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

Song of SpringFujihara Sakura

Sakura Fujiwara – Spring Song (Lyric Video) – 360 Reality Audio

This is a captivating song with a melody that evokes the gentle warmth of spring sunlight and a smoky vocal that nestles close to the heart.

Though it carries the anxiety of an unseen tomorrow, its lyrics encourage taking a strong first step forward—sure to gently support graduates setting off into new environments.

Included on a single released in March 2017 and chosen as the theme song for the latter part of the film March Comes in Like a Lion, the piece moved many to tears in theaters.

It’s also featured on the album PLAY, where Spitz’s original classic is reinterpreted with Sakura Fujiwara’s uniquely warm expression.

Because it overlaps with the image of children overcoming the sadness of parting and taking flight with hope, it’s perfect for scenes where you want to create a moving graduation ceremony.

Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu

Yuzu “Friend ~The Time of Departure~”

Yuzu is a duo that enjoys widespread popularity across generations.

Their song “Tomodachi ~Tabidachi no Toki~” is Yuzu’s 38th single, released in 2013.

From the title alone, you can tell it’s a graduation song.

That year, it was chosen as the set piece for the NHK National School Music Contest and was also featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” For anyone approaching graduation, its lyrics are sure to bring tears.

Even after graduating, listening to this song will give you strength—it’s a moving graduation anthem that becomes a source of support for the heart.

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utatane

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A bouquet for meAdo

[Ado] A Bouquet for Me

In March 2025, the song by Ado that became a hot topic as the CM track for Japan Coca-Cola’s “Georgia” is a cheer anthem newly written by HoneyWorks.

It carries a warm message that doesn’t deny failures or regrets, instead embracing both who you were yesterday and who you are today.

The theme of offering blessings to oneself harmonizes beautifully with Ado’s powerful yet gentle vocals, giving listeners a gentle push forward.

It’s a number we especially hope those standing at the milestone of graduation—feeling anxious or uncertain—will hear.

Brimming with positive energy, it’s the kind of work you’ll want to gift yourself as a morning pep talk when taking that first new step.

See you again.kawanishi natsuki

See you again.

This warm and slightly nostalgic ballad by Natsuki Kawanishi, a singer-songwriter from Nara Prefecture, was released in August 2025.

It was selected as the opening theme for BS-TBS’s “Nara Fushigi Tabi Zukan.” Co-written with Sho Yamamoto, the song blends a gently enveloping melody with Kawanishi’s resolute vocals to quietly awaken listeners’ “hometowns of the heart.” The lyrics convey not only the parting that comes with setting off on a journey, but also a forward-looking promise to meet again, evoking a sense of certain hope amid loneliness.

It’s a perfect song for those leaving their hometown for school or work.

On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai

Ai Kawashima / On the Day of Departure (Lyrics)

This is one of Ai Kawashima’s signature songs, cherished as a classic graduation anthem.

When you think about the realistic scenes of school life depicted in the lyrics, you can’t help but feel a bit lonely as the reality of graduation sinks in, wrapped in nostalgia.

At the same time, the song conveys gratitude to the friends who shared those moments, a promise to meet again, and hope for the future.

Listening to it can help you move past the sadness of leaving those memories behind and face graduation with a positive outlook.

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Hane Keisuke

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Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata / Promise of a Sunflower (Short Ver.)

This song, which shot to nationwide fame as a ballad when it was chosen as the theme for the film STAND BY ME Doraemon, is one of Motohiro Hata’s signature tracks.

Many listeners were surely moved by the lyrics, which evoke the friendship between Doraemon and Nobita.

In particular, the second verse is perfect for graduation scenes, expressing the belief that even if people are separated they will surely meet again, and conveying a sense of gratitude too great to put into words—sentiments that are sure to resonate deeply with graduates.

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Hane Keisuke

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JourneyFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Tabiji (Official Video)

In March 2021, the song was performed on Hodo Station for graduates across the country.

As the title “Tabiji” (Journey) suggests, the lyrics convey a message that on the path we’ve walked, many things have happened, and we should keep moving forward—sometimes forgiving what’s past and sometimes looking back and laughing.

At the end of the song, it also expresses the wish to give back to those who have supported us through the various experiences that lie ahead on this journey, which I believe resonates with graduates as they spread their wings toward a bright future.

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Hane Keisuke

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