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

Lingering Snowiruka

Dolphin [Iruka] / Nagori-yuki [Lingering Snow] (Single Version) Official Audio with translation

When it comes to timeless masterpieces about parting in spring, many people probably think of this song by folk singer Iruka.

Released as a single in November 1975, it is a cover of a track originally included on Kaguyahime’s 1974 album “Sankaidate no Uta.” Set on a station platform where a train is due and unseasonal snow is falling, the scene of farewell permeates listeners’ hearts.

The lyrics, portraying the poignant distance between “you,” who is becoming a grown woman, and “I,” who watch your figure recede, resonate across generations.

It’s a warm song that gently stays by your side during the season of departures, when you’re weighed down by the sadness of parting from someone dear.

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.

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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Letter ~Dear fifteen-year-old you~Anjura Aki

Angela Aki “Letter ~Dear You, Fifteen~” Official Music Video (HD)

This song, “Letter: Dear You at Fifteen,” also famous as one of Angela Aki’s signature tracks, is her eighth single, released in 2008.

As the title suggests, it’s a message song dedicated to fifteen-year-olds on the verge of graduating from junior high.

Fifteen is a sensitive age, full of dreams for the future yet troubled by reality.

To put it grandly, some may feel they are standing at a crossroads in life.

This is a number for those people, and for anyone who feels that no one understands their pain or that they can’t look ahead and keep walking, it may well be a song that moves you to tears.

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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.

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.

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.