[Graduation Songs] Tear-Jerking, Heartwarming Ballads | A Showcase of Classics and the Newest Hits!

Sakura, You, and Ituki.

tuki. 'Sakura Kimi Watashi' Official Music Video

This song, which shines with tuki.’s pure sensibility, portrays a bittersweet love that comes to an end with the arrival of spring.

Using the beauty of cherry blossoms as its motif, the lyrics capture the fleeting brilliance and fragility of youth, resonating deeply with teenagers experiencing graduation or parting.

The transparent vocals and gentle acoustic guitar beautifully express the resolve to move forward while cherishing memories.

Released in January 2024, the track is known as an insert song for ABEMA’s dating reality show “Kyou, Suki ni Narimashita.

Graduation Edition 2024,” and its animated music video by Posuka Demizu of “The Promised Neverland” also drew attention.

It’s a perfect song not only for students facing spring farewells, but for anyone who wants to look back on precious moments with someone special.

Goodbyekariyushi 58

Kariyushi58 “Sayonara”

A bittersweet classic perfect for the season of farewells.

It stirs deep gratitude for days gone by and aching feelings for someone precious you’ll never meet again.

Released as a single by Kariyushi58 in February 2009, it was selected as the theme song for NTV’s Saturday drama “Zeni Geba,” earning the band their first Top 10 entry on the Oricon weekly chart.

Vocalist Shingo Maekawa’s warm voice and the distinctly Okinawan rhythm leave a strong impression.

This is a song that gently supports those who have experienced parting or lost someone dear.

Try listening while looking up at the sky—surely, your feelings will reach that special someone.

Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai

Dai Hirai / The Way Home in March (Lyric Video)

A beautiful ballad by Dai Hirai.

Its gentle melody, woven by piano and strings, carries both the sorrow of parting and the hope of a new beginning.

Hirai’s soft vocals tenderly embrace precious memories and gratitude for friends.

Released as a digital single in February 2022, the song resonated with many hearts.

It’s perfect for listening alone after a graduation ceremony while reminiscing.

A wonderful song that gives you the courage to take a new step forward.

The Door to TomorrowI WiSH

Door to Tomorrow – I WiSH (Ai Kawashima)

“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.

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Footsteps ~Be StrongMr.Children

Mr.Children “Footsteps ~Be Strong” MUSIC VIDEO

A heartwarming cheer song by Mr.Children that gives you the courage and hope to step into a new environment! Released in November 2014, it was their first single in about two years and seven months, and their first tie-in with a Monday 9 p.m.

drama in 13 years.

Many listeners surely found the lyrics resonating with their own mix of excitement and anxiety about starting a new chapter.

The message, “The future you dreamed of is surely not that far away,” gently nudges anyone striving toward their goals.

It’s perfect as graduation ceremony background music or as a gift for someone diving into a new environment!

YellKobukuro

YELL ~Yell~ Kobukuro

This is a heartwarming ballad that celebrates the start of a new journey.

Its gently enveloping melody and lyrics that are both powerful and warm leave a strong impression.

Released in March 2001, it was Kobukuro’s major-label debut single, and it was used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Ucchikuru!?” as well as in commercials for Tokio Marine & Nichido.

Like a small bud blooming in spring, the song carries an encouraging message for those setting off into a new environment.

Recommended as BGM for graduation and entrance ceremonies, and as a song to listen to during the season of farewells and new beginnings.

It’s a warm piece that gently gives listeners a supportive push forward.

A Song for YouShenelu

A Song for You / Che'Nelle

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.

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utatane

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