[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)
Best FriendKiroro
Kiroro’s 10th single.
It was released on June 6, 2001.
It’s a very beautiful song, with straightforward vocals layered over a simple piano accompaniment.
It brings up feelings for the dear friends you spent your school days with.
Many people leave their hometowns around graduation, but when you listen to this song, tears come along with the feeling that you’ll remain best friends forever.
[Gratitude, Encouragement, Memories] Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs You Can’t Listen to Without Crying [2026] (51–60)
true feelingsGENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE
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.
Sky-blue DaysSHISHAMO
SHISHAMO, who are especially popular among people their age, have many youth and love songs.
Their 2018 single “Mizuiro no Hibi” is packed with wavering emotions—anxieties about a new life to come and all the feelings tied to graduation.
It conveys that inexpressible mix of fear that the ordinary days that once meant nothing might suddenly disappear, and the reluctant understanding that, even though you know it’s true, you’d rather not accept it.
Listening to it is sure to bring some people back to their youth.
I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu
Representing Spitz, this song has been loved by people of all ages ever since its release in 1994—truly a timeless classic! While it isn’t specifically themed around graduation, it’s actually often sung as a choral piece at graduation ceremonies.
That’s because the message in “Sora mo Toberu Hazu” (“We Could Even Fly in the Sky”), which evokes a sense of limitless possibility, is perfect for sending off graduates embarking on a new chapter.
Plus, the chorus includes lyrics that express gratitude for the connections we’ve made, making it a song that lets you look back on memories and feel deeply moved.
cherry blossomKobukuro
When you think of graduation, you think of cherry blossoms—and when you think of cherry blossoms, you think of this song.
It’s one of the signature tracks by Kobukuro, the musical duo behind many classics like “Koko ni Shika Sakanai Hana” and “Tsubomi,” released as their 12th single in 2005.
It drew attention when it was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama Ns’ Aoi.
The lyrics are truly wonderful, conveying the message that even if you’re sad now, the experience will help you live stronger from here on out.
With this song in your heart, let’s do our best as we start life in a new place!
GraduationKobukuro
Kobukuro, whose voices resonate deep in the heart and whose superb singing wins fans across age and gender, released a graduation song in 2020 aptly titled “Sotsugyo” (“Graduation”).
It’s a quintessentially Kobukuro track with a straightforward, emotionally powerful punch.
Looking back as adults, the three years of junior high and high school feel like they flew by, yet they were truly irreplaceable.
Of course, at the time we weren’t thinking about that as we went about our lives.
This is a graduation song that will deeply move those who are graduating, and even for adults, it’s likely to stir up all kinds of emotions.
Words of FarewellGReeeeN
GReeeeN’s song is a single released in October 2018.
It’s also known as the theme song for the film “Run! T High School Basketball Club.” The lyrics are filled with gratitude toward friends and the feelings that come with parting.
It starts with everyday life in the classroom, depicting the value of the time spent together and the emotions at the moment of farewell.
The gentle piano melody and beautiful harmonies express the deep sentiments of graduation or retiring from a club.
It’s a song that turns memories with friends into energy for the road ahead.
It’s one you’ll want to listen to when you feel lonely after the graduation ceremony.