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

Sakura AleAdachi Kana

Kana Adachi “Sakura Yell”

It’s a lovely graduation song with a cherry blossom theme.

It was released just before Kana Adachi, who sings it, graduated from high school.

It contrasts cherry blossoms that aren’t in full bloom with a you who isn’t perfect, and if you listen while reading the lyrics, the song’s charm comes through even more.

Just as the cherry blossoms that aren’t in full bloom now will soon burst into full glory, you’ll shine after graduation too!! That message is so encouraging, isn’t it?

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Hane Keisuke

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SAKURAikimonogakari

SAKURA – Ikimonogakari (Full)

Ikimono-gakari’s song “SAKURA” is known as a cherry-blossom anthem that lingers in many people’s hearts.

Amid its light, breezy melody and warm vocals, the lyrics—symbolizing the beauty and transience of cherry blossoms—stay with you.

In particular, the scenes of parting that come to mind each spring are deeply moving.

Every line conveys delicately drawn emotions, giving courage and hope to those embarking on a new beginning.

It’s a touching track that perfectly matches graduation moments and the season that celebrates them.

Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri

To You Graduating This Year [Sakura Clear Skies] [First Performance of New Song]

This is a beautiful graduation song by singer-songwriter Yuuri, highlighted by its piano accompaniment.

The lyrics convey feelings toward one’s parents at the time of graduation, and listening to this song will surely make your gratitude toward them well up.

At the same time, if you’re about to move away from your family home, you may feel the loneliness of leaving your parents.

In the latter half, the lyrics also express thoughts for friends who will be separated, singing of a bond that will never break even as each person goes their own way.

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Hane Keisuke

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Kadode no Ippo (feat. CHICO CARLITO)ASOBOiSM

Kadode no Ippo (feat. CHICO CARLITO)

This is a graduation song born from a collaboration between ASOBOiSM and CHICO CARLITO.

It’s an encouraging anthem infused with the courage to take flight from a familiar place, giving a push to anyone chasing their dreams.

The down-to-earth lyrics characteristic of ASOBOiSM and CHICO CARLITO’s distinctive rap are especially appealing.

Released in March 2024, the track is a self-produced work by ASOBOiSM.

It carries a message to everyone standing at a turning point in life.

Because it gently resonates with the mix of hope and anxiety about the future, it’s perfect for taking that first new step.

Words of FarewellKaientai

Farewell Words / Kaientai (cover)

Kaientai is a folk group centered around Tetsuya Takeda, who has a distinctive presence as an actor and in recent years has also been active on variety shows.

Their 16th single, “Okuru Kotoba,” which was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3B” and has become a standard graduation song, was actually written based on Takeda’s own heartbreak—did you know that? At graduation ceremonies, where teachers and students alike are overflowing with things they want to say to each other, there’s hardly a message more fitting than this.

It’s a song with beautiful, lyrical lyrics that resonate deeply, linking to many different scenes of parting.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Cherry Blossom Rainabsorb

absorb "Sakura no Ame" MV Full

Originally composed in 2008 by halyosy as a song for Hatsune Miku to sing, it was later released as the debut single of the band absorb, with halyosy on vocals.

The lyrics are filled with lines that deeply resonate with graduates—everlasting friendship, memories of school life, and promises to pursue our own dreams and meet again even if we go our separate ways.

Although it’s a Vocaloid track from 2008, it remains a classic graduation song that is still performed in choir at schools across Japan today.

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Hane Keisuke

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Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46

The Only One Who Knows Is the Graduation Photo by Hinatazaka46

A song by Hinatazaka46 themed around graduation.

It gently sings of the bittersweet feelings of the cherry blossom season and the love that went unspoken.

Memories and regrets sealed in graduation photos resonate deeply, intertwined with clear, transparent vocals.

Set for release on January 29, 2025, the track features Nao Kosaka as center and will be available in five editions: limited first-press versions and a regular edition.

It was premiered at their Tokyo Dome concert on December 26, 2024.

It’s a recommended listen not only for students entering graduation season, but also for anyone who wants to reflect on past loves.