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

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.

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.

DreamerJO1

JO1 | ’Dreamer’ Official MV

It’s a ballad that gives you the courage to take one step at a time toward your dreams.

Written as the theme song for the drama “Short Program,” in which all the members starred, it was included on the album “KIZUNA,” released in May 2022.

Created as an anthem to support those pursuing their dreams, the song stays close to people who, despite their anxieties and doubts, try to look ahead.

Its melody, which blends gentleness with fragility, builds dramatically toward the end and truly moves the listener’s heart.

It’s a song you’ll want to hear on the day you set off on a new journey.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata / Promise of a Sunflower (Short Ver.)

Hata Motohiro’s 17th single, “Himawari no Yakusoku,” was released in 2014.

It’s also famous as a theme song for Doraemon, and for a time it was so popular that it was requested at virtually every karaoke spot.

It’s a staple graduation song as well and is still used by many schools today.

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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.

Waiting for flowersKihara Rui

Rui Kihara / Waiting for Flowers Official Music Video

Written and composed by singer-songwriter Atsu Mizuno, this piece is a ballad distinguished by its warm melody.

It captures the loneliness of parting and a wish to meet again, offering comfort to those standing at the major milestone of graduation.

Released as a single in March 2025, it was also included on the first album, “REPLAY,” released the same year.

It’s a perfect song for spring, a season of new beginnings.

When the fleabanes bloomNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'When the Harujion Blooms' Short Ver.

When the season is filled with the scent of spring, a complex mix of the sadness of parting and the resolve to set out begins to grow, doesn’t it? This number by Nogizaka46 is a masterpiece that gently embraces those emotions we feel during graduation season.

Released in March 2016 as their 14th single, it features Mai Fukagawa as the center, serving as a grand send-off toward her graduation.

It was also used in a commercial for “sizebook,” so many of you have likely heard it.

The video, with its hakama outfits that evoke the Taisho era’s romantic aesthetic, is striking—just watching it may bring a lump to your throat.

When you’re anxious yet determined to step into a new world, this song will quietly give you courage and become something truly precious.