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

Sakura, You, and Ituki.

Cherry Blossom, You, Me – SAKURA KIMI WATASHI

A fleeting yet beautiful graduation song that conjures up scenes of cherry blossoms dancing in the spring breeze.

Tuki.’s clear, transparent vocals gently embrace both the sadness of parting and the anticipation of a new beginning.

Released in January 2024, this gem of a ballad sings of nostalgic memories and hope for the future.

It was also featured as an insert song on ABEMA’s dating show “Kyou, Suki ni Narimashita: Graduation Edition 2024,” moving the hearts of many.

Listen to it at a graduation ceremony or during a springtime farewell, and tears are sure to flow.

Recommended for those who have experienced a farewell with someone dear, or who are about to take a new step.

Let the heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody envelop you, and let your thoughts drift up into the spring sky.

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.

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.

Graduation Elegy3B LAB.☆S

Graduation Elegy / 3B LAB.

“Sotsugyo Aika,” included as the B-side to the debut single “Ichigo Ichie” released in 2003.

Since it’s performed by the rock band 3B LAB.☆, it has a different vibe from the usual wistful graduation songs.

While most graduation songs tend to be ballads, this track is upbeat and catchy, yet it still feels like a proper graduation song, folding in reflections on memories and relatable episodes that anyone can connect with.

It’s a track I recommend to those who want a graduation song that isn’t a ballad.

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Tomoë GakuenFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Tomoe Gakuen (Full ver.)

This song, with its captivating title “Tomoegakuen,” takes its name from a real school that once existed in Tokyo, though it has since been closed.

It was the alma mater of Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, and the song was created as the theme for Totto-chan, the drama depicting half of Kuroyanagi’s life.

True to Masaharu Fukuyama’s style, it’s a piece that draws in listeners of any generation, making it a graduation song that resonates not only with current graduates but also with those who finished school long ago.

It’s a track we hope both children about to graduate and their parents will listen to together.

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