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

Bye, my friendbokula.

bokula. – By My Friend - [Official Music Video]

The song I want to give, with friendship and gratitude, for the important milestone of graduation is “By My Friend” by bokula.

Its lyrics, which look back on memories while mourning the parting, and its energetic performance strike a chord.

With the friends who shared both fights and laughter, let’s beautifully color our graduation memories with this track.

It’s also a song with plenty of guitar highlights, such as single-note riffs and a solo that appears in the middle of the piece.

Practice thoroughly and show it off in style.

Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]

It’s a heartwarming song filled with gratitude and a desire for growth.

It gently supports students preparing for exams and anyone about to take a new step forward.

Released in November 2021 as DISH//’s 14th single, it was also used as the theme song for the NTV drama “The Winner in February: The Classroom of Guaranteed Success.” The lyrics, co-written by Takumi Kitamura and Hattori from Macaroni Enpitsu, convey the importance of daily appreciation and personal growth.

Performed at a graduation concert or a farewell party, it would be a wonderful song to share bonds with friends and hope for the future.

SignalWANIMA

WANIMA “Signal” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

This song by WANIMA, a three-piece rock band from Kumamoto Prefecture, features piercing high-tone vocals and a driving, exhilarating sound that stirs the heart.

It was included on their major-label first full album, “Everybody!!,” released in 2018, and was also used in a Lotte “Sou” commercial.

Written for NHK’s large-scale project “18 Fes,” the track calls out to move forward together—even if we’re not perfect—while carrying everyday anxieties and doubts, making it a true youth anthem.

At live shows, the moments when the entire venue becomes one through clapping and call-and-response are especially captivating.

It’s a rock tune perfect for graduation concerts or farewell parties, gently giving graduates the push they need to take a new step forward.

From me to youGalileo Galilei

From Me to You

This is the third single by the rock band Galileo Galilei from Wakkanai, Hokkaido, released in January 2011.

It was used in a Benesse Corporation “Shinken Seminar High School Course” commercial and encouraged many students during exam season.

The song is also featured as the opening track on their first full album, Parade, and reached a peak position of 15 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

With its transparent guitar sound and a melody that speaks straight to the heart, the track leaves a strong impression.

Rather than one-sidedly cheering someone on, it carries a warm message of walking together despite uncertainty.

Its unobtrusive sense of distance feels comfortable, making you feel as if you’re running alongside friends facing the milestone of graduation.

The band sound, which balances a sense of drive with room to breathe, is easy to perform and a perfect fit for a graduation live setlist.

Orangeakai kouen

Red Park “Orange” Music Video

A send-off song by Akai Koen that simultaneously captures the poignancy and beauty of “moving forward without looking back.” Released in November 2020 as a double A-side single, it was used as the opening theme for the Fuji TV FOD original drama “A Band Crossing Time.” Written and composed by guitarist Yosuke Tsumo, the track centers on a band sound while its soaring melody leaves a lasting impression.

The lyrics weave in reflections on the end of a relationship, shifting promises, and a prayer-like gaze toward someone growing distant, delicately portraying the wavering of a person who, despite lingering attachments, wants to “at least look cool at the end” and take a step forward.

Its blend of freshness and bittersweetness makes it perfect for a graduation live! Highly recommended for those who want to face forward without getting overly sentimental as they part ways with their friends.

Scooping up blueatarayo

ATARAYO – Scoop the Blue (Music Video)

This is a song by Atarayo that conveys how they cherish the limited time of youth while enjoying it to the fullest.

The gentle band sound emphasizes a refreshing atmosphere, with the acoustic guitar adding a touch of color and evoking a sense of the sadness that comes with time passing.

Because they know that after graduation they’ll each go their separate ways and grow apart, the desire to treasure the time they can spend together now comes through strongly.

The lyrics, which incorporate natural scenery, may also evoke scenes from a graduation trip.

Capturing both joy and loneliness in the vocals, and using the acoustic guitar to add poignancy, seem to be the key points.

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ChessboardOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Chessboard [Official Video]

A four-member piano pop band dominating the J-pop scene with an overwhelming pop sensibility that makes even complex arrangements feel effortless, Official HIGE DANDism.

Released in September 2023 as a double A-side with “Nichijou,” this track on their sixth single was written as the required piece for the junior high school division of the 90th NHK National School Music Competition.

The lyrics liken life to the two colors of a chessboard, portraying those who step forward before rules or roles are set, and they carry the courage to take your own first step in a world without definitive answers.

It was also broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta and performed at the year-end Kohaku Uta Gassen.

It’s the perfect song for cheering on friends embarking on a new chapter—or for celebrating your own new beginning.

With a relaxed beat that expands into a grand sound, it’s sure to deliver a moving highlight for any graduation live performance.