[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.

Playlist

[Graduation Songs] Tear-Jerking, Heartwarming Ballads \| A Showcase of Classics and the Newest Hits!
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	BFFMrs. GREEN APPLE		A heartwarming song that portrays the distance and bonds between friends.
2	DreamerJO1		An anthem cheering on those who chase their dreams, the courage to move forward
3	EverlastingSixTONES		An emotional ballad from Idemitsu’s commercial, for life’s milestones
4	footprint(s)Little Glee Monster		A moving ballad that resonates with the heart
5	horsetailnishina		The theme song that, after enduring winter, sings of hope for spring.
6	Promise ~promises~EXILE		A moving ballad of parting and reunion, bound by a strong bond
7	Precious FeelingsRIEHATA		RIEHAT conveys emotions through song—an anthem of support filled with gratitude for their teammates.
8	Joined handsMINAMI		A coming-of-age ballad that holds hands and heads toward the future
9	GloriousBE:FIRST		An anthem that celebrates effort, with the powerful push to keep you moving forward
10	Waiting for flowersKihara Rui		A ballad imbued with Atsu Mizuno’s wish for a reunion
11	ContrastTOMOO		A graduation song that portrays the bittersweetness of youth
12	The Story of the Wind and MeAdo		A moving piece: a film theme song written for Ado
13	Embrace the presentsatō moka		A wistful song that embraces the present at graduation
14	See you again.kawanishi natsuki		Kawanishi from Nara sings a song of his hometown.
15	This is me ~Poem of Promise~RIKU		RIKU writes an original poem of self-affirmation
16	spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE		Spring melancholy, singing of the end of youth and a new departure
17	far; distant; by farGReeeeN		A moving song depicting the farewell and departure of youth
18	Last SongOfisharu Higedan Dism		An insert song from a drama, an emotional piece
19	About meMrs. GREEN APPLE		An inspiring cheer song of courage and hope that resonates with the heart
20	Kitearashi		An inspiring work that sings of hope and courage for the future
21	Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN		Song of friendship, even when apart our hearts remain connected
22	Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu		A passionate message that captures the brilliance of youth with a sense of speed
23	It’s okayji ma ma		A heartwarming classic by jimama from Okinawa
24	StoryAI		A moving AI ballad that sings of deep love and bonds
25	Just a little longer until graduationGLAY		A bittersweet farewell before graduation and a song of memories
26	MiracleGReeeeN		GReeeeN’s classic hit “Kiseki,” a song of youth
27	DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE		A song about being yourself, gifted for graduation season
28	Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi		A poignant song depicting the bonds with a friend and a farewell
29	horizonback number		Youth that looks forward, nourished by lost dreams
30	Sakura rollFunatsu Mahiro		A masterpiece that sings of memories like cherry blossoms in spring
31	Farewell to the days of youthTHE Inazuma Sentai		A cheering song that transcends the past and dashes into the future
32	When I turn around…Janne Da Arc		A graduation song: a moving piece about parting and hope
33	Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS		FMB's 'Thank You' that moves people at the graduation ceremony
34	HarukaYOASOBI		YOASOBI’s moving work “Moon Prince,” a heartwarming story
35	YELLikimonogakari		An encouraging song that resonates in the heart before graduation
36	To the futureKiroro		An inspiring graduation song conveys eternal love.
37	cherry blossomKobukuro		Kobukuro’s “Sakura,” a classic song about graduation and farewell
38	proofflumpool		flumpool’s “Akashi” sings about farewell at graduation and moving forward.
39	March 9Fujimaki Ryota		A song of departure resonates in the heart, a melody of hope.
40	Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya		At the milestone of graduation, a bittersweet song stirs the heart.
41	Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu		A classic song that sings of graduation, friendship, and the sorrow of parting
42	My WayMirei Touyama		A positive graduation song, a track by Mirei Toyama
43	Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro		Motohiro Hata's 'Aogeba Aozora' is a moving graduation song.
44	Beyond the Night SkySMAP		At the graduation ceremony, SMAP’s moving “Yozora no Mukō” (Beyond the Night Sky).
45	CorrectRADWIMPS		A graduation song depicting RADWIMPS’ youth
46	budKobukuro		Kobukuro’s moving song of love to a mother
47	Maplesupittsu		Spitz’s classic song “Kaede” is a masterpiece.
48	March 9Remioromen		A timeless song filled with the emotion of graduation, resonating in the heart
49	Sakuraayaka		A heartwarming song of farewell and growth painted with cherry blossoms
50	Song of DepartureMr.Children		A beloved classic that depicts life's milestones
51	Don’t bloom.WHITE JAM		Singing of bittersweet feelings in the season of cherry blossoms and farewells
52	Yui (Knot/Bond)miwa		Miwa’s graduation song “Yui (結)” that depicts the adolescent heart
53	The Beginningayaka		A heartwarming song that heralds Ayaka’s new beginning
54	BoyhoodInoue Yosui		A heart-touching classic that sings of a boy’s memories
55	On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai		Ai Kawashima’s graduation song: a masterpiece that colors emotions and memories
56	Sakura (2019)Moriyama Naotaro		The Appeal of Naotaro Moriyama’s Graduation Song “Sakura”
57	Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi		Yumi Matsutoya’s famous song “Come, Spring.”
58	Graduation PhotoArai Yumi		A classic graduation photo song that sings of youthful memories
59	Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster		Tears are nourishment for the future, a song of hope.
60	Letter ~Dear fifteen-year-old you~Anjura Aki		Share the emotion with the graduation song “Tegami”
61	PrideImai Miki		Miki Imai “PRIDE,” a song about the strength to live
62	Cherry Blossom Rainabsorb		Sakura Rain, a famous song that sings about graduation memories
63	Sakura, You, and Ituki.		A poignant song that depicts springtime farewells and the radiance of youth.
64	Full of memoriesH₂O		H2O’s youth song “Memories Are Full”
65	guidelinesUru		A Song to Overcome Life’s Trials
66	Graduation song, friends’ song19		A song that cheers on the anxiety and courage of graduation
67	road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE		A song of gratitude and hope for the future at the graduation ceremony
68	Cherry blossom seasonEXILE ATSUSHI		A classic graduation song that moves you in the cherry blossom season
69	Best FriendKiroro		The song “Best Friend,” which celebrates the bonds of friendship, is a graduation classic.
70	my graduationSPEED		A song that looks back on graduation and takes a new step forward
71	Thank youikimonogakari		Ikimono-gakari’s signature song of gratitude, “Arigatou.”
72	Sakura PhotographHatsuboshi Gakuen		A ballad for the season when cherry blossoms dance, an emotional song
73	A Song for YouShenelu		A song that gently sings about the farewell of graduation
74	Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri		The Appeal of Yuuri’s Gratitude-Filled Graduation Song
75	Petals, heralding the beginningsakura shimeji		A graduation song with a cherry blossom motif, singing of parting and moving forward
76	The Door to TomorrowI WiSH		A song that sings about school memories and hopes for the future
77	Melancholy Cherry Blossomsatarayo		A youthful song celebrating a new beginning
78	KanadeSukima Suichi		A moving ballad that resonates in the heart for the graduation season
79	It’s goodbye, but it’s not goodbye.yamadakatsutenai Wink		A classic spring song, a moving tune that accompanies the graduation season
80	GraduationOzaki Yutaka		Yutaka Ozaki’s message of youth, expressing a longing for freedom
81	Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai		Hirai Dai’s beautiful ballad, a farewell and a new beginning
82	1096Cody Rī (Ri)		The winter I dropped out of high school: the loneliness and hope of youth
83	Azure Swimnishina		A heartwarming song that gently embraces the emotion of graduation
84	Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone		A moving song that supports people who challenge their dreams
85	Until we meet againHirai Dai		Parting and reunion, a gentle melody resonates in the heart
86	Sakura MelodyMakihara Noriyuki		An inspiring song celebrating graduation, “Sakura Melody.”
87	JourneyFuji Kaze		Fujii Kaze’s song of hope for graduates
88	spring skySuzuki Suzuki		A graduation song capturing the emotions of youth, filled with hope and gratitude
89	GraduationTakahashi Yuu		A heartwarming song that soothes the sadness of graduation
90	GraduationKobukuro		Kobukuro’s graduation song resonates with my heart.
91	evening primroseNovelbright		A heart-stirring ballad where wistfulness and hope intertwine
92	Sky-blue DaysSHISHAMO		Graduation songs are youth anthems that resonate in the heart.
93	Ode to YouthMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto		Singing of the thrill of youth and the poignancy of farewell
94	We againSG		An inspiring masterpiece perfect for listening to during cherry blossom season
95	Goodbyekariyushi 58		Season of farewells, feelings for someone dear
96	Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46		A graduation song that heralds spring, the bittersweet melody of youth
97	Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro		A heartfelt song themed around cherry blossoms and farewell
98	Footsteps ~Be StrongMr.Children		A song that supports hope and courage for a new life
99	YellKobukuro		A heartwarming ballad that celebrates a journey's departure
100	Before spring comesGōruden Bonbā		A bittersweet graduation song, the warmth of friendship
101	Farewell, YouthChatto Monchī		A masterpiece that depicts Chatmonchy’s youth
102	Words of FarewellKaientai		A moving masterpiece that colors the graduation ceremony
103	Tomoë GakuenFukuyama Masaharu		A moving song that portrays memories of school and life
104	Graduation -GRADUATION-Kikuchi Momoko		A graduation song that portrays the bittersweetness of youth and growth
105	Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru		A moving graduation song that portrays the friendships of youth
106	Best FriendNishino Kana		A moving graduation song that celebrates friendship
107	My Gift To YouCHEMISTRY meets S.O.S.		A tale of winter memories and eternal love
108	365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48		AKB48’s moving graduation song, the power of music
109	Gift SongCHiCO with HoneyWorks		A gentle melody singing gratitude for graduation
110	Words of FarewellGReeeeN		A moving song that captures GReeeeN’s youth
111	A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly		A moving graduation song filled with gratitude and farewell
112	oneselfTani Yuuki		A moving song that accompanies the graduation season
113	What I want to tell you before graduationerica		Long-distance relationship graduation song, erica
114	When cherry-blossom hues danceNakajima Mika		A beautiful song that makes the heart tremble when cherry blossoms dance
115	say good bye & good dayKOKIA		An inspiring song that gives you courage and keeps you looking forward
116	Goodbye, graduation.haji→		A moving song that sings of the anxieties and hopes of graduation
117	A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru		A song by Hikaru Utada that resonates with the heart
118	Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro		A moving song about graduation memories and friendship