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

far; distant; by farGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Haruka

GReeeeN’s songs are popular across generations, and many of them are heartfelt anthems of youth.

“Haruka” is one of those enduring classics.

Released as a single in 2009, it was also chosen as the theme song for the blockbuster film “ROOKIES: Graduation.” The song portrays leaving town after graduation and setting out from one’s parents’ home, making it a tearjerker for anyone heading far away for college, work, or other paths after high school.

Yet in the end, it wipes away the tears and gives you the courage to take a bold first step forward.

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See you again.kawanishi natsuki

See you again.

This warm and slightly nostalgic ballad by Natsuki Kawanishi, a singer-songwriter from Nara Prefecture, was released in August 2025.

It was selected as the opening theme for BS-TBS’s “Nara Fushigi Tabi Zukan.” Co-written with Sho Yamamoto, the song blends a gently enveloping melody with Kawanishi’s resolute vocals to quietly awaken listeners’ “hometowns of the heart.” The lyrics convey not only the parting that comes with setting off on a journey, but also a forward-looking promise to meet again, evoking a sense of certain hope amid loneliness.

It’s a perfect song for those leaving their hometown for school or work.

Embrace the presentsatō moka

Satomoka – Embrace the Now (Music Video)

A ballad by Moka Sato that makes you want to gently embrace the “now” we tend to lose sight of during busy days and the season of graduations and farewells.

Released as a single in November 2025, it’s a work that lays bare unadorned feelings.

What really hits home is how it portrays the will to move forward, even while carrying loneliness, through everyday details like familiar rooms and scenery.

It’s a song that sinks into the heart when you’re tucking away precious memories and heading toward a new place.

Last SongOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Last Song [Studio Live Session]

This song was specially written as an insert track for the drama “Ato 3-kai, Kimi ni Aeru” starring Mizuki Yamamoto.

Alongside the drama’s major success, it became a hot topic on social media, earning strong support from viewers with comments like, “The perspective of the characters and the song’s world perfectly match,” and “I burst into tears every time this song plays in the drama.” Expressing both the pain of parting and the hope of new beginnings, this piece invites you to sing gently and softly as you savor its emotionally rich lyrics.

About meMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – About Me

A ballad by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE imbued with a moving, unforgettable melody and a powerful message.

Released in January 2019 as the support song for the High School Soccer Championship, it surpassed 100 million streams by January 2021.

While questioning the differences between oneself and others, it portrays an attitude of facing the joys, sorrows, and anxieties of everyday life.

In November 2022, an orchestral arrangement was featured in an Otsuka Pharmaceutical commercial, bringing the song back into the spotlight.

It’s a track that stands by those who feel anxious or lonely, offering the courage to accept themselves.

Kitearashi

ARASHI – Kite [Official Music Video]

A grand ballad by Arashi that sings of hope for the future and the courage to take on challenges.

Kenshi Yonezu wrote and composed the song, with orchestral arrangements by Yuta Bandoh.

Its powerful melody and warm lyrics resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in July 2020, it achieved the remarkable feat of selling 911,000 copies in its first week.

It was also chosen as the NHK 2020 Song and is loved by people of all ages.

It’s a perfect listen for graduation ceremonies, life’s milestones, or whenever you need the courage to take a new step forward.

When I turn around…Janne Da Arc

Janne Da Arc – If I Turn Around…

When it comes to graduation songs by visual kei rock bands, this has to be the one.

Released in February 2006 as Janne Da Arc’s 25th single, it’s a ballad that was also used as the theme song for the film “HIRAKATA,” in which the band members appeared.

It’s a fan favorite, too.

The lyrics, portraying the sorrow of parting and the hope for the future, deeply move listeners.

yasu’s emotional vocals are truly stirring, and the song is loved by many as a grand rock number.

This is a track I especially want people to hear when they’re setting off from a familiar place or promising to reunite with dear friends.

It’s a spring classic that never fades with time—highly recommended.