[Graduation Live & Farewell Concert] Graduation Songs You’ll Want to Play with Your Band [2026]
For students in bands, many of you probably perform live around graduation time—at events like graduation thank-you parties, graduation live shows, or farewell gigs for departing members.
Of course, it’s great to play those memorable songs you performed many times while in school.
But since it’s a special occasion, a lot of you might be thinking about playing songs that fit the graduation theme!
Still, it’s not always easy to come up with graduation-themed songs…
So in this article, we’ll introduce plenty of popular graduation songs that are perfect for band performances.
We’ve selected not only band songs, but also singer-songwriter tracks that would work well with a band setup, so feel free to use this as a reference for choosing your setlist.
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[Graduation Live / Farewell Party] Graduation Songs You’ll Want to Play with Your Band [2026] (21–30)
Cherry tree-lined roadWhiteberry
If you’re looking for a track that captures both the warmth of spring and a touch of bittersweet feeling, check out the single WHITEBERRY released in April 2001.
It was their first single with both lyrics and music written by the band members themselves, imprinting the unfiltered sensibilities of their teenage years directly into the sound.
Featured in a commercial for Asahi Soft Drinks’ Mitsuya Cider, the song peaked at No.
16 on the Oricon weekly chart and is also included on the album “Chameleon.” The lyrics—perfect for the milestone of graduation—evoke the exhilaration of stepping into a new place as you walk down cherry blossom-lined streets, layered with a tender affection for the memories you carry in your heart.
Its brisk band sound and refreshing melody leave a poignant afterglow that tightens your chest once the song ends.
Highly recommended if you want to wrap up a graduation live set on a bright yet subtly wistful note.
Sakura SongKANA-BOON
A guitar rock number that hits straight to the heart.
It’s a song by the rock band KANA-BOON, also known for hits like “Full Drive” and “Naimononedari,” included on their 2013 mini-album “Boku ga CD wo Dashitara” (“If I Released a CD”).
It’s a bittersweet track that makes you think of someone dear during cherry blossom season, tightening your chest as you listen.
Farewells come with graduation, but… we’d like to say goodbye with a smile, right? The performance is relatively simple, so it’s also recommended for beginner bands.
THANXWANIMA
A sound and vocals that cut straight through! This is a track by WANIMA, a three-piece band from Kumamoto Prefecture.
It’s included on their first album, “Are You Coming?”, released in 2015.
The song carries the message that even if we’re far apart, our feelings are always connected.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to dedicate to a close friend.
Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa
This song, one of the signature tracks by the rock band Road of Major, is brimming with the charm typical of youth punk.
With firmly distorted guitar tones and a straightforward song structure, it’s easy to get into the groove.
On the other hand, when you look at the lyrics, memories with school-time friends come flooding back, and it really tugs at the heart.
It might resonate even more with those who were involved in club activities.
With its uptempo, upbeat vibe, it’s a perfect track to lift the mood and get everyone excited.
Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN
Formed in 1996, BUMP OF CHICKEN is popular across generations.
Many of the teachers likely listened to their songs during their own youth.
Released in 2014, “Tomodachi no Uta” (“Song of Friends”) features lyrics that, while reflecting on bonds and memories with friends, also make you aware of the passage of time.
Friends can be an uncertain presence, and it may be difficult to stay friends forever.
Even so, this song, which encourages you to keep walking while believing in your friends, is perfect for expressing gratitude.
LullabyRADWIMPS
An early RADWIMPS farewell song with an upbeat, super-cheerful vibe.
Since it’s included on their pre-major-label album “RADWIMPS 2: Hatten Tojo,” many people might not be familiar with it.
But the song carries a message of the strong bonds woven so far and a positive promise that even though we’re parting today, we’ll definitely meet again.
It’s an up-tempo, fun track, making it a perfect choice when you want to say goodbye with a smile.
dear my friendHi-STANDARD
A track from the classic album “MAKING THE ROAD” by Hi-STANDARD, the rock band that has led Japan’s melodic hardcore scene.
The lyrics are all in English, but when you look at the content, you can feel a message written about a friend who’s far away.
Those lyrics filled with friendship, bonds, and compassion are also perfect for graduation scenes! The lines before the chorus that vow to meet again are especially moving.
The tempo is fast and the performance is a bit challenging, but if you love Hi-Standard or melodic hardcore, there’s no reason not to play this song at your graduation live show!