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

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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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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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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!

Sakura (2019)Moriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – “Sakura (2019)” Music Video

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.

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utatane

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Best FriendNishino Kana

Kana Nishino 'Best Friend (short ver.)'

A song said to have been written by Kana Nishino for a friend of her own.

It conveys just how important that kind of “friend” is—the one who always saves you in the midst of everyday life.

It’s a song overflowing with gratitude to the companions who have overcome both the fun times and the hard times together.

It brings back memories of those nostalgic, youthful days.

JourneyFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Tabiji (Official Video)

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.

Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri

Sakura Clear Skies

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.