![[Gratitude, Encouragement, Memories] Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs You Can’t Listen to Without Crying [2026]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/xefpHEg5UIA/maxresdefault.webp)
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] Tearjerking Graduation Songs You Can’t Listen to Without Crying [2026] (1–10)
A classic and new hit showdown packed with youth and hope!
We carefully selected masterpieces that have long been staples of graduation songs, as well as tracks that seem poised to become the new standards. Each song evokes memories of your youth and paints a hopeful picture of the future. You’re sure to find a favorite that resonates with your heart!
About meMrs. GREEN APPLE
On days you gave it your all and on days your dreams fell apart—each one is a precious page that shapes your life.
This song, imbued with such a powerful message, can be called a hymn to life by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE.
Released in January 2019 as their eighth single, it was chosen as the support song for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
A grand rock ballad with marching elements, vocalist Motoki Omori has said it was created around the theme of “affirming everything, including those who lost and everything up to that point.” The track surpassed 100 million streams in January 2021 and continues to resonate with many people.
It’s a song we want to send to everyone reaching the milestone of graduation, looking back on their efforts, frustrations, and joys.
It helps you accept yourself and gives you the courage to step into tomorrow.
CorrectRADWIMPS
“18 Festival,” organized by NHK, has been held since 2016.
RADWIMPS’s “Seikai (Answer)” was created for “RADWIMPS 18 Festival 2018.” As a song directed at that generation, it’s packed with youth, and it powerfully conveys a range of feelings and memories about friendship and friends.
It’s a graduation song, and for those taking a new step forward, it’s a deeply moving track that can bring you to tears.
We againSG
SG’s “Bokura Mata” is a song that stands beside you as you reach the important milestone of graduation.
It gently portrays deep emotions: friendships that won’t change even as paths diverge, the hope within a new first step, and the trembling heart stirred by memories of school days gone by.
SG’s warm vocals have strong support on social media, especially on TikTok.
The joyful moments of school life and the bittersweet farewells are expressed over a soft R&B beat, making your heart swell each time you listen.
HarukaYOASOBI
YOASOBI’s “Haruka” is a song that beautifully captures the bittersweetness and hope of a new beginning.
Based on Osamu Suzuki’s story “Tsuki Ōji” (Moon Prince), it features a heartwarming melody that perfectly suits graduation season.
The tender yet poignant vocals color feelings of gratitude and encouragement, along with cherished memories.
Its lyrics, which evoke friendship and family love, will gently embrace those closing a chapter of their youth as spring arrives.
It’s a moving track for everyone embarking on the journey of graduation.
Heralding springyama
This is a song released by yama in April 2020, whose translucent singing voice has captivated many listeners.
Its brisk rhythm and melodic sound are striking, unfolding scenes that evoke a city nightscape.
The lyrics portray the feelings of loneliness and anxiety while chasing dreams in a small room late at night, realistically expressing the struggles of young people living today.
Imbued with complex emotions—such as the fleeting nature of online connections, the exhaustion of pretending to be a perfect self, and the intersection of endings and beginnings—this work is especially moving to hear at the milestone of graduation.
It spread rapidly on TikTok and YouTube, surpassing 300 million streams in June 2022.
It’s a song we particularly recommend to those who feel both the hope of a new life and the sorrow of parting, or who want to look back on the days they’ve lived so far.
March 9Remioromen
It was released in 2004 as Remioromen’s second single.
Originally, it was said to have been written to celebrate the wedding of a mutual friend of the band members.
However, after it was used in the drama “1 Litre of Tears,” it became a classic graduation song.
It’s often sung at elementary and junior high school graduations and in choir performances.
The wistful melody matches the lyrics that evoke parting, and just listening to it brings back memories and tears.
KanadeSukima Suichi
A gem of a ballad that portrays both the ache and the hope of parting with a lover as you enter a long-distance relationship.
Released in March 2004 as Sukima Switch’s second single, it delivers a powerful message that even when you’re apart, hearts can remain connected—a sentiment that resonates deeply.
The lyrics carefully depict how meeting someone special can change the way you see the world, and the desire to let your voice reach them across physical distance—moving many listeners to tears.
The song was used as an insert track in the film “Rough,” served as the theme for the third night of Fuji TV’s drama “Sotsu Uta,” and in 2006 played as the ending theme on the final day of the high school baseball program “Netto Koshien,” becoming a deeply remembered symbol of youth and farewell.
It’s a must-listen for anyone parting from someone precious after graduation, or those feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety as they step into a new chapter.