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

Last SongOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Last Song [Studio Live Session]

Released in October 2019 by Official HIGE DANDism, this song is a pop tune that gently accompanies those facing graduation.

Set to a light, piano-driven arrangement, it portrays both the bittersweetness and the hope of a new departure.

Included on the album “Traveler,” it was also used as an insert song for the TV drama “Ato 3-kai, Kimi ni Aeru” (We Can Meet Three More Times).

Satoshi Fujihara’s warm vocals gift listeners a sense of unhurried time, creating moments that linger in the heart.

While it captures the sadness of parting, it also gives courage to look ahead to the future.

It’s a perfect choice for graduations, farewell gatherings, and other moments of saying goodbye to someone important.

Miracle ~To the Future~whiteeeen

whiteeeen “Kiseki ~To the Future~” MV whiteeeen Short ver. “YouTube Mix”

This is whiteeeen’s third single and the theme song for the film adaptation of Kazune Kawahara’s shoujo manga Aozora Yell.

It’s a song that resonates with characters who, while running into various obstacles, keep moving toward their goals.

With a medium tempo, it’s also easy to sing at karaoke.

Until we meet againHirai Dai

Until we meet again

This is a moving ballad by singer-songwriter Dai Hirai, known for his surf music-inspired sound.

It portrays not only the sadness of parting, but also gratitude for having met and hope for meeting again, gently wrapping listeners’ hearts in warmth.

The scene of waving and saying “see you” along the usual tree-lined street is enough to make your chest tighten, isn’t it? The song is included on the album “Slow & Easy,” released in May 2015.

In its lyrics, you can feel the protagonist’s strong resolve to step into the future as the seasons change.

It’s a perfect track to accompany a montage that looks back on memories with dear friends at the moment of graduation—be sure to give it a listen.

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?

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!

If I turn around…Janne Da Arc

Janne Da Arc: If You Turn Around — TV Appearance

It was released in 2006 as Janne Da Arc’s 25th single.

The song was used as the theme for the film “HIRAKATA,” which features the band members and is inspired by their alma mater, and the music video features actress Maki Horikita.

It is one of Janne Da Arc’s signature songs and is also popular as a graduation song.

Thank youikimonogakari

Arigatou – Ikimono-gakari (Full)

This is the 18th single by Ikimono-gakari, a duo known for their impressive vocals and evocative songs that bring vivid scenes to mind.

Although it was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyobo, it’s a well-known track even among those who haven’t seen the series.

With lyrics that express gratitude in simple words anyone can say, it’s easy to imagine friends and mentors when graduation season comes around.

It’s a heartfelt classic filled with messages you want to convey at life’s turning points.

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Hoshino Takashi

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