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

proofflumpool

flumpool “Proof” Music Video (Full Chorus ver.)

Akashi by flumpool, released in 2011.

This song is also beloved as a classic graduation song, and since it was created for NHK’s National School Music Contest, it’s also known as a choral piece.

For graduation ceremonies, gentle ballads with vocals that resonate in the heart are the perfect choice.

This song expresses the sadness and poignancy of parting from friends at graduation, and it’s sure to bring tears when you listen.

At the same time, it gives you strength—the resolve to keep doing your best, remembering you even as we each head down our own paths after graduation.

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Graduation song, friends’ song19

19 – Sotsugyou no Uta, Tomodachi no Uta

It’s also a cheer song that supports friends with the theme of graduation and parting.

Taking that first new step after graduation brings excitement, but also anxiety and the need for courage.

This song gives courage and a gentle push to those people.

If you listen to it at a graduation ceremony, many will likely feel encouraged.

Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu

Yuzu “Friend ~The Time of Departure~”

Some people may not really feel that they’re graduating, but on the day of the ceremony the sadness builds and the tears start to flow—many can relate.

And when you think about what’s saddest of all, it’s probably parting with friends.

This Yuzu song resonates deeply with those feelings.

Released in 2013, “Tomodachi ~Tabidachi no Toki~” is a standard graduation song, beloved as a choral piece, and also known for being featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” It’s a song that makes you cry when you listen to it, and one you’ll want to dedicate to your best friends with all your heart.

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BoyhoodInoue Yosui

Boyhood – Yosui Inoue (Full)

Yosui Inoue’s classic “Shonen Jidai” (Boyhood).

Although it was released in 1990, it’s still used in the media and sung at karaoke today.

As the title suggests, it features a delicate melody and lyrics that evoke boyhood.

It’s rare to find a song where the melody and lyrics are this perfectly in sync.

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Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya

Takanori Kawasaki - Sakura Usagi [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Takaya Kawasaki’s “Sakura Usagi” is a ballad that vividly captures the wavering emotions at the milestone of graduation.

Comparing timid feelings to a rabbit, its lyrics, sprinkled with bittersweetness, color the sentimental scenes of a graduation ceremony.

The gentle sound of the acoustic guitar evokes a quiet classroom and naturally brings tears to your eyes.

Beyond romance, it also conveys feelings for family and mentors, serving as an encouraging message for those taking their first steps forward on a new journey at graduation.

With its moving melody, it will be etched deeply in the heart as a keepsake of graduation.

On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai

Ai Kawashima / On the Day of Departure (Lyrics)

Ai Kawashima’s “Tabidachi no Hi ni…” is a heartwarming ballad.

Its bittersweet yet beautiful piano melody enhances the moving scenes of graduation ceremonies.

The lyrics are filled with memories from student days, evoking moments of friendship and parting.

No matter what feelings you carry as you leave your school behind, this song will help you engrave the days you spent together in your heart.

It’s great for chorus performances, as background music, or to sing at karaoke.

It’s a wonderful song that both celebrates a new beginning and reminds you of the true value of student life.

Sakura (2019)Moriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – “Sakura (2019)” Music Video

“Sakura” by Naotaro Moriyama is so famous that it’s practically synonymous with graduation songs.

The track was released in 2002 as his second single.

“Sakura (2019)” is a newly arranged and re-recorded version from 2019, and it was used as the theme song for the TV drama “同期のサクラ” (“Sakura at Work”) starring Mitsuki Takahata.

Cherry blossoms are vibrant and gently uplifting, with a charm that captivates people, yet during graduation season their fluttering petals evoke a poignant sadness.

It’s a ballad that highlights that bittersweet feeling—and is loved across generations.

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