[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)
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.
Graduation song, friends’ song19
It’s also a cheer song that supports friends with the theme of graduation and parting.
Taking that first new step after graduation brings excitement, but also anxiety and the need for courage.
This song gives courage and a gentle push to those people.
If you listen to it at a graduation ceremony, many will likely feel encouraged.
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.
my graduationSPEED
Released in 1998, “my graduation” is one of SPEED’s signature songs.
As the title suggests, it evokes the feeling of graduation—not necessarily a school ceremony, but a sense of “graduating from something,” looking back on memories while taking a new step forward.
It can also be heard as a love song: if you once fell in love at school and that romance has ended, it may feel even more relatable.
Though many years have passed since its release, it remains a staple that’s frequently mentioned when people think of graduation songs.
Thank youikimonogakari
From upbeat, poppy tunes to lyrical ballads, the duo Ikimono-gakari continues to captivate fans with their wide expressive range.
Their 18th single “Arigatou,” written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyobo, is widely known as one of their signature songs, even being included in music textbooks.
Its simple message of gratitude naturally brings to mind the faces of those who have supported us.
It’s a number that’s sure to move listeners—perfect not only as graduation ceremony BGM, but also for choral performances at thank-you events.
