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

KanadeSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

This song is a beautiful ballad that portrays parting with someone dear and the wish to stay connected at heart beyond that farewell.

Released by Sukima Switch in March 2004 as their second single, it features a sentimental sound centered on piano and guitar that truly resonates.

It was used as an insert song for the film “Rough,” the theme song for the drama “Sotsu Uta,” and in 2006 was selected as the ending theme for the final day of “Netto Koshien.” The protagonist’s earnest desire to reach someone through voice and song even when apart mirrors the feelings of junior high school students facing the milestone of graduation.

It’s a track that, while looking back on days with friends, makes you want to cherish those bonds going forward.

Sung as a chorus, it would surely fill the entire venue with warm tears.

the first strong spring windnishina

nishina – First Spring Storm [Official Video]

This is a song that gently wraps up youthful memories as they drift away with the spring breeze.

Created by Nishina, it captures those everyday scenes—laundry swaying by the window, the scent of shampoo—that suddenly make you wonder, “I hope that person is doing well,” and bring the past rushing back.

Even while holding onto feelings that were never confessed, the song embraces that truth as a cherished memory, which really resonates.

Released in March 2023, it was chosen as the theme song for radiko’s new commercial, “Sound connects the past and the future,” and also featured as an insert song in ABEMA’s dating reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita.: Phu Quoc Island Edition.” Centered on acoustic guitar, the simple band arrangement highlights Nishina’s delicate yet resolute vocals.

It’s a song I recommend not only to those who have just graduated, but to anyone who finds themselves remembering someone every time spring arrives.

HarukaYOASOBI

YOASOBI 'Haruka' Official Music Video

YOASOBI’s “Haruka” is a masterpiece that wraps the bright yet bittersweet milestone of graduation in a fresh, vibrant melody.

Ikura’s soothing vocals convey gratitude for days gone by.

The lyric world, based on Osamu Suzuki’s novel “Tsuki Oji” (Moon Prince), resonates with many and turns every moment of the graduation ceremony into something meaningful.

It’s a tender, companionable piece I’d like to dedicate to everyone embarking on a new beginning with memories of friends and teachers in their hearts.

Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru

Wataru Ochiai – Because We’re Friends (Music Video)

Singer-songwriter Wataru Ochiai, whose warm voice and down-to-earth words resonate with many listeners.

Perfect for graduation season, “Tomodachi Yakarane” is a friendship song written in unpretentious language with a touch of Kansai dialect.

Its warm message—that even if you’re apart, the relationship doesn’t end—helps ease the sadness of parting.

Released as a digital single in February 2022, the song was also chosen as the tie-up track for Tokyo Dome City Attractions’ spring event “Welcome, Graduates 2023.” The lyrics, sprinkled with concrete memories from student days, are sure to awaken each listener’s own recollections.

How about giving it to a friend who’s graduating to convey your unchanging bond?

Sakura rollFunatsu Mahiro

Masato Funatsu “Sakura Roll” Official Lyric Video

With the arrival of spring, the song that makes me want to listen is Masho Funatsu’s “Sakura Roll,” released in March 2021.

The title is a coined word that blends “sakura” (cherry blossoms) with a smartphone’s “camera roll,” a clever touch that layers the fleeting season with the enduring nature of memories.

This piece, graced by the soothing sound of acoustic guitar, features high school singer Ren on chorus; the overlap of their voices creates a beautiful harmony where warmth and wistfulness coexist.

The lyrics capture a contemporary feeling—the desire to etch fleeting moments into the heart like photographs—and gently resonate with those facing graduation or a new chapter in life.

It’s a highly recommended song to send with gratitude, while reflecting on days spent with friends or a loved one.

together; along with; bothWANIMA

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

This signature song by WANIMA is captivating with its characteristically upbeat lyrics and catchy, bright melody.

The lyrics carry an encouraging message for those who keep moving straight ahead while facing various challenges.

That’s why it’s sure to be a reassuring presence for graduates as they each set out on their own paths after graduation.

What’s more, the song also includes lines that express gratitude for having met, allowing listeners to once again feel thankful for the friends with whom they spent their student days.

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bookmarkkuriipuhaipe

CreepHyp - “Bookmark” (MUSIC VIDEO)

Originally written and composed by CreepHyp’s Seikai Ozaki as a campaign song for FM802 and TSUTAYA in 2018, this track is included on the album “Nakitakunaru Hodo Ureshii Hibi ni.” Its lyrics juxtapose the image of falling cherry blossoms with a “bookmark” tucked into a half-read book, evoking lingering feelings for a relationship one isn’t ready to end—sentiments many graduates may relate to.

While the song portrays the sorrow of parting, the music itself is a bright, fast-paced rock tune.

That contrast gently pushes listeners forward into the future, even as they hold on to their loneliness.

It’s an emotional track that tenderly accompanies the wavering heart at the milestone of graduation.