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

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.

My friend — from here on out, forever…Ketsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “My Friend ~ From Here On Forever…”

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!

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Hane Keisuke

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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?

BelieveSugimoto Ryuichi

Everyone! Congratulations on your graduation! Tried singing BELIEVE covered by Gachapin [Graduation Song] [Chorus Piece]

It’s a song with a warm vocal that gently resonates with children’s hearts.

It sings of hope and faith in the future, and the importance of human connections.

Released in 1998 as the ending theme for NHK’s “Ikimono Chikyū Kikō” (The Great Journey of Life on Earth), it captured the hearts of many.

It is often performed at school graduation ceremonies and choir competitions, and is loved by a wide range of generations.

I think it’s perfect for those taking a new step forward or parting from dear friends.

Ryuichi Sugimoto’s warm lyrics and beautiful melody will surely be close to your heart.

The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'The Meaning of Goodbye'

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.

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Araki Jakkan

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Kadode no Ippo (feat. CHICO CARLITO)ASOBOiSM

Kadode no Ippo (feat. CHICO CARLITO)

This is an uplifting anthem that gives you the courage to set off toward your dreams.

Born from a collaboration between ASOBOiSM and CHICO CARLITO, the track was released in March 2024.

It weaves together the loneliness and anxiety of leaving familiar places with the excitement of taking a new step forward.

ASOBOiSM’s down-to-earth lyrics and CHICO CARLITO’s powerful rap gently nudge listeners onward.

It’s the perfect song for organizing your feelings before graduation or a new chapter in life.

Give it a listen—won’t you open the door to a new world, too?

Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone

Mone Kamishiraishi “Natsukashii Mirai” (Lyrics/Composition: Naotaro Moriyama) Music Video

If you’re excited about starting a new chapter but also feeling a bit anxious, I recommend listening to “Natsukashii Mirai” (“A Nostalgic Future”).

This song was written and composed by Naotaro Moriyama as the theme for high school soccer, and it’s performed by singer-songwriter Mone Kamishiraishi.

Its message—encouraging you to keep moving toward the future you envision—will resonate even if you’re not into soccer.

The powerful vocals and chorus are sure to give you courage.

After listening, I hope you’ll take a moment to reflect on what the title “Natsukashii Mirai” means to you.

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yamamoto

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