Memories Come Flooding Back: Tearjerker Graduation Songs. Moving, Tear-Inducing Ballads [2026]
As graduation approaches, there are moments when your chest suddenly tightens, aren’t there? The days spent in the classroom, the friends you laughed with, and the mix of anxiety and hope as you step onto a new path.
Perhaps it’s the power of tear-jerking graduation songs that gently embraces those complicated feelings.
In this article, we’ve gathered moving songs perfect for graduation season—from the latest hits of the Reiwa era to timeless classics passed down across generations.
Each song is one that will bring back memories the moment you listen and naturally bring tears to your eyes.
As you face farewells with those dear to you, you’re sure to find a song that stays close to your heart.
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[Memories Come Flooding Back] Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs. Moving Tearful Ballads [2026] (51–60)
Don’t bloom.WHITE JAM
WHITE JAM, the vocal group whose chalkboard-art music video went viral, released “Sakanaide.” Once you listen to the song, I’m sure the meaning behind this suggestive title will become clear.
The emotional vocals are a highlight, and listening to this track during graduation season will give you a special feeling.
Gift SongCHiCO 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.
road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE
It’s a signature EXILE ballad and a classic graduation song that has been loved for years.
Released in 2007.
Its warm melody and heartfelt lyrics really strike a chord.
As you look back on the days you’ve spent and all the memories, you feel “I’m glad it all happened,” and find the strength to keep going.
It has that kind of heartwarming push.
The vocals by ATSUSHI and TAKAHIRO also heighten the emotion.
I imagine some people couldn’t hold back their tears at graduation ceremonies.
It’s an unforgettable masterpiece that becomes a source of support for the heart.
Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster
Little Glee Monster shakes the heart with their overwhelming vocals and harmonies.
This is a single released in 2015, and the light piano in the intro wraps you in a pleasant, bright mood.
Days of teasing and laughing together and so many memories come rushing back, and you suddenly find yourself wishing things could just stay this way.
The up-tempo beat somehow makes it even more tear-jerking.
If it played during a graduation scene, I’d be in tears.
Even the phrase “Seishun Photograph” has such a lovely ring to it.
I’m sure our hearts will stay connected, even when we’re apart! In the end, let’s all smile and head toward a new future!
[Memories Come Flooding Back] Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs. Moving Tearjerkers [2026] (61–70)
Best FriendKiroro
Kiroro’s 10th single “Best Friend,” released in 2002.
Known across generations as the theme song for NHK’s morning drama series “Churasan,” it has also become a staple as a song to give to friends, and as a graduation song.
When it comes to graduation, parting with friends is the hardest, isn’t it? You may still see each other in the future, but you won’t be together every day anymore—just thinking about that is enough to make you cry, and this song is the final push that brings on the tears.
It’s the perfect song to dedicate to friends who are going their separate ways.
The season of farewellSHISHAMO
Sayonara no Kisetsu by SHISHAMO is a graduation song included on the album SHISHAMO 2.
It’s said to be based on an experience by lyricist Asako Miyazaki: when the senior she liked was graduating, someone else had already asked for his second button, so she received his third button instead.
If you’ve been in a similar situation, it might really tug at your heartstrings.
Graduation PhotoMatsutōya Yumi
This song is from the time when Yumi Matsutoya was active under the name Yumi Arai.
Released in 1975, it became a major hit and has continued to be listened to as a classic graduation song ever since.
It’s also a number that has been covered by many famous artists.
It stands as a monumental graduation song that floods you with the bittersweetness of youth, the fleeting nature of graduation, and the poignancy of days gone by.
The perspective of looking back after graduation is especially moving—simple, yet a graduation song that can bring anyone to tears.