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

Night on the Galactic RailroadGOING STEADY

GOING STEADY Night on the Galactic Railroad

GOING STEADY’s signature song is a moving track themed around youth and dreams.

Influenced by the fairy tales of Kenji Miyazawa, the lyrics are imbued with a bittersweet longing for love and a strong will to soar into a new world.

The song is included on the album “Sakura no Uta,” released in July 2001, and has been used as a radio program ending theme as well as in the film “Fish Story” (Shonen Merikensack).

It’s a perfect choice to perform at graduation concerts or farewell events—any moment that marks the close of a youthful chapter.

Listen to this piece, brimming with youthful energy and fleeting passion, and it’s sure to resonate with your heart!

cherry blossomKALMA

KALMA – Sakura (Music Video)

KALMA, a band from Hokkaido, delivers a perfect song for the milestone of graduation with “Sakura.” It stays close to hearts weighed by the sadness of parting and the anxiety of a new life, giving you the courage to take a step toward the future.

A warm melody like “Sakura” will lift your spirits.

With its simple, fast-paced ensemble, it’s sure to get the crowd going when performed live.

KALMA is a three-piece band, but the recording also features piano, so adding a keyboard and playing as a four-piece is a great option.

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.

sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI

Sakanaction “Sazanka”

This is the 14th single by SEKAI NO OWARI, a four-member co-ed band whose unique songs and lyrics covering a wide range of themes create a distinctive presence through their exquisite contrast.

Chosen as NHK’s broadcast theme song for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics and Paralympics, the piece resonates with the heart through the expressive piano tones and poignant vocals.

The lyrics feel like they celebrate a youth spent charging forward with everything you had, offering a sense of accomplishment at the milestone of graduation.

Carrying a message that acknowledges the pride in each person’s heart and supports a new beginning, it’s a number you’ll want to hear performed at a graduation live show.

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Hoshino Takashi

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HOTARU NO HIKARISNAIL RAMP

SNAIL RAMP – HOTARU NO HIKARI (featuring AIR)

A perfect song for graduation season! It features SNAIL RAMP’s distinctive sound, blending ska punk and melodic hardcore elements.

This arrangement of a traditional piece interweaves reflections on the past and future, portraying life’s journey and self-discovery.

Included on the album “GRAVITY,” released in January 2002, it became a popular track that reached No.

3 on the Oricon chart.

It’s a must-listen for students graduating and for anyone about to take a new step forward.

Song of CompanionsZa Masumisairu

The Mass Missile / Song of Comrades

This track captivates with lyrics themed around youth and friendship and a powerful sound rooted in punk rock.

It portrays the journey of feeling loneliness and despair, then realizing the presence of friends and reaffirming how important they are.

Released in April 2003 as the title track of a mini-album, it has become one of the band’s signature songs.

The piece speaks to those burdened by worries about the future and everyday struggles, conveying the meaning of living fully in the present moment.

It’s perfect for graduation concerts or farewell performances, and it’s recommended for anyone who wants to feel the bonds of friendship or is facing a turning point in life.

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.