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

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.

Before spring comesGōruden Bonbā

[Tried adding a PV] Before Spring Comes [Golden Bomber]

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?

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utatane

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Farewell, YouthChatto Monchī

Chatmonchy – Farewell, Youth – Zepp Osaka 2008

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.

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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.

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Hane Keisuke

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Tomoë GakuenFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Tomoe Gakuen (Full ver.)

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.

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Graduation -GRADUATION-Kikuchi Momoko

Graduation -GRADUATION-

This song, which evokes the warmth of spring sunshine, is a graduation anthem created by Momoko Kikuchi.

Many graduates are surely moved by its lyrics that portray the bittersweetness of youth and the beauty of growing up.

The episode about finding “I like you” written in blue pen in a book by Saint-Exupéry beautifully expresses feelings that are hard to put into words.

Released in February 1985, the song was also used as the theme for a TV drama of the same name and became her first number-one hit on the Oricon charts.

It’s a recommended track not only for young people welcoming a new spring, but also for those who fondly remember their school days.

Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru

Wataru Ochiai – Because We’re Friends (Music Video)

When it comes to songs that resonate at the milestone of graduation, Wataru Ochiai’s “Tomodachi Yakarane” comes to mind.

Its universally relatable lyrics and melody make it perfect when you’re looking for a song about friendship.

Portraying everyday student life and bonds between friends, this ballad movingly captures the fleeting moments of youth.

With friendly Osaka-dialect lyrics, it gently embraces memories with friends and the anxieties about what lies ahead.

Even the loneliness of parting feels less daunting with “Tomodachi Yakarane.” As you take a step into a new future, this song reminds you that you’ll always stay connected with your friends in your heart.