released in 2016 as their 16th single.
Its biggest appeal is definitely the lyrics—each word radiates energy.
Maybe that’s why, even though the melody and sound feel heartrending, by the time you finish listening you’ll feel ready to live strongly.
Graduation is also a kind of send-off ceremony for yourself.
On the Day of Departure
I’m sure there are a ton of people who’ve sung it.
“Tabidachi no Hi ni,” the ultimate classic graduation song.
It was originally a choral piece born in 1991 at Kagemori Junior High School in Chichibu, Saitama.
From there, it began to be sung at nearby elementary and junior high schools, and was later featured in the music magazine Kyoiku Ongaku.
That’s how it spread across the country as a graduation song.
The lyrics’ message—let’s take off into the ever-expanding sky—moves the heart no matter how old you are.
It’s also recommended for adults who want to reminisce about their school days.
proofflumpool
Asho (Proof), flumpool’s seventh single released in 2011.
This song was also selected for the 78th NHK National School Music Contest that year.
Gentle and deeply moving, it mirrors the sentimental mood of graduation and is a tearjerker.
It also evokes a sense of the future that lies beyond graduation.
While it’s a graduation song, it conveys bonds of the heart and inner strength, making it a perfect anthem to cheer on those who are giving their all.
My friend — from here on out, forever…Ketsumeishi
When it comes to songs you want to listen to during graduation season, you can’t leave out tracks that sing about friendship! They let you look back on memories with friends you’ve spent so much time with, and share your gratitude and your “let’s keep in touch from here on out” feelings.
The perfect friendship song for graduation season is this track by Ketsumeishi.
It speaks to staying friends forever, and the message of “I’ll be there to support you when times are tough” is incredibly reassuring.
If you listen to this song before graduation, it’s sure to bring back all your memories and emotions—and probably move you to tears!
