I want to sing it at the senior class recital! A choral piece that 5-year-olds can sing with all their heart

The feeling of gratitudeSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Hosoda Maiko

Children’s Song “The Feeling of Thank You” <Graduation Song>

“Arigatou no Kimochi” (Feelings of Thanks) is a song that lets children sincerely express their gratitude to the guardians and teachers who have watched over them every day.

The lyrics are by Toshihiko Shinzawa, well-known for many children’s songs, and the music is composed by Maiko Hosoda.

Memories from their time at the preschool and warm feelings of “thank you” for those who supported them are sung to a gentle, quiet melody.

The song was released on the YouTube channel “Maiko no Uta” in January 2020, and the sheet music was published in the March 2020 issue of “Hoiku to Curriculum.” With its frequent lyrical repetition and calm tone, it’s perfect for events like graduation ceremonies where children’s voices can truly shine.

Sung from the heart, it’s sure to fill the entire venue with warm emotion.

Turn tears into a rainbowYamano Satoko

Turn tears into a rainbow

This is a song often sung at many preschools during graduation season.

Sung by Satoko Yamano, its lyrics about turning farewell tears into a rainbow make for a moving ballad.

It carries a warm message that brings not only sadness but also hope for the future.

Included on the album “Aozora SONGS,” released in April 2014, the song is also known for its lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa and composition by Yuko Masuda.

With its beautiful melody, it perfectly suits the clear voices of older kindergarteners.

It’s ideal not only for graduation ceremonies but also as a choral finale for recitals inviting parents.

The sight of children holding back tears as they sing will surely fill the venue with emotion.

Why not have the whole class join their hearts and sing it together?

A precious treasureSakushi sakkyoku: Shinzawa Toshihiko

A classic song sung at daycare: “Precious Treasure” [Graduation/Commencement/Touching Song]

A graduation song written and composed by Toshihiko Shinzawa that speaks to children about treasuring the invisible “gems” they found during their days at the kindergarten: the friends they met, the songs they sang in unison, and the times they laughed together.

Included on an album of the same name released in August 2003, it has been sung at kindergartens and nursery schools across Japan ever since.

The lyrics feature many repeated phrases, making them easy for children to remember.

Choreography is also introduced so it can be performed together with sign language, allowing children to express their feelings with their whole bodies—another appealing point.

It’s the perfect song to sing at graduation ceremonies or farewell gatherings to express gratitude to teachers.

Seeing children sing while reflecting on their memories in their own words will surely touch the teachers’ hearts deeply.

Try incorporating sign language to create an even more heartfelt performance.

Sketchaimyon

AIMYON – Sketch [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Set for release in March 2025 as the theme song for the national favorite’s film “Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Picture-World Story,” this work was created by singer-songwriter Aimyon with the warm everyday life of Nobita and Doraemon in mind.

It’s filled with kindness that embraces people just as they are—like being able to laugh together and say that the marks left by a catnap on your glasses are just another charming part of the picture.

This heartwarming message will surely resonate with the older kindergarteners about to spread their wings into a new world.

With lyrics that make you cherish each other’s clumsy sides, it’s perfect for farewell gatherings and graduation ceremonies.

Hold your treasured memories with friends close, and sing together in unison.

It’s sure to be a wonderful performance that will bring tears to parents’ eyes.

Baton of the HeartSakushi sakkyoku: Shinzawa Toshihiko

A classic song sung at daycare: “The Baton of the Heart” [Graduation/Commencement/Moving-to-tears Song]

How can we convey feelings that can’t be seen…? Giving voice to that thought through the word “baton,” this is a choral piece for graduations, with lyrics and music by Toshihiko Shinzawa.

It begins with the wish that if our hearts had shape or color, we could hand them over right away, and goes on to depict bonds that, though invisible, are surely connected.

The song was included on the album “Sakura♪ SONGS 2 ~Kimi to Boku no La La La~,” released in November 2016, and was selected for the Hall of Fame on the childcare portal “Hoick.” The two-part chorus version is also included in choral anthologies for farewell and graduation ceremonies.

It’s perfect for moments when teachers and children—or children with one another—want to reaffirm their heartfelt connections.

Highly recommended for classes that want to express gratitude to their teachers at preschool graduation, or as a send-off song from current students to graduating ones.

Time capsuleMINMI

MINMI – Time Capsule [Official Music Video]

If you want to choose a heartwarming, moving song for the climax of a kindergarten graduation ceremony or recital, we recommend this piece written by MINMI.

There’s a story that she created it for her own daughter’s graduation ceremony, and it was released in February 2023.

The lyrics, filled with memories of kindergarten life and words of thanks, are expressed in children’s own voices—have your tissues ready.

It’s also tied up with a graduation movie production service that uses photos, so playing it alongside a video would be wonderful.

Just like its title suggests, the gentle melody is like a “Time Capsule” that carries memories into the future, sure to bring tears to the eyes of parents and teachers.

The sight of six-year-olds singing it with all their hearts will surely become an unforgettable treasure.

On this important milestone day, be sure to sing it together with the children.

The Color of Thank YouSakushi Sakkyoku: Baku-san

[Graduation Song] [Recital Song] The Color of Thank You [Sheet Music & CD Available] A moving, tear-jerking piece perfect for graduation ceremonies, school plays, end-of-term presentations, farewell parties, and thank-you gatherings. Ideal for nursery schools, kindergartens, certified childcare centers, and elementary schools. Piano entrance and exit music.

“Arigatou no Iro” (The Colors of Thank You) is written and composed by Baku, an active nursery school teacher and creator of craft-play activities.

It’s a heartwarming song that expresses gratitude for memories, friends, teachers, and parents by comparing them to “colors.” The children’s sincere feelings of thanks gently resonate with listeners.

In addition to being available on Baku’s YouTube channel, the song is included on the CD “Arigatou no Tabidachi: Graduation Songs & Songs as Gifts.” The official shop also offers sheet music in a four-page A4 format, considerate of on-site performances.

With its relaxed tempo and focus on clear lyrics, it is well-suited for senior kindergarteners’ graduation ceremonies and recitals.

When everyone unites their hearts and sings together, the entire venue is sure to be filled with warm emotion.