[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, Heartwarming Ballads | A Roundup of Classics and the Newest Hits! (71–80)
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.
Sakura PhotographHatsuboshi Gakuen
It’s a moving ballad perfect for the season when cherry blossoms dance.
Released in April 2025, this song is the theme for the season event “Sakura-Mau Start Line” in the game Gakuen Idolmaster.
The gentle harmonies of the trio—Liliya Katsuragi, Sayaka Shiun, and Saki Hanami—leave a lasting impression.
It’s as if the tender melody rides the spring breeze and soars into the sky.
The lyrics, which portray meetings, farewells, and irreplaceable friendship, will especially resonate with those graduating from school.
Be sure to give it a listen during cherry blossom season.
A Song for YouShenelu
Speaking of graduation, many people surely find it saddest to be separated from friends and someone they like—that’s the biggest hurdle of all.
Che’Nelle’s song “Kimi ni Okuru Uta” (“A Song for You”) is a gentle track that embraces those delicate feelings and makes you want to dedicate it to someone you love.
When you listen while thinking about parting from friends who were always by your side—people you spent nearly every day with, who understood you without words, who laughed with you over silly things—or from the person you liked, whose face you saw every day, it becomes a song that you can’t get through without tears.
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.
Petals, heralding the beginningsakura shimeji
The folk duo Sakura Shimeji’s “Hanabira, Hajimari o Tsugete” is a graduation song that uses cherry blossoms—also featured in their group name—as its motif.
It’s filled with the mixed feelings of “I don’t want the petals to fall yet, I don’t want to say goodbye,” and a gentle message that softly encourages, “Even so, we have to look forward and move on.” Each beautiful word resonates in the heart, staying close to the loneliness that wells up, and in the end, it just might give you a push to take that first step toward a new journey.
The Door to TomorrowI WiSH
“Ashita e no Tobira” is a song that nostalgically reflects on school days while embracing hope for the future.
It’s I WiSH’s debut single, featuring Ai Kawashima on vocals, and it’s also well loved as the theme song of the popular TV show “Ainori.” Although it’s a ballad, the melody is mid-tempo, giving it a pop feel.
It’s gentle and soothing, yet leaves you feeling positive after listening.
By the way, a self-cover version was released in 2019, and its slightly more powerful vocal performance is excellent—highly recommended.
Melancholy Cherry Blossomsatarayo
A song I’d like to dedicate to students embarking on a new chapter is Atarayo’s “Urei Zakura.” Its bittersweet yet warm melody captures the way we come to cherishedly miss the time we spent without thinking and the scenery we once glanced at without notice, resonating deeply with listeners.
It’s a beautiful ballad, so it’s also great for belting out at karaoke.
With piano tones interwoven, “Urei Zakura” seems to speak for a page of youth.
It’s a work that skillfully links the sorrow of parting with the hope of a fresh start.