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

Spring Comes to UsUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Spring Has Come, We” Short ver.

What comes to mind at graduation is, after all, the days we spent with our treasured friends, isn’t it? This rock tune is perfect for looking back on our school life.

It’s a track by the band UNISON SQUARE GARDEN, known for hits like “Tracer of Orion,” released in 2018 as their 14th single.

It drew attention when it was chosen as the opening theme for the anime March Comes in Like a Lion.

Their characteristically bright, exhilarating sound feels unbelievably good to listen to! It’s sure to make for a smile-filled live performance!

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Araki Jakkan

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Primal.THE YELLOW MONKEY

THE YELLOW MONKEY – Primal.

The sharp guitar tone and solid, powerful drums and bass are awesome! It’s a song by the rock band THE YELLOW MONKEY.

It was released in 2001 as their 24th single.

Since it was created just before the band went on hiatus, words like “graduation” appear in the lyrics.

When they reunited in 2016, the song was performed as the first number on the opening night of their tour, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

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Araki Jakkan

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spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Spring Melancholy

Highly recommended for those who want to perform a stylish ballad is a song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE! It’s said that the lyrics were written by vocalist Motoki Omori after he graduated from high school, packing in the raw feelings of someone who had just gone through graduation.

The lyrics portray a complex state of mind: though he couldn’t be fully honest, he truly loved his friends and school life.

If you’re carrying similar feelings, you’ll surely resonate deeply.

It’s a beautiful piece you’ll want to perform with a focus on singing the lyrics with care.

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Hane Keisuke

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Funny BunnyELLEGARDEN

Funny Bunny – ELLEGARDEN

A song by the four-piece rock band ELLEGARDEN, who announced their return to activity in 2018 after about a decade and have been energizing Japan’s rock scene with their unchanged presence.

It’s a cover of a track by the three-piece rock band the pillows, who have been active since 1989, and is included on the tribute album “SYNCHRONIZED ROCKERS.” The message—that the hard work you’ve put in is connected to your dreams—makes you feel like you can proudly step into graduation.

With its catchy melody and encouraging lyrics that really resonate, it’s a rock tune that’s become a staple not only for graduation concerts, but for student live shows in general.

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Hoshino Takashi

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GIVE ME FIVE!AKB48

[MV full] GIVE ME FIVE! / AKB48 [Official]

This is the 25th major single by AKB48, the idol group that has secured unwavering popularity in the J-POP scene since the 2000s.

It’s a “sakura song” that gained attention not only for being featured in multiple commercials, but also for the unique attempt of having each member play an instrument.

As suggested by the tagline, “Once we’ve cried our fill, let’s high-five!”, the lyrics celebrate both the sadness of parting at graduation and the joy of a new beginning, encouraging listeners to spend the end of their student days with a smile.

With its bright, driving sound, it’s a springtime track that’s perfect for energizing a graduation live performance.

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Hoshino Takashi

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March 9Remioromen

Remioromen – March 9th (Music Video Short ver.)

“March 9th” by Remioromen is a classic graduation song.

Many of you probably sang it at your graduation ceremony with piano accompaniment! For your graduation live show, why not perform this standard tune with a cool band sound? Of course, the song was originally performed with a band, so it will definitely shine on stage! It’s a relaxed-tempo piece, making it easy to practice, but be careful—the tempo tends to speed up! And don’t forget, the guitar solo in the middle is a major highlight!

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Hane Keisuke

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Before spring endsHalo at yojōhan

Halo at Four-and-a-Half Tatami Mats “Before Spring Ends” (Official Music Video)

This is a song by Halo at Yojohan, a four-piece rock band from Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture, included on their second mini-album “innocentpia,” released in March 2016.

It was also selected as the ending theme for Kansai TV’s “Mujack” in April 2016.

As the title suggests, the track portrays the sense of urgency before spring comes to an end and the desperate feeling of not wanting to let something precious slip away, carried by a driving, exhilarating band sound.

Shota Watarai’s lyrics build scenes and inner images rather than relying on direct wording, evoking each listener’s own memories and emotions.

It’s a number we especially recommend performing for those facing the milestone of graduation who have things they want to say before their time with friends ends.

With its robust guitar rock sound, the sense of unity when playing it as a band is exceptional.