[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] Moving Ballads That Bring Tears | A Roundup of Classics and the Newest Hits! (41–50)
My WayMirei Touyama
How about a song that’s a little different from the usual graduation tunes—one that really pushes you to look forward? This is the title track from Mirei Toyama’s first album “My Way,” released in 2016.
The song was produced by Shota Shimizu, also known for “Dear My Boo.” While many graduation songs dwell on quiet, reflective feelings, this one makes images of “taking a step forward” and “believing in yourself and moving ahead” well up inside you.
I recommend it as a track that lets you embrace graduation positively.
[Graduation Songs] Tear-Jerking, Moving Ballads | A Full Showcase of Classics and the Newest Hits! (51–60)
CorrectRADWIMPS
This is a song from RADWIMPS filled with memories of youth.
Its heartwarming melody and profound lyrics make you want to listen during graduation season.
Written for an NHK special in 2018, it has since been sung at many graduation ceremonies.
It was released digitally in January 2024, followed by a CD with choral sheet music in February.
With lyrics that delicately portray the feelings of young people—friendship, growth, and anxiety about the future—it’s sure to resonate deeply with students approaching graduation.
As you embark on a new chapter, why not sing it together with your friends and etch the memories in your heart?
Don’t bloom.WHITE JAM
Once the cherry blossoms bloom, the season of partings arrives—so please don’t bloom.
That’s the sentiment behind the song “Sakanaide” (“Don’t Bloom”).
The season when cherry blossoms open is also the season of farewells.
“Sakanaide,” which expresses the bittersweet wish for the cherry blossoms not to bloom because we don’t want to say goodbye, is a track released by WHITE JAM in 2016.
WHITE JAM is a music group that provides songs to many artists, while also releasing their own work.
Among their songs, “Sakanaide” is cherished as a graduation song.
It turns the sorrow of parting with the seemingly trivial, repeating days of everyday life into a beautiful melody.
Maplesupittsu
Kaede, one of Spitz’s most beloved classics.
It’s an extremely famous song that has been used in numerous forms of media, so I’m sure many people have heard it.
With its catchy melody, it beautifully expresses the gentle, airy quality that defines Spitz.
The chorus melody is crafted to be deeply moving, the kind that tightens your chest.
Graduation PhotoArai Yumi
A song that’s also very popular as a graduation tune, “Sotsugyo Shashin” was released by Yumi Matsutoya during her Arai Yumi era.
Released in 1975, it was originally written for the vocal group Hi-Fi Set and was later self-covered by the artist.
The song reflects on a time after graduation has passed, singing about the person you once liked who appears in the graduation album, and the scenery that has changed since those days.
Listen to it while imagining the day you’ll look back on these youthful times, just like in this song.
my graduationSPEED
Released in 1998, “my graduation” is one of SPEED’s signature songs.
As the title suggests, it evokes the feeling of graduation—not necessarily a school ceremony, but a sense of “graduating from something,” looking back on memories while taking a new step forward.
It can also be heard as a love song: if you once fell in love at school and that romance has ended, it may feel even more relatable.
Though many years have passed since its release, it remains a staple that’s frequently mentioned when people think of graduation songs.
Thank youikimonogakari
From upbeat, poppy tunes to lyrical ballads, the duo Ikimono-gakari continues to captivate fans with their wide expressive range.
Their 18th single “Arigatou,” written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyobo, is widely known as one of their signature songs, even being included in music textbooks.
Its simple message of gratitude naturally brings to mind the faces of those who have supported us.
It’s a number that’s sure to move listeners—perfect not only as graduation ceremony BGM, but also for choral performances at thank-you events.
