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

Best FriendNishino Kana

Kana Nishino 'Best Friend (short ver.)'

This song, with its heartwarming melody and engaging lyrics, is a piece in which Kana Nishino expresses her feelings for a friend.

Released in February 2010, it was produced as the campaign song for NTT Docomo’s “Hang in There, Exam Takers” initiative.

It conveys gratitude to the friends who have been by your side through both joyful and difficult times, and as you listen, the faces of your cherished friends naturally come to mind.

Coupled with Nishino’s clear, soaring vocals, the warm and encouraging message resonates deeply.

It’s a perfect song to listen to on graduation day, as it helps you look back on shared memories and reaffirm the bonds you have with your friends.

My Gift To YouCHEMISTRY meets S.O.S.

CHEMISTRY “My Gift to You” Official Video

A heartwarming ballad that weaves a story beginning with winter memories, leading to a fateful encounter with a loved one, and culminating in an eternal promise.

CHEMISTRY’s beautiful harmonies make it a song that resonates deeply with listeners.

Released in December 2002, this track is known as one of CHEMISTRY’s signature winter songs and was performed at the 53rd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year.

It was also featured in a KDDI “au Movie Mail” commercial, leaving a lasting impression on many.

It’s a song that gently supports those who have experienced parting with someone precious or who are afraid of change, giving them a soft push forward.

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48

[MV] Paper Airplane of 365 Days (Short ver.) / AKB48 [Official]

AKB48 is a girls’ group that has risen to the top of the modern idol scene with an innovative style built on the concept of “idols you can meet.” 365 Nichi no Kamihikōki (365 Days of Paper Airplanes), created as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Asadora Asa ga Kita, is a ballad that, despite being included as the coupling track on their 42nd major single, Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby, garnered overwhelming support.

Its lyrics, which teach us that the journey matters more than the outcome, may help ease the anxieties of those about to graduate.

With a gentle, simple melody that also makes it ideal for choral performance, this beloved classic transcends the boundaries of idol songs.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Gift SongCHiCO with HoneyWorks

Gifted Song / CHiCO with HoneyWorks

Gift Song is a perfect number for graduation season, with lyrics of gratitude carried by a gentle, tender melody.

Sung warmly by CHiCO of CHiCO with HoneyWorks, Gift Song was released in 2018.

Graduation season is a time to express “thank you.” Gift Song is about singing out those feelings of thanks—to teachers, friends, family, and even the classrooms you walked into every day—sending them through the voice.

It fits graduation scenes perfectly.

It’s a song that offers thanks for the everyday life and the past you’ve lived, and gives you a push on the day you set off toward the future.

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nikki

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Words of FarewellGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Words of Gift

With GReeeeN’s gently resonant vocals, this song evokes the deep emotions of graduation and retiring from a club.

Its delicate piano melodies and beautiful harmonies linger in the listener’s heart.

The days spent sweating with teammates, laughing together, and at times sharing tears are rekindled as beautiful memories through this piece.

Released in October 2018, the song is also known as the theme for the film “Run! T School Basketball Club.” It’s a track you’ll want to hear at life’s turning points—one that helps you cherish every moment with friends and transform those memories into energy for the road ahead.

A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly

Superfly “A Bouquet With Love” Music Video

Not only a graduation song, “Ai wo Komete Hanataba wo” is also very popular as a song to express gratitude and as a wedding song.

Released as a single in 2008, it’s one of Superfly’s signature tracks.

The grandeur comes through not just in the lyrics but also in Shiho Ochi’s vocals, making you want to properly convey your heartfelt thanks to friends and teachers.

While many graduation songs are on the mellow side, this is a track you’ll want to hear at the very end of the ceremony, or use as background music for farewell gatherings.

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utatane

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oneselfTani Yuuki

My True Self – Tani Yuuki [MV]

A song perfectly suited for graduation season has arrived.

With Tani Yuuki’s heartfelt vocals, this piece gently encourages those taking their first steps forward.

The lyrics convey a strong resolve to keep moving ahead, believing in oneself despite anxieties and confusion about the future.

Released in March 2022, the song was also featured in a web-exclusive UQ mobile commercial, capturing the hearts of many.

In the music video, you can see Tani Yuuki himself playing the piano, adding an even deeper emotional resonance.

It’s an ideal choice not only as background music for graduation ceremonies, but also for anyone feeling uneasy about starting a new chapter.

It will surely stay close to your heart and give you courage.