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

Sakura MelodyMakihara Noriyuki

Noriyuki Makihara – Sakura Melody [Music Video]

A song whose gentle vocals fall upon the heart like cherry blossom petals.

Included on Noriyuki Makihara’s self-cover album “Bespoke,” this track tenderly accompanies those embarking on a new chapter.

It weaves gratitude and memories for friends who will walk separate paths after graduation, leaving a warm afterglow in the listener’s heart.

Released in March 2022, the album also features self-covers of songs he originally provided to other renowned artists.

Perfect as BGM for graduation ceremonies or for anyone feeling anxious about starting a new life.

Wrapped in Makihara’s kind voice, you’ll surely find the courage to take that first step forward.

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.

Song of DepartureMr.Children

Mr.Children “Tabidachi no Uta” MUSIC VIDEO

It’s a song that truly resonates with the heart.

The gentle, enveloping vocals and warm melody beautifully capture both the loneliness of parting and the hope of a new beginning.

Released in October 2007, it gained attention as the theme song for the film “Sky of Love.” It was also included on the album “SUPERMARKET FANTASY,” winning over many fans.

The lyrics, which stay close to you on nights filled with anxiety or loneliness and give you the courage to look forward, are especially memorable.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to at graduations and other turning points in life.

Mr.Children’s soul-stirring vocals are sure to bring tears to your eyes.

It’s a song I highly recommend to anyone feeling uneasy about stepping into a new environment.

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.