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

Precious FeelingsRIEHATA

RIEHATA “Precious Feelings” Official Music Video

This exquisite ballad by RIEHATA—renowned worldwide as a choreographer—deliberately sets aside dance performance to convey emotion solely through her voice.

Released in August 2023 to coincide with her birthday, the song gently stands beside those carrying pain or loneliness, offering encouragement that says, “You’ll be okay.” It’s a tear-jerker that expresses gratitude to friends and family who are parting ways after graduation, and serves as a cheer for oneself embarking on a new path.

Moon in CairoBoku ga mitakatta aozora

The Blue Sky I Wanted to See / “Moon in Cairo” Music Video [4K]

This number by “The Blue Sky I Wanted to See” features a melody that seems to dissolve into the crisp winter air.

The lyrics tenderly yet poignantly capture the preciousness of student life on the verge of graduation, layering unspoken words with the warmth of a pocket warmer.

Included as the coupling track to the single “That’s a Fairy,” released in December 2025, this song is performed by the non-selected-member unit “Kumo-gumi,” and the music video drew attention for spotlighting Yua Kudo in the lead role.

Its depictions of savoring the little time that remains will likely resonate with anyone about to set off on a new journey.

It’s a gentle graduation song that gives you a quiet nudge forward amid the winter chill.

This is me ~Poem of Promise~RIKU

This is me ~Poem of Promise~

RIKU from THE RAMPAGE wrote “This is me ~Yakusoku no Uta~” for his solo tour.

Released as a single in November 2025, it was created to express his true, authentic self.

It embodies a resolve to accept his weaknesses and past, and to live as he is.

The song is filled with a universal message of self-affirmation that encourages listeners to be proud of themselves.

For graduates about to embark on a new world, it will surely resonate as if it were their own story.

A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – A Bouquet for You

This is a ballad imbued with a warm message that gently accompanies the season of partings.

It paints a bittersweet yet beautiful scene of entrusting gratitude to a loved one and an inexpressible love to a “bouquet,” and offering it as a gift.

Released digitally in April 2016 as Hikaru Utada’s comeback work, it became familiar as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Totto-chan.

It resonated with those who had long awaited her return, earning high acclaim, including the Excellence Award at the 58th Japan Record Awards that year.

It’s perfect for moments like graduation ceremonies when you want to express thanks to teachers and friends.

This piece, which gently nudges you forward on a new path, will add color to a special day when you bid farewell with smiles through tears.

Graduation Song ~Let Me Say Thank You Over and Over~GReeeeN

Sotsugyounouta Arigatouha Nanndomo Iwasete

I wish I could stay like this forever, but I have to set off…

This is a message song that sings of the bittersweet feelings and gratitude right before graduation.

Created by GReeeeN, it’s the coupling track to the single “Aisubeki Ashita, Isshun to Isshō o,” released in March 2014, and it’s also included on the best-of album “C, D desu to!?”.

It was featured in an AOKI commercial, cheering on the first steps into a new chapter of life.

Carried by a refreshing, warm melody, the straightforward lyrics make you want to say “thank you” over and over again, striking straight to the heart.

The harmony woven by the four voices is moving, making it a perfect song for a slideshow of memories with friends or an Instagram story to express your gratitude.

TOMORROWMayo Okamoto

TOMORROW

With its uplifting lyrics and buoyant piano melody, this is a pep song that gives courage to listeners.

Singer-songwriter Mayo Okamoto’s debut single “TOMORROW,” released in May 1995, was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Second Chance” and became a massive hit, achieving Double Platinum status.

Its message—that strength lies beyond the tears—will surely give a powerful push to graduates embarking on a new world.

Beloved enough to be selected as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Tournament in March 1996, this song is widely cherished.

Sing it with friends at a reunion, and your memories of youth are sure to come vividly rushing back.

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.