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

spring sunlightKanapu × Kujira

[Suite] KAFU × Kujira #97 “Spring Sunlight” [Original MV]

A heart-stirring song where the warmth of spring sunshine melts into the ache of parting.

KAFU’s crystal-clear vocals beautifully capture the complex emotions of graduation season.

The delicate composition by Kujira and KAFU’s gentle voice weave an unforgettable harmony.

Released in March 2022, this track feels like a quiet push forward for those taking a new step with the arrival of spring.

It portrays the many memories and feelings that surface at the moment of farewell, resonating deeply with listeners.

It’s a must-listen for anyone feeling anxious before a new chapter, or for those who have experienced a meaningful goodbye.

SAKURAikimonogakari

SAKURA – Ikimonogakari (Full)

A heartfelt song that gently wraps the bittersweetness of cherry blossoms in bloom.

Released in 2006 as Ikimono-gakari’s debut single, it quickly drew attention, including through its use in an NTT commercial.

Its light, buoyant melody and warm vocals beautifully capture both the sadness of graduation and the hope of taking a new step forward.

The lyrics, which symbolize the beauty and transience of cherry blossoms, really hit home.

The scenes of farewell that come to mind with each returning spring are sure to resonate with many.

It’s an inspiring piece that feels like a cheer for those starting down a new path—an emotional song you’ll want to hear at graduation ceremonies and during cherry blossom season, warming the heart.

It’s goodbye, but it’s not goodbye.yamadakatsutenai Wink

It's goodbye, but it's not goodbye.

Yamada Katsutenai Wink wraps this classic spring song—one you want to hear around graduation season—in warm, gentle vocals.

Its melody, which sings of the sorrow of parting and the hope of reunion, nestles close to the heart and gives you courage to face a new future.

Released in February 1991, the song was used as an insert track on Fuji TV’s “Hō-chan no Yamada Katsutenai Terebi” and became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart.

With lyrics by Kuniko Yamada and music by KAN in beautiful harmony, it’s a gem of a message song that teaches us that parting is not an end but a beginning.

Listened to in the season of departures, it’s a wonderful, heartwarming cheer song that continues to be loved by many.

Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]

Jinchōge, perfect for the season of new departures, tugs at the heartstrings at graduation ceremonies and thank-you gatherings.

Performed by DISH// with Takumi Kitamura as frontman, this song is a classic that sings of gratitude to loved ones.

Feelings for parents who raised us and thanks to friends who supported us make it deeply moving.

In particular, the warm lyrics by Hattori from Macaroni Enpitsu vividly capture the sadness of parting, making it a must-listen for graduation season.

Its appeal has spread even further after being used as a TV drama theme song.

Be sure to listen to this gentle anthem that gives you the courage to move forward.

Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri

To You Graduating This Year [Sakura Clear Skies] [First Performance of New Song]

When it comes to graduation songs, many of them express farewells with friends and the anxieties and excitement about the future.

“Sakurabare,” sung by Yuuri, is a moving song that conveys gratitude to the father and mother who raised you, just before graduation.

The song was released digitally in 2021.

Yuuri’s heartfelt, piercing vocals heighten the emotion even more, powerfully gripping your heart.

Even those who usually feel too shy to express their feelings will surely be inspired to thank their parents by this number.

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