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

C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK 「C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.」

ONE OK ROCK’s “C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.”—a coined word that combines two meanings and a title formed from the initials of the members’ friends—is a rock-tinged ballad that pierces the heart.

As you recall all the fun times you’ve had, you can’t help but feel a little sentimental, wondering if moments like those will ever come again—and that’s where the tears start to fall.

On top of that, it’s a tearjerker because it carries a firm resolve that friendships will continue into the future.

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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.

The happiest treasuresutopuri

[MV] The Most Wonderful Treasure / Strawberry Prince

As a heartwarming song that adds color to the graduation season, Sutopuri’s vocals resound.

Vividly depicting the March scenery of dancing cherry blossoms, it gently sings of memories with friends and hopes for the future.

Released in March 2023, the song was unveiled as a surprise during the group’s nationwide arena tour at Yokohama Arena.

Born from a collaboration with HoneyWorks, the fresh melody will gently encourage not only those graduating, but everyone taking a new step forward.

If you’re experiencing farewells with loved ones or embracing new encounters, please give this song a listen—it’s a sincere cheer from the heart.

horizonback number

back number – Horizon (SCENT OF HUMOR TOUR 2022 Ver.)

Back number is a three-piece rock band beloved for their heartrending vocals that speak to the heart and lyrics that vividly paint scenes.

Their 4th digital single, “Suiheisen” (Horizon), was written after they received a letter from students in charge of organizing the Inter-High School Championships, which were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The message—that even if all you feel now is sadness and loneliness, those feelings will one day become beautiful memories—can turn the sorrowful goodbyes of a graduation ceremony into hope for the future.

It’s a song perfect not only for graduation season but also for anyone long past their own graduation who wants to bask in nostalgia.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Cherry Blossom Rainabsorb

absorb "Sakura no Ame" MV Full

From the very beginning, this song “Sakura no Ame” feels like tears are about to come pouring out.

Released in 2008, it was absorb’s major-label debut single.

The song has a strong narrative that even inspired a novel and a film adaptation.

It’s a moving number that makes the everyday moments you took for granted suddenly turn into memories all at once.

Pay attention to the lyrics—they’ll likely remind everyone of something, making you feel as if the song is about you.

It’s a track that will surely linger in your heart, one you’ll find yourself wanting to listen to in quiet moments even after graduation.

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road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)GReeeeN

GReeeeN – Michi (Road/Path)

GReeeeN has many moving songs that give you courage and energy.

Their major-label debut single “Michi,” released in 2007, was used in numerous tie-ins and often played on TV, so many of us heard it a lot.

The song likens life to a “road,” teaching us that no matter how rough the path, it will keep going on.

It’s a track that resonates and brings tears, making you feel that it’s okay to face yourself, think, and struggle—that’s part of life too.

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Full of memoriesH₂O

Full of Memories Official Kenji Nakazawa

The male duo H2O’s mega-hit song “Omoide ga Ippai.” This track has long been cherished both as a choral piece and as a graduation song.

Released in 1983, it’s a hit number that has since been covered by numerous artists.

Though sung by a male duo, it’s incredibly gentle—surely a song that slips easily into the heart and ear of listeners of any generation.

It’s a national, moving number that makes everyone feel nostalgic, even bringing tears with its bittersweet emotion.

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