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

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.

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Saitō Ayumu

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To the futureKiroro

Kiroro “To the Future” Music Video (Short ver.)

It was released in 1998 as Kiroro’s second single.

It is often sung in middle and high school music classes and at choral competitions, and is also known as a graduation song.

This classic is filled with courage and hope to move toward the future, as well as feelings of gratitude.

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!

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.

Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster

[Little Glee Monster] Youth Photograph [Litoguri]

While we’re living our school lives, we don’t realize how precious those ordinary days are.

Perhaps on the day we graduate, we’ll finally understand that those everyday moments were truly special anniversaries.

I’m moved by the pure feeling of wanting to keep smiling until the very end, yet still ending up in tears because it’s just so lonely.

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Hane Keisuke

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Letter ~ Dear Fifteen-Year-Old MeAnjura Aki

Angela Aki “Letter ~Dear You, Fifteen~” Official Music Video (HD)

This is the eighth single by Angela Aki, a half-Japanese, Italian-American artist who is also active as a jazz pianist.

As suggested by the tagline, “Have you ever written a letter to your ‘future self’?”, the striking lyrics resonate with the hopes and anxieties of students on the verge of graduation.

The worries unique to student life—and the messages born from overcoming them—are words that can only be conveyed to oneself.

Buoyed by a refreshing piano tone that makes you feel a bright future awaits if you keep believing and moving forward, it’s a graduation song that feels truly uplifting.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Just a little longer until graduationGLAY

Just a little longer until graduation

A mid-tempo ballad from GLAY, the four-piece rock band from Hakodate, Hokkaido, that gently seeps into the heart.

Based on TAKURO’s own experiences, the lyrics delicately capture the bittersweet everyday atmosphere that precedes parting—distinct from the exhilaration of a graduation ceremony.

Originally released to the world in February 2002 as the B-side to the single “Way of Difference,” the song was later included on the album “UNITY ROOTS & FAMILY, AWAY.” While the title track became a major hit as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Ainori, this song has also enjoyed enduring popularity among fans.

If you know the unique loneliness that settles in the season before graduation, it’s sure to move you.

Why not revisit it slowly, letting it wash over you as you dwell on memories from that time?