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

Cherry blossom seasonEXILE ATSUSHI

EXILE ATSUSHI / “Cherry Blossom Season” MV

Graduation season is that time when the excitement of spring being just around the corner mixes with a bittersweet feeling, isn’t it? Perfect for that mood is “Sakura no Kisetsu” sung by ATSUSHI from EXILE.

Released in 2015 as ATSUSHI’s seventh single, the song was also featured on NHK’s program Minna no Uta.

Chosen as the set piece for the 81st NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition, it’s an ideal graduation song—a tear-jerking number.

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Sky-blue DaysSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Sky-Blue Days”

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.

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cherry blossomKobukuro

Sakura – Kobukuro (Full)

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!

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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.

footprint(s)Little Glee Monster

Little Glee Monster “Ashiato” Music Video

An emotional number where delicate piano melodies intertwine with powerful vocals to move the listener’s heart.

Written by the members themselves, the lyrics portray the strength to trust the path you’ve walked, even while carrying anxiety and doubt.

Its gentle message—that every past experience can become nourishment for the future—resonates not only with students at the milestone of graduation, but also deeply with us as adults.

Released in September 2020, the song was created as the set piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition (Junior High School Division).

Its acclaim is unquestionable, having won the Excellence Work Award at the 62nd Japan Record Awards.

Also included on the album “GRADATI∞N,” it’s an encouraging anthem that gives you courage—perfect for anyone embarking on a new journey or for moments when you feel like you might come to a halt.

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.

Sakura, You, and Ituki.

tuki. 'Sakura Kimi Watashi' Official Music Video

Layered over the gentle melody woven by the acoustic guitar, tuki.’s vocals—imbued with a level of expressiveness hard to believe for a teenager—vividly evoke the bittersweet scenes of graduation season.

Released in January 2024, this piece was written as an insert song for ABEMA’s romance reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita.

Graduation Edition 2024.” Its lyrics, which trace the farewells that come with cherry blossoms and the fleeting end of a young love, convey the universal ache of youth, portraying a protagonist who accepts the end of a relationship while striving to cherish the memories.

Much like the music video on YouTube that has surpassed 10 million views, it’s a sentimental acoustic number you’ll want to pair with a story compiling memories with friends.