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

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.

Playlist

[Gratitude, Encouragement, Memories] Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs You Can’t Listen to Without Crying [2026]
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	CorrectRADWIMPS		A moving graduation song that portrays the youth and friendship of eighteen-year-olds
2	About meMrs. GREEN APPLE		Affirm the pages of your life and find the courage to move forward.
3	We againSG		A heartwarming song by SG that portrays the emotions of graduation
4	HarukaYOASOBI		A heartwarming song that colors the graduation season
5	March 9Remioromen		A classic graduation song, bittersweet memories of parting
6	KanadeSukima Suichi		A long-distance love, a song of heartache and hope
7	Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu		An emotional graduation song that sings of parting with friends
8	spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE		A message song of youth with hearts stirred on the eve of graduation
9	Heralding springyama		A signature song by yama that depicts the emotions of contemporary youth
10	YELLikimonogakari		A graduation song that sings of friends’ support and the courage to pursue dreams
11	far; distant; by farGReeeeN		A youth-filled graduation song: GReeeeN “Haruka”
12	Kitearashi		Arashi’s graduation song conveys hope and gratitude.
13	On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai		Ai Kawashima’s moving graduation song that sings of memories and farewells
14	Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu		A song that conveys the radiance of youth and the treasures of everyday life
15	Dropkick&TEAM		A youth walked with friends, a song of courage to move forward
16	evening primroseNovelbright		Novelbright’s heartrending farewell ballad
17	Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//		A heartwarming song that conveys feelings of gratitude
18	Bye-Good-ByeBE:FIRST		A song that turns farewell into strength, courage to face forward
19	Farewell, Youth (Chatmonchy cover)Rīgaru Rirī		Regal Lily covers Chatmonchy’s graduation song
20	pedestrian overpassNogizaka 46		A moving Nogizaka46 song that portrays the uncertainties of life
21	Gift SongCHiCO with HoneyWorks		Sing of gratitude for graduation and a resolve for a new life
22	Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi		A heartwarming graduation song by Kenshi Yonezu and Masaki Suda
23	Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai		Hirai Dai’s graduation song resonates with the heart.
24	true feelingsGENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE		An encouraging message song about moving forward while feeling lost
25	Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS		A moving classic about graduation and friendship
26	treasurewacci		An inspiring song that encourages the courage to pursue your dreams
27	proofflumpool		flumpool’s graduation song that sings of hope for the future
28	Thank youKagura SCOPE		A heartwarming song from Kagura SCOPE filled with gratitude
29	Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN		Song of friendship, even when apart our hearts remain connected
30	My friend — from here on out, forever…Ketsumeishi		Look back on memories with a friendship song for graduation season
31	BelieveSugimoto Ryuichi		A song of hope that stays close to a child’s heart
32	Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad		A song that expresses gratitude to friends and a positive outlook
33	The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46		A moving song that portrays parting and hope for moving forward
34	Kadode no Ippo (feat. CHICO CARLITO)ASOBOiSM		A moving song that supports a new departure
35	Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone		Songs by Mone Kamishiraishi that soothe the anxieties of a new life
36	road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE		A moving masterpiece that resonates during graduation season
37	To the futureKiroro		An emotional song known as a graduation song
38	Goodbyekariyushi 58		Season of farewells, feelings for someone dear
39	Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster		School days are precious memories of youth.
40	Letter ~ Dear Fifteen-Year-Old MeAnjura Aki		To my future self, with hope and anxiety
41	Just a little longer until graduationGLAY		A bittersweet farewell before graduation and a song of memories
42	C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK		Bonds and resolve with companions heading toward our dreams
43	Bridge of Gloryyuzu		Yuzu’s classic “Eikou no Kakehashi,” a graduation song
44	Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro		Motohiro Hata's “Himawari no Yakusoku,” a graduation song
45	Sakura (2019)Moriyama Naotaro		Naotaro Moriyama’s “Sakura,” a song of parting and rebirth
46	On the Day of Departure		The Moving Power of the Graduation Song “Tabidachi no Hi ni”
47	Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri		A graduation song born during the COVID-19 pandemic, filled with gratitude and hope
48	Best FriendKiroro		A moving youth song about friendship and farewell
49	When it shinesHitsuji Bungaku		A cheering song that stays by your side when you feel lonely
50	Best FriendNishino Kana		Gratitude to Friends and the Importance of Bonds that Support Everyday Life
51	JourneyFuji Kaze		A timeless song portraying Fujii Kaze’s growth and journey
52	Words of FarewellGReeeeN		A moving song that depicts GReeeeN’s youth
53	I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu		Cheering on a new beginning with a classic by Spitz
54	Cherry blossom seasonEXILE ATSUSHI		Graduation season, ATSUSHI’s cherry blossom season
55	GraduationKobukuro		Convey memories and moving emotions through graduation songs
56	Sky-blue DaysSHISHAMO		A classic song that sings of youthful anxieties and day-to-day changes
57	Last SongOfisharu Higedan Dism		A moving song that portrays the bittersweetness and hope of graduation
58	YuiriMurayama Yuiri		A moving ballad by Sayaka Murayama, who is graduating from AKB48
59	cherry blossomKobukuro		In graduation season, face forward with Kobukuro’s classic song
60	Miracle ~To the Future~whiteeeen		Theme song of the film Ao-zora Yell, an inspiring story about chasing dreams
61	footprint(s)Little Glee Monster		A song of courage whose moving vocals shake the heart
62	Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri		Yuri’s heartfelt graduation song of gratitude and departure resonates deeply.
63	Sakura, You, and Ituki.		A bittersweet youth song for graduation season
64	It’s okayji ma ma		A heartwarming classic by jimama from Okinawa
65	Until we meet againHirai Dai		Dai Hirai's ballad portrays a farewell and the hope of reunion.
66	horizonback number		Youth that looks forward, nourished by lost dreams
67	Cherry Blossom Rainhalyosy		A song of youthful memories sung by Hatsune Miku
68	Song of DepartureMr.Children		An inspiring masterpiece that embraces graduation with positivity
69	Born on this planetGasshou Kyoku		A moving song that sings of the preciousness of life and hope
70	StoryAI		A moving AI ballad that sings of deep love and bonds
71	Song of ThanksV6		A youthful song by V6 singing of gratitude, resonating in the heart
72	Thank youikimonogakari		Ikimono-gakari’s moving graduation song
73	Sakura rollFunatsu Mahiro		A masterpiece that sings of memories like cherry blossoms in spring
74	Graduation Song ~Let Me Say Thank You Over and Over~GReeeeN		A classic song that sings of the bittersweet feelings of graduation and gratitude
75	If I turn around…Janne Da Arc		A graduation song themed around one’s alma mater
76	weNishino Kana		Kana Nishino's movie theme song that portrays friendship
77	Don’t bloom.WHITE JAM		A youth song that sings of farewells and reunions in the season of cherry blossoms
78	Sakuraayaka		A moving graduation song that portrays growth and farewell
79	Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki		Makihara’s classic that brings back youth and gives you courage.
80	When the fleabanes bloomNogizaka 46		Nogizaka46’s famous song that sings of springtime farewells and new departures
81	Cherry Blossom BookmarkAKB48		AKB48’s graduation song: Takahashi and Maeda are the centers.
82	Even when we’re apartWANIMA		A classic song by WANIMA, a rock band from Kumamoto
83	Ode to YouthMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto		Momoiro Clover Z’s youth-themed graduation song
84	Precious FeelingsRIEHATA		RIEHAT conveys emotions through song—an anthem of support filled with gratitude for their teammates.
85	Orangeakai kouen		Red Park's new song, a song of parting and hope
86	Bye, my friendbokula.		The bittersweetness of youth, bokula.’s masterpiece
87	A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru		Bouquet, Hikaru Utada’s masterpiece of farewell and gratitude
88	Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa		A classic song that sings of the bonds with companions and of parting
89	pupilŌhara Sakurako		Sakurako Ohara’s cheer song, a classic that gives you a push
90	Farewell, YouthChatto Monchī		Singing about the scenery of graduation and the importance of memories
91	Promise ~promises~EXILE		A moving ballad of parting and reunion, bound by a strong bond
92	DreamerJO1		An anthem cheering on those who chase their dreams, the courage to move forward
93	This is me ~Poem of Promise~RIKU		RIKU writes an original poem of self-affirmation
94	Waiting for flowersKihara Rui		A ballad imbued with Atsu Mizuno’s wish for a reunion
95	Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro		Motohiro Hata’s graduation song expresses the emotions of youth.
96	cheerMarushii		An anthem for those who strive, delivered by Marcy.
97	The happiest treasuresutopuri		An inspiring graduation season anthem
98	oneselfTani Yuuki		A powerful song that colors the milestone of graduation, giving hope and courage.
99	Walking forward into the windSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu		Parting with my companions is lonely, but I will head toward my dream.
100	18imase		A forward-looking youth, an encouraging song by imase
101	SAKURAikimonogakari		Ikimono-gakari’s classic song that sings of youth
102	I’m glad I met you.Inoue Sonoko		A song that expresses the loneliness of graduation and gratitude
103	ReunionRADWIMPS		A graduation song by RADWIMPS that resonates with the heart
104	Never ForgetMōningu Musume.		Asuka Fukuda’s graduation song sings of the feelings at the time of departure.
105	Tomoë GakuenFukuyama Masaharu		An inspiring theme song depicting Masaharu Fukuyama’s student days
106	Sakura: To You Who Couldn’t GraduateHanzaki Yoshiko		Miyako Hanzaki’s graduation song resonates with the heart.
107	cherry blossomberii guddoman		A song that sings about graduation memories and the bonds with friends
108	365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48		Graduation song by the idol group AKB48
109	Embrace the presentsatō moka		A wistful song that embraces the present at graduation
110	Thank youikimonogakari		A heartwarming classic that sings of gratitude
111	Sakura MelodyMakihara Noriyuki		A heartwarming song that sings of the changing seasons
112	GraduationOzaki Yutaka		Yutaka Ozaki’s iconic songs that resonate with young hearts
113	Until graduationBoku ga mitakatta aozora		A bittersweet ballad of first love and farewell, a moving song of the blue sky
114	my graduationSPEED		SPEED’s moving graduation song sings of a resolve of the heart.
115	Like a flower that blooms in the fieldGACKT		A heartwarming song filled with feelings toward graduation
116	Graduation PhotoArai Yumi		Yumi Matsutoya's graduation song of youth
117	Words of FarewellKaientai		Okurukotoba by Kaientai: a classic song of graduation and heartbreak
118	sentimentalculenasm		A guitar piece that beautifully portrays the past and regret
119	1096Cody Rī (Ri)		The winter I dropped out of high school: the loneliness and hope of youth
120	Sakura AleAdachi Kana		A cheer song for friends that colors graduation
121	Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46		Singing of the bittersweet feeling of graduation and of love in the season of cherry blossoms
122	Primal.THE YELLOW MONKEY		A gem of a song that expresses loneliness and guilt.
123	It’s goodbye, but it’s not goodbye.yamadakatsutenai Wink		A graduation song by Kuniko Yamada overflowing with friendship
124	Thank you, and goodbye.koaramōdo		A song by Koalamode. themed around graduation
125	FriendKetsumeishi		A classic song that portrays the friendship of companions walking different paths
126	The ringing beginning of a dreamkyarī pamyu pamyu		Kyary Pamyu's graduation song, a cute departure
127	To the days without a nameyama		With memories of youth in our hearts, on to the next stage.
128	Full of memoriesH₂O		H2O’s classic song “Miyuki” sings of youthful memories.
129	Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya		A bittersweet coming-of-age graduation song that resonates in the heart
130	Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru		A song that portrays memories from school days and the bonds of friendship
131	We Look Up to You with Respect		Imbued with the meaning of graduation, this song of gratitude lingers in the heart.
132	Graduation song, friends’ song19		A song that cheers on the anxiety and courage of graduation
133	Goodbye, graduation.haji→		A motivational song that sings about the feelings of parting and graduation
134	Petals, heralding the beginningsakura shimeji		A heartwarming song that gently embraces the feelings of graduation
135	graduationClariS		Sing memories and farewells in a beautiful harmony
136	graduation songerica		A timeless song that gently colors the emotion of graduation
137	Melancholy Cherry Blossomsatarayo		A moving, heart-touching song befitting a graduation ceremony
138	graduation albumGakuen Seikatsu-bu		An inspiring song about memories of school life
139	spring skySuzuki Suzuki		A graduation ballad, a classic that captures the emotions of youth