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