Memories Come Flooding Back: Tearjerker Graduation Songs. Moving, Tear-Inducing Ballads [2026]

1096Cody Rī (Ri)

Cody・Lee (Li) – 1096 (Music Video)

Cody・Lee (Lee) is a rock band whose talent is already well recognized, having won the grand prize in both Egg’s audition “LIVE BOOSTER” and the music audition “TIPOFF ACT.” Have you listened to their song “1096”? It’s a bittersweet yet powerful graduation song: for those graduating soon, it reflects countless school experiences; for those who graduated long ago, it stirs memories of youth.

The lyrics, which trace memories with feelings like “We spent our days meeting and parting again and again; I’m anxious about leaving this comfortable place… but thank you, everyone,” are exquisite.

There’s so much to savor too, from the piano intro to the guitar-soaked interlude.

I hope as many people as possible will listen to it while thinking about graduation.

graduation songwhiteeeen

whiteeeen “Graduation Song” lyric video

Whiteeeen, who debuted as the “little sister” group of GReeeeN and now performs under the name Days no mo, included this song, “Graduation Song,” on their 2016 mini-album Koe (Voice).

Just as the title suggests, it’s a graduation-themed song, and as you’d expect from GReeeeN’s sister group, it carries a distinct GReeeeN flavor.

With lyrics that hit straight to the heart, it’s a moving graduation song that will surely touch you—and may even bring tears as you relate it to your own experiences.

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To the days without a nameyama

yama “To the Nameless Days” MV

Released during the 2021 graduation season, yama’s “To the Nameless Days” was put out via digital distribution.

The song was written and composed by Vocaloid producer Yuuki Nagumo.

Precisely because it avoids straightforward, direct words like “graduation” and “departure,” it carries a fleeting, piercing quality that hits you in the chest.

Even the title, “To the Nameless Days,” is profoundly affecting.

It’s surely a track that will move graduates to tears, and one you’ll want to revisit when you’re feeling down even after you’ve graduated.

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JourneyFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Tabiji (Official Video)

Fujii Kaze’s songs are all the kind that shake your heart—so many of them are moving, aren’t they? In particular, this song “Tabiji” is one that really hits home and brings you to tears, especially if you’re about to graduate.

It’s also known for being the theme song of the drama Nijiiro Karte.

It’s a song that can move listeners of any generation, but when you listen to it with graduation in mind, it feels all the more poignant—the lyrics become even more stirring.

Life goes on from here, and this number likens that to a “journey,” encouraging you to look ahead.

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Words of FarewellKaientai

Released in 1979, Kaientai’s “Okuru Kotoba” became a million seller and a beloved national song after it was used as the theme for the hugely popular drama Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3B.

Since it was a school drama, the song has been a graduation standard from the time it became a hit right up to today.

Even people who don’t know who sings it will recognize it as soon as they hear it—it’s that famous.

It’s an emotionally moving song whose lyrics make you think, “What a truly good song,” no matter how many times you listen, and it’s easy to see why it continues to be sung and cherished.

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Graduation DaySasuke

Graduation Day

The male duo Sasuke made their debut in 2004 with the single “Aoi Bench,” which became a massive hit and their signature song.

This track, “Sotsugyō no Hi,” was released as a single in 2006.

The two are known for voices that suit ballads—a strong impression carried over from “Aoi Bench”—and of course, this song too is a moving ballad that gently and lyrically sings about graduation, sure to bring tears.

If you used to bike to school or were in a club activity, the lyrics will likely stir many memories and move you to tears.

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Dear Sir or Madam, on this day when cherry blossoms fluttermafumafu

[MV] Dear Sir/Madam, On This Day When Cherry Blossoms Flutter Down / Mafumafu [Shonen Janmaga Gakuen]

It’s a bittersweet yet powerful song by Mafumafu that delicately portrays farewells and new encounters arriving with the breath of spring.

Memories and regrets from school days, along with hopes for the future, are spun through a clear, transparent voice, seeping into the heart alongside scenes of falling cherry blossoms.

Included on the album “Kagurairo Artifact,” the track was released in October 2019 and was also used as the theme song for the website “Shonen Janmaga Gakuen.” Its emotional melody and driving rhythm leave a strong impression, gently encouraging those taking a new step in spring.

It resonates even more deeply when listened to at the start of a new chapter or during graduation season.