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

Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

This is a track whose beautiful, fleeting sound and lyrics—portraying the aching feelings of two childhood companions who grow apart as they become adults—strike straight at the heart.

Included on singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu’s album BOOTLEG, released in October 2017, the song also drew major attention for featuring actor Masaki Suda as a guest vocalist.

It contrasts the past, when they laughed together without a care, with the present, as they each walk their own path.

Its message—suggesting a bond that remains deep inside no matter how much time passes—gently encourages men setting out for different places.

After graduation, when you feel anxious or lonely about a new life ahead, why not listen to it while reminiscing about an old friend?

Embrace the presentsatō moka

Satomoka – Embrace the Now (Music Video)

A ballad by Moka Sato that makes you want to gently embrace the “now” we tend to lose sight of during busy days and the season of graduations and farewells.

Released as a single in November 2025, it’s a work that lays bare unadorned feelings.

What really hits home is how it portrays the will to move forward, even while carrying loneliness, through everyday details like familiar rooms and scenery.

It’s a song that sinks into the heart when you’re tucking away precious memories and heading toward a new place.

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!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Murakami Shinpei

Report a problem

footprint(s)Little Glee Monster

Little Glee Monster “Ashiato” Music Video

An emotional number where delicate piano melodies intertwine with powerful vocals to move the listener’s heart.

Written by the members themselves, the lyrics portray the strength to trust the path you’ve walked, even while carrying anxiety and doubt.

Its gentle message—that every past experience can become nourishment for the future—resonates not only with students at the milestone of graduation, but also deeply with us as adults.

Released in September 2020, the song was created as the set piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition (Junior High School Division).

Its acclaim is unquestionable, having won the Excellence Work Award at the 62nd Japan Record Awards.

Also included on the album “GRADATI∞N,” it’s an encouraging anthem that gives you courage—perfect for anyone embarking on a new journey or for moments when you feel like you might come to a halt.

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.

I Touched an Angel!Hōkago Tī Taimu

I Touched an Angel!

A beloved ballad that was used in the final episode of the hugely popular anime K-On!!, moving countless viewers to tears.

The scene where the graduating members perform with heartfelt gratitude for their sole underclassman is impossible to watch without crying.

Sung by the in-story band Ho-kago Tea Time, the song was included on the album Ho-kago Tea Time II, released in October 2010, and it topped the Oricon charts.

Its warm lyrics, pledging an unchanging bond, make it perfect for graduation season when we part from friends.

Its gentle message, like a soft push on the back for those anxiously heading down separate paths, is sure to soothe the heart.

Give it a listen while remembering the days you spent with your precious friends.

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.