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

cherry blossomKobukuro

Kobukuro “Sakura”

This song, which is almost always mentioned as a cherry blossom song and a graduation song, is “Sakura” by Kobukuro.

Released in 2005 as Kobukuro’s 12th single, it’s a nationally beloved sakura song that you’re bound to hear at least once when graduation season arrives and the cherry blossoms bloom.

Comparing feelings to cherry blossoms, it sings of their strength and transience, and is cherished by people of all ages.

It’s a tear-jerker that will surely resonate not only with graduates but also with those seeing them off, don’t you think?

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utatane

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HarukaYOASOBI

YOASOBI 'Haruka' Official Music Video

This is a heartwarming collaboration between YOASOBI and broadcast writer Osamu Suzuki.

Based on the original novel “Tsuki Ōji” (Prince of the Moon), the story unfolds from the unique perspective of a mug that watches over its owner’s life.

The pure joy of having met and the warm love wishing for happiness are sure to make your heart flutter.

Released in December 2020, the song became a hot topic when it surpassed 100 million streams in June of the following year.

It is also included on the album THE BOOK and is familiar as the CM song for Takara Tomy’s “Punirunz.” If you’re facing graduation and feeling the sadness of parting from someone important, listening to this piece will help you once again appreciate the wonderful time you shared and the miracle of having met.

Beyond the Night SkySMAP

Beyond the Night Sky – SMAP

Upbeat, cheerful numbers are great, but for a graduation ceremony, a heartfelt, moving ballad might fit the mood even better.

SMAP’s “Yozora no Mukō,” performed by the nationally beloved stars, is a song most of you have probably heard or even sung at least once.

Released in 1998 as their 27th single, it features lyrics by Shikao Suga and music by Yuka Kawamura.

It has become such a staple that it’s even included in school textbooks.

It’s the perfect song to sing at graduations or any meaningful moment when you want to send someone off warmly.

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nikki

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Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata / Aogeba Aozora Music Video

A singer-songwriter with a voice that tugs at your heartstrings, Motohiro Hata performs “Ageba Aozora.” The song is included on his 2019 album Copernicus and was also featured in SoftBank’s “Graduation” commercial.

Its lyrics are a perfect fit for graduation; listening to it may bring back a rush of memories from school life and everyday moments with friends.

While it carries the sadness of parting, it also inspires the feeling of taking a bold new step forward—a quintessential graduation song.

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utatane

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budKobukuro

Kobukuro – Tsubomi

A ballad that begins with a delicate piano intro and features powerful, heartfelt vocals.

Released in March 2007, this song expresses gratitude and love for a mother, as well as the sorrow of parting, and stands as one of Kobukuro’s signature works, leaving a deep impression on listeners.

Written specifically as the theme song for a Fuji TV drama, it won the 49th Japan Record Award.

In March 2008, it was also selected as the entrance march for the opening ceremony of the 80th Memorial National High School Baseball Tournament.

It’s a song you’ll want to hear at graduations and life’s milestones.

Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi

Spring, Come – Yumi Matsutoya (Full)

Singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya has released numerous songs that resonate across generations, from her early career under the name Yumi Arai to the present day.

Her 26th single, Haru yo, Koi, which served as the theme song for the NHK morning drama of the same name and was featured in multiple commercials, captivates listeners with its beauty—from the striking piano intro to the melody infused with a distinctly Japanese sensibility.

Its lyrical lines, evoking scenes of cherry blossoms, make it a perfect choice as a graduation song.

Not only beloved as background music but also popular as a choral piece, this ballad is known as one of Matsutoya’s signature songs.

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Hoshino Takashi

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March 9Remioromen

March 9th – Remioromen (Full)

Remioromen’s “March 9th” is a ballad perfectly suited for the milestone of graduation.

Originally written for a friend’s wedding, the song was later used as an insert track in the drama “1 Litre of Tears.” This led to a long-running hit, and it has since been sung as a chorus at many graduation ceremonies.

Its warm, heart-fluttering melody gently weaves together the hope and the feelings of farewell of young people setting out on a new journey.

The moving, unforgettable graduation melody spun by Remioromen will continue to be close to the hearts of many people.