[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 Want to Play with Your Band [2026] (51–60)
Youth DiaryRyukku to soine gohan
When it comes to rock numbers that capture the whirlwind of youth, “Seishun Nikki” (Youth Diary) stands out.
Created by the rock band Ryoku to Soiné Gohan, known for songs about life and love that resonate with young people, it features Yuu Matsumoto’s gentle, conversational vocals over a driving band sound—truly memorable.
It’s a song that lets you convey your feelings to the friends and partners who shared your school days.
Perfect for closing a graduation live show, a farewell party, or even as an encore.
How about playing some rock that unites the hearts of all the graduates?
Graduationgagaga supi
Often called “Japan’s oldest youth punk band” and known as a central act in the youth-punk boom that swept the early 2000s J-POP scene, Gagaga SP’s third single overall also marked their major-label debut.
Its punkish beat, sprinting full-throttle from start to finish, paired with lyrics tinged with bittersweet melancholy, perfectly captures the authentic atmosphere of adolescence.
The unadorned words and memories that linger in the heart convey a message many students facing graduation are likely to relate to.
With a sound guaranteed to ignite any live show and lyrics that feel real, this number—singing about the universal themes of youth—will lift any graduation live to another level.
Sayonara ColorSUPER BUTTER DOG
You can’t help but feel soothed by the gentle, sweet vocals and sound.
It’s a track by SUPER BUTTER DOG, released in 2001 as their eighth single.
Its message—cherishing yourself and continuing to chase your dreams—fits perfectly with the occasion of graduation.
Actor Naoto Takenaka was so moved by the song that he produced a film with the same title.
JourneyFuji Kaze
This is a song by Fujii Kaze released in 2021.
Since it was a TV drama’s theme song, many of you may remember hearing it.
Its stylish music and lyrics have a strangely uplifting effect.
The way the song settles into your body makes it fun to practice.
“Hard times will end, we still have a future ahead, and a day will come when we’ll find it all nostalgic”—Fujii Kaze’s ability to sing such simple lyrics with a pop feel is truly impressive! It’s a great pick for those who think, “I’m not good with somber moods—I want our thank-you party to have a fun vibe.”
[Graduation Live & Farewell Party] Graduation Songs You’ll Want to Play with Your Band [2026] (61–70)
Melancholy Cherry Blossomsatarayo
Atarayo’s “Urei Zakura” is a song that portrays the feelings of parting and the hope for the future.
With emotionally stirring lyrics and a wistful melody, it elevates into a performance that lingers in the hearts of its audience.
As we reach the milestone of graduation, it offers courage and hope to everyone standing at a new starting point.
It’s a perfect track for the season of departure and an ideal choice to sing together with friends.
The beautiful cherry blossoms seem to strongly support the steps we are about to take.
Cherry Blossom Rainabsorb
This was the major-label debut single by the acoustic band absorb, who, despite debuting in 2008, disbanded after a short span of just two years.
Featuring Hatsune Miku, the song gained overwhelming support especially online and among younger generations, inspiring the launch of the “Sakura no Ame Project” to further develop the piece.
Its lyrics, which portray unchanging friendship even when people are separated, soothe the hearts of students anxious about graduation.
With its beautiful melody and the resonant sound of acoustic guitar, it’s a song that will add color to any graduation live performance.
When it shinesHitsuji Bungaku
It’s a song by Hitsujibungaku that feels like a fresh resolve setting off toward the future, as if painting the beautiful scenery that lies ahead.
The drum phrases evoke a quickening heartbeat, and the airy textures—starting with the guitar tones—are striking.
While staying close to the anxieties of departure, the song calls out to what awaits beyond and offers words of encouragement.
The light, driving momentum and the forward-looking emotions in the sound and vocals convey a positive message that seems to ease the tension and worries of stepping into a new place.
