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

Best FriendKiroro

Best Friend – Kiroro (Full)

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.

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Saitō Ayumu

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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.

YuiriMurayama Yuiri

[MV full] Yuiri / Sayaka Murayama [Official]

Ayaka Murayama, who has appeared in over 1,000 AKB48 theater performances and has long been beloved by fans as the “Goddess of the Theater.” Created to coincide with her graduation from the group, this work bears her nickname in its title and is a moving ballad that conveys gratitude while she looks at herself as an idol with an objective eye.

As it reflects on her journey so far, her vocals, filled with determination to move forward into the future, are impossible to listen to without tears.

It’s a coupling track included on the limited first edition TYPE-A of the single “Masaka no Confession,” released in April 2025, with lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto.

It’s a gentle masterpiece that will resonate with anyone embarking on a new chapter from a place they’ve spent many years, or parting ways with cherished companions.

Words of FarewellGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Words of Gift

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.

I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu

Spitz / I Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky

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.

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Hane Keisuke

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GraduationKobukuro

Kobukuro “Graduation”

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.

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utatane

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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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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