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

Sakura, Bloom!arashi

ARASHI – Sakura Sake [Official Music Video]

When it comes to spring staples that instantly boost your mood with an energetic intro, this is the song! It’s Arashi’s single “Sakura Sake,” released in March 2005.

It was also used in a Jounan Prep School TV commercial featuring Sho Sakurai, and became widely known as an anthem for exam season.

The lyrics, filled with positive messages, and the driving band sound perfectly match graduation scenes where you take a bold first step forward.

Just listening to it brings back vivid memories of your earnest younger self and the days spent with friends, and you might find your eyes welling up before you know it.

It blows away anxiety and gives you a powerful push toward the future.

It’s the ultimate cheer song that stays by your side in those precious moments when you want to wipe away your tears and say goodbye with a smile.

Born on this planetGasshou Kyoku

[Chorus] Born on This Planet (Mixed Chorus in Three Parts)

A classic choral piece that celebrates the preciousness of life and hope, with a majestic melody that resonates in the heart, “Born on This Planet.” Composed by Ryuichi Sugimoto as the theme for NHK’s “Living Planet,” it was released to the world in August 1996 on the album “Born on This Planet: NHK ‘Living Planet’ Soundtrack 2.” Many people may remember this melody alongside the beautiful images on television.

Its themes—courage to pursue one’s dreams and gratitude for the miracle of meeting—make it perfect for graduation season.

If you’ve sung it at a choral competition or a graduation ceremony, the very first notes will bring those scenes flooding back, perhaps even moving you to tears.

It’s a deeply moving song, beloved across generations, that reaffirms the bonds with those you cherish.

While shining…Tokunaga Hideaki

Hideaki Tokunaga – While Shining...

It’s a famous ballad whose melody blends the sparkle of youth with a touch of bittersweetness, and it never fails to make your heart swell.

Released as a single in July 1987, it became widely known through a Fujicolor TV commercial featuring Yoko Minamino.

Taken from the album “BIRDS,” the song portrays the wavering emotions at the moment one opens the door to adulthood, gently accompanying the mix of anxiety and hope that comes with graduation season.

In April 1999, a monument to the song was erected in Senzaki, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture—the hometown of lyricist Akira Otsu—and it continues to be cherished and sung in the local community.

Hideaki Tokunaga’s clear, high tenor seems to gently encourage those about to set off on a new journey.

An evergreen classic, it’s a song I’d recommend to a wide audience, from parents’ generation to the young.

March 9Remioromen

Remioromen – March 9

Remioromen’s “March 9th” has now become a classic graduation song.

It’s well known that the song was originally written as a wedding song for an acquaintance of the band members who was getting married on March 9th.

However, because it coincides with graduation season—and the lyrics fit a graduation theme perfectly—it’s also hugely popular as a choral piece for graduation ceremonies.

Its lyrics, gentle like spring yet tinged with a heartbreaking poignancy, make it a tear-jerker for those about to graduate.

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utatane

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When the fleabanes bloomNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'When the Harujion Blooms' Short Ver.

When the season is filled with the scent of spring, a complex mix of the sadness of parting and the resolve to set out begins to grow, doesn’t it? This number by Nogizaka46 is a masterpiece that gently embraces those emotions we feel during graduation season.

Released in March 2016 as their 14th single, it features Mai Fukagawa as the center, serving as a grand send-off toward her graduation.

It was also used in a commercial for “sizebook,” so many of you have likely heard it.

The video, with its hakama outfits that evoke the Taisho era’s romantic aesthetic, is striking—just watching it may bring a lump to your throat.

When you’re anxious yet determined to step into a new world, this song will quietly give you courage and become something truly precious.

To the futureKiroro

Kiroro “To the Future” Official Music Video

This song is a staple among graduation tunes.

It’s a track by Kiroro, a female duo from Okinawa, released as their second single in June 1998.

Originally, the songwriter composed it in middle school to express gratitude to her mother, but its warm lyrics also resonate with the feelings we have for those who supported us at graduation.

Its simple, heartfelt melody has been featured as an insert song in the anime “Tsuki ga Kirei” and in commercials.

Singing of hope for the new paths ahead, this moving piece gives courage in times of parting and new beginnings.

It’s sure to be a song that gently nudges someone forward.

far; distant; by farGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Haruka

A 2009 single by the vocal group GReeeeN, whose lyrics really hit home.

While it strongly evokes the image of leaving your familiar hometown to head for the big city, it also perfectly matches the feelings you have when graduating and stepping onto a new path.

The straightforward, conversational singing style really stays close to the emotions of moving away or facing a graduation ceremony.

It’s a song that brings to mind the days of clashing with others and parental opposition, while also making you think about how to face your family.

You can’t listen without tears.

It really sinks into your heart…

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KEI

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