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

On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai

Ai Kawashima / On the Day of Departure (Lyrics)

Ai Kawashima’s “Tabidachi no Hi ni” is practically a standard song for graduation ceremonies.

The way it opens with a piano accompaniment feels perfectly fitting for the occasion, and as you listen, the emotions slowly well up and bring tears to your eyes.

The melody, the beauty of her voice, and the imagery in the lyrics—all of it is moving.

It’s also great as a choral piece!

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Murakami Shinpei

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Spring comes, and we become a little more grown-up again.sanmyu~

[Sunst. myu~] 5th single “Spring Comes and We Become a Little More Grown-Up Again” [FULL] [MV]

When it comes to groups that radiated pure, innocent charm as pristine-white idols, Sunmyu comes to mind.

Their classic song that captures the bittersweet feelings of graduation season is “Spring Comes, and We Become a Little More Grown Up.” The lyrics resonate not only with the sadness of parting, but also with a sense of hope for the future.

Its nostalgic melody, reminiscent of 1980s kayōkyoku, is enough to bring tears to your eyes.

Released as a single in March 2014, it garnered strong support, reaching No.

4 on the Oricon Daily chart.

It was also familiar as the theme song for the “Karaoke BanBan” commercial, so many of you have likely heard it.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you want to immerse yourself in memories of youth, or when you’re sending off a friend embarking on a new chapter.

It gently stays by your side in those moments when you overcome farewells and grow just a little more mature.

Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Friend’s Song”

The song I want to listen to while reflecting on a friend I’m parting ways with is BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Tomodachi no Uta” (“Song of Friends”).

The lyrics, written by Motoo Fujiwara as he thought of characters from works he loved since childhood, convey a clumsy yet warm sense of friendship, and the grand sound incorporating trumpet is sure to resonate deeply with men as well.

Released in February 2011 as their 19th single, this track moved many as the theme song for the film “Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops—Angel Wings.” It’s a song that wraps up the anxieties of a new departure and gently nudges you forward.

Even if you end up walking separate paths, it makes you believe the time you shared won’t disappear—a masterpiece filled with kindness.

Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa

Lord of Major / Precious Things

This is a track that could be called the very origin of Road of Major, a rock band formed from a TV show concept! Released in September 2002 as their indie debut single, it set a remarkable record by entering the Oricon Top 10 for 19 consecutive weeks despite having no tie-in.

It has continued to be loved over the years, later even being used in a car commercial in Taiwan.

With its exhilarating, fast-paced sound and lyrics that depict an unshakable bond with irreplaceable friends, it’s a song that makes your heart burn every time you hear it.

Also included on the classic album “ROAD OF MAJOR,” this track is perfect for throwing your arms around your friends at karaoke and singing together as you each set off on different paths after graduation.

Its melody, where overflowing passion coexists with a touch of bittersweetness, vividly brings back the shining memories of youth.

Waiting for flowersKihara Rui

Rui Kihara / Waiting for Flowers Official Music Video

Written and composed by singer-songwriter Atsu Mizuno, this piece is a ballad distinguished by its warm melody.

It captures the loneliness of parting and a wish to meet again, offering comfort to those standing at the major milestone of graduation.

Released as a single in March 2025, it was also included on the first album, “REPLAY,” released the same year.

It’s a perfect song for spring, a season of new beginnings.

YELLikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “YELL” Music Video

Ikimono-gakari’s “YELL,” released in 2009, is a classic graduation song with a melody and lyrics that never fail to tug at the heartstrings.

It was written as a set piece for NHK’s All-Japan School Music Competition, making it a great choice for choral performances at graduations.

It’s a song whose lyrics, embracing the season of parting and the moment of taking a new step forward, can move anyone to tears.

The words feel like they face one’s inner self head-on—an empathetic, tear-inducing number.

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utatane

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Loved oneFOMARE

FOMARE “The One I Love” Official Music Video

This song by FOMARE, a rock band from Takasaki, Gunma, channels their overflowing feelings for the places and people they love in a straightforward way.

With a driving band sound, it powerfully sings of the preciousness of everyday life we once took for granted and of bonds that remain unchanged even when we’re apart.

Released in June 2021 and later placed as the opening track on the album “midori,” the song also drew attention as the CM song for Universal Studios Japan’s “Uniharu 2022.” It’s a perfect track for graduates who want to express gratitude to friends, teammates, and the places that supported them.

As listeners leave their familiar days behind and step into a new world, the song offers a warm cheer to gently push them forward.