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

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.

Goodbyekariyushi 58

Kariyushi58 “Sayonara”

A bittersweet classic perfect for the season of farewells.

It stirs deep gratitude for days gone by and aching feelings for someone precious you’ll never meet again.

Released as a single by Kariyushi58 in February 2009, it was selected as the theme song for NTV’s Saturday drama “Zeni Geba,” earning the band their first Top 10 entry on the Oricon weekly chart.

Vocalist Shingo Maekawa’s warm voice and the distinctly Okinawan rhythm leave a strong impression.

This is a song that gently supports those who have experienced parting or lost someone dear.

Try listening while looking up at the sky—surely, your feelings will reach that special someone.

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.

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE

EXILE / Michi (Short Ver.)

It was released in 2007 as EXILE’s 23rd single.

The song was issued as the lead single from their fifth album, EXILE EVOLUTION, and was selected by the National Karaoke Business Association as a recommended song for the graduation season.

It’s popular as a classic graduation song, and the CD also includes a choral version.

Many people may be separated from their lovers or best friends upon graduation, and this is a moving, tear-jerking masterpiece that resonates with those hearts.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Saitō Ayumu

Report a problem

true feelingsGENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE

true feelings

This song is filled with messages cheering on those who keep moving forward despite uncertainty and regret.

It’s a track by the dance and vocal group GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE, released in March 2026.

It served as a tie-in song with the radio show SCHOOL OF LOCK!, which the members appeared on for six years, and the show’s live project MY GENERATION 2026.

The sentimental strings are sure to bring tears.

The lyrics, written in down-to-earth language, are deeply relatable, word by word.

With a graduation-themed worldview, it’s a masterpiece that stands by everyone carrying a sense of heartache.

Give it a listen when you want to shake off your sadness.

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Yuzu “Eikou no Kakehashi” Music Video

This is the 21st single by Yuzu, the folk duo that probably comes to mind for many when they hear about musicians who started as street performers.

Chosen as NHK’s official theme song for the broadcast of the 2004 Athens Olympics in Greece, it’s a track that almost every Japanese person is likely to know.

The lyrics, which teach the importance of overcoming hard work and setbacks, resonate deeply with graduation ceremonies that mark the end of student days.

It’s a perfect number for graduation season, one that lets you truly feel the results of all your efforts.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri

To You Graduating This Year [Sakura Clear Skies] [First Performance of New Song]

This is the fourth major digital single by singer-songwriter Yuuri, who made his name known in the J-POP scene when his second major digital single, Dry Flower, became a massive hit with over 300 million streams.

Inspired by an email from a fan, it is his first graduation song, and its message—expressing gratitude to those who have supported him and celebrating a new departure—really resonates.

The complex emotions felt before graduation are sung over a rich, layered piano sound.

It’s a perfect graduation song for everyone to sing together at a graduation ceremony.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem