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

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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utatane

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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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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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Not hereNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'Something That Isn't Here'

Nogizaka46 is an idol group that debuted with the sensational catchphrase “the official rivals of AKB48 at the height of their popularity.” Their 31st single, “Koko ni wa Nai Mono,” also drew attention for having Asuka Saito—who graduated from the group at the end of 2022—serve as center.

Its lyrics, which evoke a departure toward a new future, stir the heart alongside a translucent arrangement of piano and strings.

It’s a pop tune perfectly suited to graduation season, carrying a powerful message about moving forward on your own feet even amid loneliness.

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Hoshino Takashi

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A graduation song, a song of friends.19

A graduation song, a song of friends.

This “Graduation Song, Friends’ Song” is a track whose lyrics strongly evoke the quintessential graduation song.

The melody is catchy pop, yet it’s arranged with a rather grand feel.

The lyrics express gratitude before parting ways.

It’s a wonderful song you’d want to dedicate to your cherished friends.

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Ryo

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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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My friend — from here on out, forever…Ketsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “My Friend ~ From Here On Forever…”

This song is widely known across generations, partly because it was used as the theme song for the national anime Crayon Shin-chan’s movie.

‘Tomo yo ~ Kono saki mo zutto…’ (Friend ~ From Here On Forever…) is a single released by Ketsumeishi in 2016, a friendship anthem.

True to Ketsumeishi’s style, it’s an upbeat, positive tune, yet when you listen while thinking about friends and graduation, something wells up inside—there’s something that really hits home.

Even if you feel overwhelmed by the pain of being separated from friends at graduation, listening to this song will surely turn the feeling of “We’ll always be together from here on” into certainty.

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