[Graduation Songs] Tear-Jerking, Heartwarming Ballads | A Showcase of Classics and the Newest Hits!
Among the many graduation songs, the ones that move us to tears most are surely the heartfelt ballads.
Just listening to music with a gentle, mellow tone can make memories and feelings of gratitude well up uncontrollably, bringing you to tears.
In this article, we introduce such moving graduation ballad songs.
They’re recommended as graduation chorus pieces, as background music, and for singing at karaoke.
Please enjoy these inspiring songs that will beautifully color your special day.
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[Graduation Songs] Tear-Jerking, Moving Ballads | A Roundup of Classics and the Newest Hits! (61–70)
Cherry Blossom Rainabsorb
Even after its 2008 release, Sakura no Ame—sung by Hatsune Miku—has remained a classic graduation song.
Thanks to its success, it’s also known for being covered not only by Vocaloid performers but by numerous musicians like Sachiko Kobayashi and Kousuke Atari.
For those graduating, every lyric likely resonates and feels personally relevant.
The exchanges with friends, the fun and the hardships at school—everything comes flooding back at once, making this a quintessential graduation song that stirs the emotions.
Full of memoriesH₂O
H2O’s “Omoide ga Ippai,” beloved as the ending theme of the TV anime Miyuki, was released in 1983.
H2O was a musical duo active from 1976 to 1985.
With clear, evocative lyrics and melodies that recall the days of youth, it remains a timeless youth anthem that still sounds fresh today.
This classic brings back sparkling memories and images of adolescence with vivid clarity, and it continues to appear in textbooks and be featured in choir competitions.
It’s also frequently used as a graduation song, widely covered by musicians, and loved by people of all ages.
Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster
As a moving ballad perfect for embarking on a new chapter, Little Glee Monster’s “Itsuka Kono Namida ga” is also highly recommended.
Little Glee Monster is a female vocal group known for their beautiful harmonies, and this song conveys hope that the tears shed up to now will surely become nourishment for the future.
The gentle piano tones and powerful vocals blend exquisitely, captivating listeners’ hearts.
Lyrics that affirm the bonds with friends and the efforts made so far will deepen the emotions of graduation even more.
Chosen as the support song for the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, this track is sure to become one of the special memories for many students.
Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri
This song was inspired by an email from a fan.
It became a hot topic as Yuuri’s first graduation song.
The solo piano in the intro somehow brings back memories of school gymnasiums and auditoriums during graduation ceremonies.
The lyrics, which convey feelings like “I can’t express my gratitude well, but my heart is full of thanks—thank you, everyone,” evoke a sense of spring’s eternity.
Filled with appreciation for parents and friends, the words are perfect for any graduation scene.
It would also be great for everyone to sing together at a farewell party or thank-you gathering.
road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE
In recent years, it has been sung more and more at graduation ceremonies and is becoming a standard song for the occasion.
With lyrics that express gratitude for the time spent together and the feelings of stepping onto a new path, it’s a perfect song for students graduating and moving forward.
Cherry blossom seasonEXILE ATSUSHI
This song, “Sakura no Kisetsu,” released solo by ATSUSHI from EXILE, is a classic graduation anthem widely known as it was chosen as a required piece for the NHK National School Music Competition and was also broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta.
Every line evokes graduation, and although the lyrics are very simple, that simplicity makes it a song that can move to tears anyone feeling the pain of parting with friends.
It’s also often performed as a choral piece at graduation ceremonies.
Best FriendKiroro
Kiroro’s signature mega-hit “Best Friend.” This song became widely known across generations because it was used as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Churasan,” and it’s also a staple graduation song.
As the title suggests, the lyrics are directed to a beloved, cherished friend—sure to resonate and move listeners.
For those about to graduate, the feelings toward friends you’ll be separated from are especially meaningful.
Listen to this song together and deepen the bond that says you’ll remain friends forever.