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

Like a flower that blooms in the fieldGACKT

Like a flower that blooms in the field

It’s a moving number that began from a promise made on a radio program, and is also known for GACKT’s surprise appearance at the Hyogo Prefectural Maiko High School graduation ceremony, where he performed it.

Its simple, acoustic guitar–based arrangement allows the vocals—packed with a fierce determination to chase one’s dreams—to strike straight to the heart.

Released as a single in February 2007 and also aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” it’s likely many people remember it.

This song is perfect for graduates stepping into the future while carrying the sadness of parting.

When you feel like you’re about to falter, or when you want to believe in yourself and move forward, listening to it will gently nudge you from behind and surely give you a warm sense of courage.

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.

Song of ThanksV6

V6 / Thank You Song (YouTube Ver.)

Putting gratitude into words can feel embarrassing, and this heartwarming mid-tempo number from V6 speaks for those feelings.

With lyrics that deliver thanks through everyday scenes, it’s sure to gently loosen the listener’s heart.

The structure—each member handing off solo parts so their distinct vocal colors layer the emotion—is especially memorable.

Released in March 2004, the song became familiar as the theme for TBS’s “Gakkō e Ikō!” and as the commercial song for Kawaijuku’s University Prep Course.

It resonated with the youthful spirit of the show and likely became an unforgettable memory for students of the time.

It’s a perfect track for moments of transition—like graduation or entrance exams—when you want to express gratitude to those who’ve supported you.

A moving song that helps you be honest with your feelings as you face farewells with someone important.

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.

Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster

Little Glee Monster 'Someday These Tears Will' Short Ver.

Itsuka Kono Namida ga is a song that brings back memories of a student life filled with hard work, like studying and club activities.

Released in 2018 by Little Glee Monster—known affectionately as “Little Glee” or “RitoGuri”—the song reminds us that school days weren’t only about fun.

Many people likely pushed through painful and difficult moments.

The song carries a message for those who strive: even if you shed tears again and again, they are proof that you gave it your all.

With that sentiment, it was chosen as the support song for the 96th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

It’s a track that colors your memories of student life.

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Yoimachi Jēn

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Gift SongCHiCO with HoneyWorks

Gifted Song / CHiCO with HoneyWorks

The collaboration unit CHiCO with HoneyWorks—featuring vocalist CHiCO and the creator group HoneyWorks—has a graduation song titled “Okuri Uta” (Song of Sending).

It’s a popular tear-jerking graduation song and is highly recommended as a choral piece for ceremonies.

Sung from the perspective of graduating students, it’s packed with heartfelt thanks to parents and teachers, making both the givers and receivers of the song moved to tears.

It’s a touching graduation song that looks back on the past, speaking softly, bit by bit, while conveying gratitude.

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utatane

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treasurewacci

wacci “Treasure” (Lyric Video)

It’s a cheering song that gently affirms the anxiety and impatience you feel while pursuing your dreams, yet also the strong will not to give up.

Included on the album “Kanjō Hyakkei,” released in August 2017, this track features a warm band sound whose words and melody reach straight to the heart.

It became a hot topic when Miho Takagi of speed skating listened to it as her pump-up song during the Pyeongchang Olympics in February 2018, and it spread as a song that gives many people a push forward.

True to wacci’s style, its everyday, empathetic message makes it perfect to give to a friend setting out on a new path at graduation or to teammates who have overcome frustration in their club activities.

It’s a song that helps you reaffirm the “precious things” that will support you in the life ahead.