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

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.

oneselfTani Yuuki

My True Self – Tani Yuuki [MV]

With a warm singing voice and words that resonate in the heart, Tani Yuuki’s song gently wraps graduation memories.

Released in March 2022, it was also featured in a web-exclusive UQ mobile commercial.

The gentle piano melody and powerful vocals portray the reality of youth pressing forward despite worries.

The lyrics, which embrace anxieties about a new life, make it perfect for graduation season.

Singing of dreams and hope for tomorrow, this piece will gently nudge anyone taking a new step forward.

It may bring back past memories and might even move you to tears.

It’s also recommended as background music for graduation ceremonies or memory videos.

Until graduationBoku ga mitakatta aozora

The Blue Sky I Wanted to See / “Until Graduation” Music Video

A heartwarming song that portrays the bittersweet first love of a girl on the brink of graduation.

Released in January 2024 as the second single from Boku ga Mitakatta Aozora, it features the voices of 12 selected members, expressing delicate emotions like budding cherry blossoms.

The music video, set in a fishing port, beautifully captures the poignancy of youth.

The pain of unrequited love, the anxiety before graduation, and the feelings for someone special resonate deeply.

It’s a must-listen not only for students nearing graduation but also for anyone nostalgic for their youthful days.

Listening to this piece will surely bring back memories of the first love we all once experienced.

Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya

Takanori Kawasaki - Sakura Usagi [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Kawasaki Takaya’s heartwarming song is perfect for the graduation season when cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Released in January 2021, it conveys the bittersweet feeling of keeping your true feelings hidden.

Along with its gently resonating melody, you’re drawn into a one-sided-love story unfolding beneath the cherry blossoms.

Kawasaki’s captivating voice beautifully expresses the protagonist’s delicate emotions.

It’s also included on the album “Calendar.” Highly recommended not only for students approaching graduation, but for anyone carrying unspoken feelings.

Listen to it during cherry blossom season, and it’s sure to tug at your heart.

Be sure to give it a listen.

Until we meet againHirai Dai

Until we meet again

A ballad by Dai Hirai whose warm melody and heartfelt words strike a chord.

Released in February 2015, this song has the power to turn the sadness of parting into hope.

The lyrics, sung over gentle ukulele and piano tones, will give you the courage to take a step toward a new life.

Included on the album “Slow & Easy,” the track warmly embraces the bittersweet feelings of graduation season.

While it laments farewells, it conveys the belief that you’ll meet again, and each listen is sure to move you.

It’s a soul-stirring song that gently supports those setting out on a new path.

Blue in the classroomHoshimachi Suisei

[MV] A Classroom in Blue / Suisei Hoshimachi (hololive × HoneyWorks) [#HoloHani Original]

A heartwarming song themed around the radiance of youth, friendship, and bonds.

Suisei Hoshimachi’s pure, luminous vocals amplify the emotional message and evoke deep empathy in listeners.

Included on Hololive and HoneyWorks’ collaborative album “Horohani-gaoka High School,” released in February 2024.

With an atmosphere reminiscent of the end of a school festival or a campfire gathering, it expresses memories and connections with classmates.

Listening to it during graduation season or at a new beginning invites reflection on the past while instilling hope for the future.

It’s a work that gives courage and hope through the many emotions felt at life’s milestones.