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

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.

Petals, heralding the beginningsakura shimeji

Sakurashimeji “Petals, Announcing the Beginning” Lyric Video

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.

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hiyori

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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?

Sakura MelodyMakihara Noriyuki

Noriyuki Makihara – Sakura Melody [Music Video]

Sakura Melody is a song that gently offers a heartwarming melody for new beginnings.

Originally written by Noriyuki Makihara for Miliyah Kato and Shota Shimizu, it also appears as a self-cover by Makihara on his album Bespoke.

The lyrics reflect gratitude toward cherished friends and companions who will go their separate ways after graduation, while looking back on shared memories.

The calm yet powerful vocals evoke nostalgia and warmth, making it a track that many embarking on graduation or a new chapter in life can relate to.

Goodbye, graduation.haji→

Hajime → Graduation Goodbye.

A graduation-themed song by singer-songwriter Haji→.

The lyrics resonate deeply, fitting not only school graduations but also various farewells and transitions like love, job hunting, and changing careers.

The message—“It’s lonely, but let’s smile and each move forward on our new paths”—strikes a straightforward chord of sympathy.

Being apart and walking a different road alone can be scary and make you feel isolated.

Even so, this is a cheer song that encourages you to face forward, believing you’ll meet again.

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hiyori

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Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Stand by Me Doraemon theme song: “Himawari no Yakusoku” (Promise of a Sunflower)

An emotionally moving ballad by Motohiro Hata that overflows with memories of student days and heartfelt gratitude.

Released in August 2014 as the theme song for the film STAND BY ME Doraemon, the song earned high chart rankings over an extended period.

Its lyrics, depicting friendship, love, farewells, and the hope of reunion, captured the hearts of many.

The powerful message—that hearts remain connected even when apart—speaks to those experiencing graduation or parting.

It’s a perfect track for graduation ceremonies or as a song of remembrance, ideal for deepening bonds with those you cherish.

Sky-blue DaysSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Sky-Blue Days”

There are many graduation songs, but the ones that feel close to home tend to match that sentimental mood before graduation, don’t they? SHISHAMO’s “Mizuiro no Hibi” is a song I want you to listen to with attention to its lyrics, which grippingly depict the raw emotions as graduation approaches.

Even now, as an adult, I still wonder what on earth we were laughing ourselves silly about over those ridiculous little things—what was so funny, really? This is a song that makes your heart flutter as you realize those “silly things” were actually so precious and happy.

It also beautifully captures the sadness that comes with graduation drawing near.

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utatane

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