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

End and Beginningkariyushi 58

Kariyushi58 'The End Is the Beginning'

There’s a song that resonates with the question of how to live each day.

Released by Kariyushi58 in February 2010 as the B-side to the single Ame nochi Hare, the track became widely known after being selected as the theme song for Nippon TV’s The Legal Counseling Show with a Long Queue.

It later drew renewed attention as the theme song for the TV Tokyo drama The Three Old Geezers 3: Allies of Justice, Once Again!!, and it continues to be loved more than a decade after its release.

Set to a warm sound that blends Okinawan scales with rock, its unadorned lyrics sing of the value of everyday life and of living without regrets—an approach that holds listeners firmly.

It’s a song we especially recommend to those stepping forward at graduation or to anyone wanting to express gratitude to cherished friends.

Prologue.Yuika

Prologue. / “Yuika” [MV]

There are countless graduation songs themed around high school life, but Yuika’s work is filled with down-to-earth realism.

Released in March 2023 on the very day she graduated from high school, this track became a pivotal song announcing her return after roughly ten months on hiatus.

Everyday moments that everyone can relate to—like goofing around with friends in the classroom and the videos we filmed on our phones—are woven together with delicate wording.

The song was also featured as an insert track on ABEMA’s dating reality show “Koisuru ▼ Weekend Homestay 2023 Spring,” capturing the hearts of many teens.

Its uplifting message views graduation not as an “end,” but as a “beginning,” gently encouraging those about to take a new step forward.

It’s a song that brings not only tears, but also a sense of hope for the future.

March 9Remioromen

Remioromen – March 9th (Music Video Short ver.)

Remioromen’s second single “March 9th,” released in 2004, has become a staple graduation song.

Even after the band announced a hiatus in 2012, this is one of those tracks you always seem to hear from somewhere when graduation season comes around.

The song became a long-running hit after being featured in the drama “1 Litre of Tears,” and many people strongly associate it with that.

In fact, the members of Remioromen originally wrote it to perform at an acquaintance’s wedding, but its lyrics are so moving that it also fits perfectly as a graduation song.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

If I turn around…Janne Da Arc

Janne Da Arc – If I Turn Around…

When it comes to graduation songs by visual kei rock bands, this is the one.

Released in February 2006 as Janne Da Arc’s 25th single, the track was chosen as the theme song for the film “HIRAKATA.” There’s even an anecdote that, before it was officially put on CD, fans were already clamoring for a proper release.

It reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan.

Set against beautifully resonant strings, yasu’s heartrending vocals make this a moving ballad.

The lyrics evoke scenes of school life, a farewell to someone dear, and the hope of meeting again someday—perfect for the graduation season.

It has continued to be loved as a seasonal staple, even appearing on the compilation album “Sotsugyo no Uta.” A highly recommended song to gift to anyone embarking on a new chapter.

Letter ~Dear You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki

Angela Aki “Letter ~Dear You, Fifteen~” Official Music Video (HD)

This song, “Letter: Dear You, Fifteen,” is one of Angela Aki’s signature tracks.

It was released in 2008 as her eighth single.

With this song, she also performed at the 2018 NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

As the title suggests, the lyrics are written like a letter—messages from one’s 15-year-old self, struggling with many things, to their future self, and warm, empowering words of advice sent back from the future self.

It’s a moving graduation song that resonates deeply with anyone navigating the sensitive years of youth.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

Bye, my friendbokula.

bokula. – By My Friend - [Official Music Video]

Looking back on the days spent with dear friends, I want to say goodbye with a smile.

There’s a perfect song for that moment by bokula., a rock band from Hiroshima.

Included on their May 2022 album “Seikatsu ni, Yorisoi.”, it has garnered broad support—especially among middle and high school students—surpassing a total of 8.5 million streams.

The lyrics, which earnestly portray the irreplaceable time spent together and the unchanging bonds even when apart, resonate deeply.

While grounded in rock, vocalist Ei’s gentle voice delicately captures subtle emotions, quietly stirring the listener’s heart.

Hum it with your friends at a graduation ceremony or farewell party, and tears are sure to flow.

It’s a must-listen for those who want to send gratitude and encouragement to friends setting out on a new path.

Graduation, goodbye.haji→

Hajime → Graduation Goodbye.

As graduation day draws near, many people may feel a tightness deep in their chest.

This song, released in March 2014 by Hajime→, a singer-songwriter from Miyagi Prefecture, captures both the sorrow of parting and the determination to move forward.

Rather than a somber ballad, it features a memorable mid-tempo sound where rap and melody blend smoothly, gently giving listeners a supportive push.

Chosen as the opening theme for Nippon TV’s Music Dragon in March 2014, it became widely cherished during the graduation season.

Its warm message—looking back on days spent with friends while sending each other off with smiles—resonates deeply.

It’s a number that we hope reaches those taking their first steps into a new chapter or facing a farewell with someone dear.