[Great Lyrics!!] Recommended Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs with Heartfelt, Moving Words [2026]

horizonback number

back number – Horizon

This piece, released in August 2020 by a three-piece band from Gunma Prefecture, is well known for the story behind its creation: it was made for high school students who lost their stage when the 2020 Inter-High was canceled.

It gently stays close to the frustration of efforts that don’t pay off and the unreasonable sorrow that follows, delivering a message that knowing pain makes us kinder to others—one that deeply moves listeners.

While holding the sense of loss from shattered dreams and goals, it carries a warmth that suggests those very experiences will become the nourishment that shapes your future self.

Even as graduates face a reality that doesn’t go as planned, this song will softly support them as they take their first steps down a new path.

For a cherished new beginning, why not offer the deep love woven by back number?

Thank youikimonogakari

Arigatou – Ikimono-gakari (Full)

This is a signature ballad by Ikimono-gakari, written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series GeGeGe no Nyobo.

It conveys, in a straightforward way, the feelings and gratitude for someone who stays by your side and supports you through all times, reflecting on the many memories you’ve shared, and it portrays a deep love that seeks to keep walking together from here on.

Rather than focusing on grand events, it’s a moving song that cherishes the ordinary, everyday moments.

Another key point is how it conveys not only gratitude but also a strong hope to move forward into the future.

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kappamaki

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Loved oneFOMARE

FOMARE “The One I Love” Official Music Video

This song by FOMARE, a rock band from Takasaki, Gunma, channels their overflowing feelings for the places and people they love in a straightforward way.

With a driving band sound, it powerfully sings of the preciousness of everyday life we once took for granted and of bonds that remain unchanged even when we’re apart.

Released in June 2021 and later placed as the opening track on the album “midori,” the song also drew attention as the CM song for Universal Studios Japan’s “Uniharu 2022.” It’s a perfect track for graduates who want to express gratitude to friends, teammates, and the places that supported them.

As listeners leave their familiar days behind and step into a new world, the song offers a warm cheer to gently push them forward.

No matter how smallwacci

wacci “Any Little” Lyric Video (Shorts Ver.)

An uplifting song has been born, warmly and gently portraying people who walk on with all their might, even while feeling how hard life can be.

Alongside the friendly melodies woven by the five members of wacci, the courage to face one’s own weaknesses and flaws, and the determination to move forward step by step, are vividly expressed.

Written and composed by Yohei Hashiguchi, the piece speaks to you even in those moments when you feel you’re losing your sense of self, telling you that your efforts have meaning.

It was written as the theme song for the NTV drama “After-School Carte” in October 2024 and is also included on the album “Dressing,” released in January 2025.

It is sure to be cherished as a song that stays close to your heart when you lose your way on the path you chose and come to a halt.

Gift SongCHiCO with HoneyWorks

Gifted Song / CHiCO with HoneyWorks

A graduation song by CHiCO with HoneyWorks, popular especially among younger generations.

While their music is often known for heart-fluttering love songs, this track is packed with gratitude from graduating students to their parents and teachers.

It recounts many episodes of the support they’ve received, and many graduates will likely relate.

It’s a wonderful song with a message that helps sweep away anxieties about the future ahead.

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Hane Keisuke

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STARTING OVERLittle Glee Monster

Little Glee Monster『STARTING OVER』

Little Glee Monster is a girls’ vocal group with exceptional singing ability and many emotionally resonant songs, popular across genders and ages.

Their track “STARTING OVER” is included on their fifth album, “BRIGHT NEW WORLD,” released in 2020.

Although it’s a graduation song that leans more upbeat and catchy, its lyrics are highly relatable—making it a deeply moving number for anyone about to graduate.

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utatane

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Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Friend’s Song”

If you want to listen to a song about friendship for a graduation scene, this track is highly recommended.

Released in 2011, it enjoys great popularity both as a friendship song and a graduation song.

Its biggest appeal is, without a doubt, the lyrics: they recount episodes that you can’t help but relate to, and the bittersweet warmth that resonates deep in your heart is quintessentially Motoo Fujiwara’s touch.

The message—“Even if we’re far apart and can’t see each other often, the time we spent together won’t change, and we’ll always be friends”—is enough to bring you to tears.

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Hane Keisuke

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