[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)
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.
Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone
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!
[Graduation Songs] Tear-Jerking, Moving Ballads | A Comprehensive Showcase of Classics and the Newest Hits! (101–110)
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.
Graduation -GRADUATION-Kikuchi Momoko
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
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.
JourneyFuji Kaze
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.