[Graduation Live & Farewell Concert] Graduation Songs You’ll Want to Play with Your Band [2026]

MY GRADUATIONChekkāzu

MY GRADUATION

A gemlike ballad that richly portrays the milestone of graduation.

Set to a gentle melody, it tenderly depicts scenes like exchanging buttons on school uniforms and walking together to the station.

Looking back on memories from ages 16 to 18, it masterfully conveys both the sweetness of young love and the poignancy of parting.

Included on The Checkers’ album “GO” and released in 1987, it was the group’s first self-produced work, with lyrics by Fumiya Fujii and music by Susumu Takeuchi.

Deeply rooted in Japan’s music scene as a staple to hear during graduation season, this song is wholeheartedly recommended for anyone who cherishes memories of their youth.

classmateKALMA

KALMA – Classmate (Music Video)

There’s a song I want to give as a gift for the milestone of graduation: “Classmate” by KALMA, a band from Hokkaido.

Featured on their 1st EP, this track stands out with its sweet melody line.

Its lyrics, filled with gratitude and farewell that color the end of youth and cheer on a new first step, are truly moving.

The energetic performance is sure to fire up any graduation live show or farewell party.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, try performing it while feeling the bond this song creates.

treasurewacci

wacci “Treasure” (Lyric Video)

This wacci song is one that really captures youth and friendship.

Reading the lyrics, you could see it as a cheer song for school clubs, but it’s also perfect for graduation ceremonies! As you strive toward a single goal, there are friends by your side working hard with you—its lyrics evoke memories with companions bound by a strong bond, which many graduates will surely relate to.

It’s a moving mid-tempo track that might move you to tears as you listen.

Released in August 2017, it’s a song I’d especially love for students in bands to hear.

together; along with; bothWANIMA

WANIMA – Together / THE FIRST TAKE

WANIMA’s “Tomoni” is regarded as a song well suited to the new beginning that graduation represents.

Their warm message and refreshing melody will give courage to young people stepping onto a new path.

And not only as a graduation chorus—performing it as a guitar-and-vocal piece makes it even more moving.

It’s a recommended song to gift at life’s milestones, entrusting feelings of friendship and gratitude to the music.

It carries a powerful ability to connect hearts in many different situations.

Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)Green Day

Green Day – Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) [Official Music Video] [4K UPGRADE]

The title “Good Riddance” means something like “I’m relieved that the annoying person is gone,” but in this song it also seems to carry a somewhat wistful nuance.

It’s said to be a staple at American high school and college graduations.

It’s also well-known among fans that during Green Day’s encores, Billie typically sings this song with just an acoustic guitar.

graduation ceremonySARD UNDERGROUND

SARD UNDERGROUND “Graduation Ceremony” MV

SARD UNDERGROUND is a three-piece band that debuted as a ZARD tribute act, and their covers of classic hits have been drawing attention.

Their fifth single, “Graduation Ceremony,” as the title suggests, features a refreshing melody and ensemble perfectly suited to graduation season.

The lyrical message, evoking the world of Izumi Sakai’s lyrics, is likely to resonate even with today’s younger generation who didn’t know ZARD in real time.

While a tribute band, their sound conveys a sense of modern evolution that strikes a chord—this is a track we hope listeners of all ages will hear.

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Hoshino Takashi

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SO YOUNGTHE YELLOW MONKEY

THE YELLOW MONKEY – SO YOUNG

This one by THE YELLOW MONKEY is full of mature charm and is highly recommended for band performances.

Its literary lyrics over a mid-tempo, dark groove leave a strong impression.

Your choice to play this at a graduation live show—excellent taste.

The chorus bursts open with a liberating feeling, like emerging from a tunnel; it’s truly one of those timeless, feel-good classics.

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Murakami Shinpei

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