[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 Comprehensive Showcase of Classics and the Newest Hits! (91–100)
Footsteps ~Be StrongMr.Children
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
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.
Before spring comesGōruden Bonbā
Golden Bomber, known as an air band, has made waves with their comedic songs and outrageous performances.
While they’re usually a band I’d recommend for laugh-out-loud tracks and upbeat tunes, their song “Before Spring Comes” is very earnest, with a surge of poignant emotion—perfect for graduations and moments of meeting and parting.
Although it can be heard as a love song, it’s a number that conveys feelings for someone important and dear, and many listeners will likely picture the friends they’ve spent every day with.
How about listening to it together with your close friends at your graduation ceremony?
Farewell, YouthChatto Monchī
The two-piece rock band Chatmonchy sadly disbanded in 2018.
Their song Saraba Seishun (Farewell, Youth) is included on Chatmonchy’s debut album, “chatmonchy has come,” released in 2005.
From the very start, the lyrics hit hard, stirring up a poignant sense of longing.
They make you realize just how special and amazing those ordinary, unremarkable days at school with friends really were.
It leaves you with the feeling that even if you want to go back, you can’t.
Sakura MelodyMakihara Noriyuki
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.
Words of FarewellKaientai
Since its release in 1979, this timeless classic has graced countless graduation ceremonies! Not only those who watched Tetsuya Takeda sing it in real time, but even today’s students have likely heard it.
It’s especially recommended if you’re looking for a quintessential, heartfelt ballad-style graduation song that draws you in.
Tomoë GakuenFukuyama Masaharu
Tomoe Gakuen, released digitally in 2017 by Masaharu Fukuyama.
As the title suggests, the song is named after a school—an actual academy known as Tetsuko Kuroyanagi’s alma mater—and it was also used as the theme song for the drama “Totto-chan!”.
Its very simple lyrics grip the heart; precisely because of their simplicity, they resonate and carry real persuasive power.
It’s an emotional graduation song that would surely bring tears at any ceremony—elementary, junior high, or high school.