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

It’s goodbye, but it’s not goodbye.yamadakatsutenai Wink

It's goodbye, but it's not goodbye.

Yamada Katsutenai Wink wraps this classic spring song—one you want to hear around graduation season—in warm, gentle vocals.

Its melody, which sings of the sorrow of parting and the hope of reunion, nestles close to the heart and gives you courage to face a new future.

Released in February 1991, the song was used as an insert track on Fuji TV’s “Hō-chan no Yamada Katsutenai Terebi” and became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart.

With lyrics by Kuniko Yamada and music by KAN in beautiful harmony, it’s a gem of a message song that teaches us that parting is not an end but a beginning.

Listened to in the season of departures, it’s a wonderful, heartwarming cheer song that continues to be loved by many.

1096Cody Rī (Ri)

Cody・Lee (Li) – 1096 (Music Video)

Cody・Lee (Li), a band that exudes a unique blend of wistfulness and warmth woven into everyday life, offers a farewell-themed number.

Written by vocalist and guitarist Hibiki Takahashi in the winter when he dropped out of high school at 18, the lyrics don’t celebrate a radiant youth; instead, they chronicle three “hopeless” years, capturing the feelings of a high schooler in a true-to-life way.

Hailing from Hanamaki City in Iwate Prefecture, Takahashi threads a graduation song whose world is suffused with the quiet beauty of steadily falling snow and a gentle overflow of everyday dignity and love—an atmosphere that’s absolutely irresistible.

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Melancholy Cherry Blossomsatarayo

Atarayo – Sorrowful Sakura (Music Video)

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.

Azure Swimnishina

Nishina – Seiran Yūei [Official Video]

Nishina’s “Seiran Yuei” is a ballad that’s perfect for the milestone of graduation.

Its gentle piano and string melodies tenderly embrace past memories and give you courage to take the first step into a new life.

The lyrics carry a message of support: even if friends go their separate ways, each will do their best on their own new path.

Created from Nishina’s own experiences, this song will resonate deeply with anyone facing graduation.

Don’t miss the immersive performance on THE FIRST TAKE, either.

Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone

Mone Kamishiraishi “Natsukashii Mirai” (Lyrics/Composition: Naotaro Moriyama) Music Video

A ballad sung by Mone Kamishiraishi that portrays hope for the future and the courage to take on challenges.

Created as the support song for the National High School Soccer Championship, it gently encourages those striving toward their dreams.

With her clear vocals, the song’s calm yet powerful arrangement resonates deeply.

Released digitally in January 2022, it also has an official music video.

It’s a track that gives a push to people working hard in all kinds of fields—not just sports.

Perfect for graduation ceremonies and the start of a new chapter in life!

Until we meet againHirai Dai

Until we meet again

A moving ballad themed around parting and reunion.

Dai Hirai’s warm vocals seep into the heart.

It opens with a farewell scene along a row of trees turning color, and the image of two people waving and saying “See you” instead of “Goodbye” is strikingly drawn, inviting listeners’ empathy.

Released in February 2015, the song was also included on the May 2015 album “Slow & Easy.” It’s popular as BGM for graduation ceremonies and is a perfect track for those taking a new step forward.

Why not etch in your heart the hope of reuniting with someone dear, carried by Dai Hirai’s gentle melodies?

JourneyFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Tabiji (Official Video)

In March 2021, Fujii Kaze’s song was featured on Hodo Station and delivered nationwide as a warm message to graduates.

The piece portrays the journey of life, singing about the importance of moving forward while reflecting on past events.

It was selected as the theme song for TV Asahi’s Thursday drama Nijiiro Karte, marking Fujii’s first drama tie-in.

Alongside its nostalgic atmosphere, the lyrics brimming with hope for the future will gently encourage graduates as they take their next step.