[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] (41–50)
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro
Hata Motohiro’s 17th single, “Himawari no Yakusoku,” was released in 2014.
It’s also famous as a theme song for Doraemon, and for a time it was so popular that it was requested at virtually every karaoke spot.
It’s a staple graduation song as well and is still used by many schools today.
Bridge of Gloryyuzu
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.
When it shinesHitsuji Bungaku
“When It Shines” is a song that gently stays by your side when you’re feeling lonely.
It was written by the rock band Hitsujibungaku as the opening theme for the anime The Heike Story.
As you know, the Heike are destined to fall, yet the lyrics portray a determination to keep walking forward with hope.
It’s an uplifting encouragement song that can lift you out of a slump, so listening to it is sure to lighten your heart.
Sakura (2019)Moriyama Naotaro
Naotaro Moriyama’s “Sakura” is an unmissable, classic graduation song.
Since its release in 2003, countless artists have covered it, and it’s a timeless piece that will continue to be sung.
It perfectly captures those indescribable feelings that come with cherry blossom season—a refreshing time for new beginnings, yet also a season of farewells, carrying a certain melancholy that suits the song so well.
It’s a moving track you can’t help but hear when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
JourneyFuji Kaze
Fujii Kaze’s song is a heartwarming piece themed around the journey of life and personal growth.
It’s a soulful track where nostalgic breakbeats intertwine with the gentle tones of a Wurlitzer.
Released in March 2021, it was chosen as the theme song for TV Asahi’s Thursday drama Nijiiro Karte.
This work, Kaze’s first-ever drama tie-in, also drew attention for its music video, which was filmed in his hometown of Satosho, Okayama Prefecture, and at his alma mater.
It’s a song we’d love graduates to hear—a track whose lyrics brim with hope for new beginnings and tender affection for cherished memories, sure to resonate with many.
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.
Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri
Prompted by an email from a fan who was facing graduation without being able to make enough memories during the COVID-19 pandemic, this became Yuuri’s first-ever graduation song.
It was released digitally in February 2021 and was included on the following year’s album, “Ichi.” Set to a gentle arrangement centered on piano and strings, the lyrics express straightforward gratitude to a father, mother, and friends.
Everyday scenes—like the view by the window and the smell of home—are depicted with care, inviting moments that may overlap with each listener’s own memories.
Balancing the sorrow of farewell with hope for a new beginning, the lyrics gently support those whose hearts are full after their graduation ceremony.
It’s a song you’ll want to hear when you want to share feelings that are usually too embarrassing to express, or when you want to look back on precious time with your friends.