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

Gift SongCHiCO with HoneyWorks

Gifted Song / CHiCO with HoneyWorks

This song was released by CHiCO, who began her activities in 2013, as part of the collaborative unit CHiCO with HoneyWorks, a creator team.

The lyrics express graduates’ gratitude to their parents and teachers.

It’s a moving piece about realizing that reaching graduation day wasn’t achieved by one’s own strength alone, but thanks to the support of parents and teachers—and about embarking on a new chapter in life.

Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Friend’s Song”

The song I want to listen to while reflecting on a friend I’m parting ways with is BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Tomodachi no Uta” (“Song of Friends”).

The lyrics, written by Motoo Fujiwara as he thought of characters from works he loved since childhood, convey a clumsy yet warm sense of friendship, and the grand sound incorporating trumpet is sure to resonate deeply with men as well.

Released in February 2011 as their 19th single, this track moved many as the theme song for the film “Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops—Angel Wings.” It’s a song that wraps up the anxieties of a new departure and gently nudges you forward.

Even if you end up walking separate paths, it makes you believe the time you shared won’t disappear—a masterpiece filled with kindness.

treasurewacci

wacci “Treasure” (Lyric Video)

It’s a cheering song that gently affirms the anxiety and impatience you feel while pursuing your dreams, yet also the strong will not to give up.

Included on the album “Kanjō Hyakkei,” released in August 2017, this track features a warm band sound whose words and melody reach straight to the heart.

It became a hot topic when Miho Takagi of speed skating listened to it as her pump-up song during the Pyeongchang Olympics in February 2018, and it spread as a song that gives many people a push forward.

True to wacci’s style, its everyday, empathetic message makes it perfect to give to a friend setting out on a new path at graduation or to teammates who have overcome frustration in their club activities.

It’s a song that helps you reaffirm the “precious things” that will support you in the life ahead.

Thank youKagura SCOPE

Kagura SCOPE – Thank You [Official Music Video]

A solo artist known as a “Rapsinger” who fuses rap and singing, Kagura SCOPE has been winning support from street performances.

This single, released in December 2024, is a heartwarming pop number that straightforwardly expresses gratitude.

Its lyrics reflect on the appreciation we often overlook in everyday life and the miracle that encounters are never to be taken for granted, resonating deeply with those facing seasons of farewells and new beginnings.

It’s easy to project feelings for loved ones—partners, family, and friends—and the music video, now available, heightens the emotion visually as well.

Perfect as background music for graduations and farewell parties, this gentle, empathetic song feels like it speaks the words of thanks we can’t fully convey ourselves.

Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad

My Hair is Bad – Dash Through the Memories

A ballad by My Hair is Bad filled with a warm message of gratitude to friends who shared irreplaceable time together, and of turning even painful experiences into strength for the future.

The sincere words penned by vocalist Tomohito Shiiki affirm the days that have passed in their entirety and give you the courage to take a new step forward.

Released in June 2024, the song also drew attention for being written as the theme for the film Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary.

It’s an important track that closes out the album ghosts, featuring a grand band sound worthy of a story’s end credits.

It’s a song that gently supports graduates as they etch their memories into their hearts and move on toward tomorrow—why not listen to it together with your cherished friends?

Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai

Dai Hirai / The Way Home in March (Lyric Video)

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.

C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h. [Official Music Video]

This is a stirring rock number by ONE OK ROCK that portrays the fiery bonds between friends charging toward their dreams.

While looking back on the youthful days they spent together, it vows that each will shine on the path they’ve chosen, powerfully pushing listeners forward.

Even if they grow apart, the memories in their hearts remain unfading treasures—an encouraging message that gives courage.

Included on the October 2011 album “Zankyo Reference,” this song is perfect to listen to while cheering on friends as they leap into a new world and salute each other’s efforts.

As an anthem that blows away anxiety and loneliness and helps you face forward, it’s definitely worth checking out!