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

GRADUATIONSBACK-ON

GRADUATIONS (Theme song for V-Cinext 'Kamen Rider Gotchard GRADUATIONS')

This is a song that gently encourages you as you say goodbye to close friends and take a step onto a new path.

Holding the memories of precious friends you spent time with, it captures the wavering feelings of young people heading toward their respective futures through an emotional melody and powerful guitar sound.

The track serves as the theme song for “Kamen Rider Gotchard GRADUATIONS,” released by BACK-ON in February 2025, and stands as a supportive anthem that stays close to the major life turning point of graduation.

It blends seamlessly with the worldview of the V-Cinext production, further heightening the work’s emotional impact.

It’s a perfect song for the grand finale of a school or cultural festival and for making memories with friends.

While feeling the importance of friendship and bonds, this song gives you the courage to take your first steps toward the future.

We againSG

Us, Again – SG (Official Lyric Video)

Sogyoung, a singer who’s gained popularity mainly on social media like YouTube and TikTok.

Known for his strong vocals and creative concepts, his go-to graduation song is “Bokura Mata” (“We, Again”).

On TikTok, it’s been used in countless videos themed around school life.

His gentle, conversational singing over a light, R&B-style beat leaves a lasting impression.

The lyrics, which bring to mind days spent with a beloved partner or friends at school, offer encouragement for tomorrow.

Even when you part ways with someone important, this song reminds you that the relationship doesn’t have to end.

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mutō

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sentimentalculenasm

culenasm “Sentimental” (Official Music Video)

culenasm’s latest work beautifully portrays memories and regrets from the past.

Focusing on relationships with friends and lovers, it looks back on how a single casual remark can change everything.

Its distinctive sound—memories expressed through guitar tones and regrets through roaring noise—leaves a strong impression.

Released in February 2025, the song has garnered a huge response at live shows.

The music video, shot by the members themselves on an iPhone, is also available, allowing listeners to immerse themselves even more deeply in the song’s world.

It’s a highly recommended track for the graduation season, especially for those reflecting on past relationships or seeking music that truly resonates.

Petals, heralding the beginningsakura shimeji

Sakurashimeji “Petals, Announcing the Beginning” Lyric Video

The folk duo Sakura Shimeji’s “Hanabira, Hajimari o Tsugete” is a graduation song that uses cherry blossoms—also featured in their group name—as its motif.

It’s filled with the mixed feelings of “I don’t want the petals to fall yet, I don’t want to say goodbye,” and a gentle message that softly encourages, “Even so, we have to look forward and move on.” Each beautiful word resonates in the heart, staying close to the loneliness that wells up, and in the end, it just might give you a push to take that first step toward a new journey.

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hiyori

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Goodbye, graduation.haji→

Hajime → Graduation Goodbye.

A graduation-themed song by singer-songwriter Haji→.

The lyrics resonate deeply, fitting not only school graduations but also various farewells and transitions like love, job hunting, and changing careers.

The message—“It’s lonely, but let’s smile and each move forward on our new paths”—strikes a straightforward chord of sympathy.

Being apart and walking a different road alone can be scary and make you feel isolated.

Even so, this is a cheer song that encourages you to face forward, believing you’ll meet again.

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hiyori

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GraduationOzaki Yutaka

Yutaka Ozaki – Graduation (Official Music Video)

Yutaka Ozaki delivers a work that captures the clumsy emotions of youth in their entirety with his powerful singing voice.

Frankly portraying the feelings of young people—such as the sense of suffocation in school life and distrust toward adults—this piece carries a universal message about the thirst for freedom felt within the school days that everyone experiences.

Released in January 1985 and peaking at No.

20 on the Oricon charts, it was issued as the lead single from the album Kaikisen (Tropic of Cancer).

Later, in 2016, it was also featured as the commercial song for a web-exclusive short film by a casual clothing chain, continuing to resonate with many people across generations.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you’re wavering between ideals and reality or questioning the norms of society.

Graduation PhotoArai Yumi

Graduation Photograph / Sotsugyou Shashin (2022 Ｍix)

A masterpiece woven from a gentle singing voice that stays close to the heart and lyrics that gracefully portray nostalgia for days gone by.

Featured on the album “COBALT HOUR,” released by Yumi Arai in June 1975, this song delicately expresses life and change after graduation.

It lyrically spins memories of a cherished person who lives on forever within the warmth of reminiscence.

It was also selected as the theme song for Fuji TV’s drama “Sotsu Uta” and the film “Watch with Me.” A heartwarming encouragement song to listen to in times of sorrow or at life’s crossroads.