Processional music on the piano! A collection of perfect ideas for nursery and kindergarten graduation ceremonies

It will be sunny tomorrow.Sakushi/Sakkyoku: Sakata Osamu

Ashita wa Hareru [Piano Sheet Music] Okaasan to Issho

First broadcast in March 1999 on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” as the monthly song, this has become a classic graduation tune still sung at many preschools today.

Even on days when you cry or things don’t go well, it carries a positive message that tomorrow will surely be sunny.

Its lyrics use words that are easy for children to understand, and the bright melody feels like a gentle push forward every time you hear it.

It’s a song that gives you the courage to take a new step while remembering the days spent with friends.

The lyrics are short and easy to memorize, so you can easily imagine children singing it energetically with piano accompaniment.

Highly recommended for those who want to warmly color the entrance scene of a graduation ceremony or to convey their support for children setting off on a new journey.

Smile AgainSakushi/Sakkyoku: Nakayama Mari

Smile Again / Lyrics and Music by Mari Nakayama, Piano Accompaniment (Flute Collaboration)

It’s a choral piece that naturally warms the hearts of both the children singing and the parents and teachers listening.

When we’re feeling down or overwhelmed with anxiety, we often can’t help but look down.

But this work gently stands by those feelings and softly encourages us, saying, “You’ll smile again.” It was used as a featured song in the 2008 film The Piggy School, playing in scenes that resonated with the children’s conflicts and growth.

The lyrics carry a sense of reassurance that any version of yourself will be accepted, making it perfect for the milestone of graduation from kindergarten.

Performed with piano accompaniment, it creates a softly enveloping atmosphere.

It’s a highly recommended song when you want to send a heartfelt cheer to children taking a new step forward, and to the adults who have been watching over them.

The Root of the HeartLyrics/Music: Minami Yume

Kokoro no Nekko [With Lyrics] – A Classic Song for Graduation Ceremonies

Composed by Yume Minami, who has experience as a nursery teacher and kindergarten teacher, this song has been passed down and sung at many schools as a graduation ceremony staple.

Since its inclusion in the June 2011 album “Songs to Cheer on Moms — I’m Glad I Became a Mom,” it has been cherished as a song that watches over children’s growth.

The word “root” in the title symbolizes the invisible foundation that is nurtured little by little in everyday life.

When we notice how much the children have grown before we knew it, the gentle melody reminds us that those small accumulations have become an irreplaceable treasure.

Its message resonates deeply not only with the children themselves but also with the adults seeing them off, often bringing tears to both parents and kids.

It’s a perfect choice for those who want to color the entrance scene with the warm sound of the piano or share the joy of growth at the milestone of graduation from kindergarten.

Flower of ThanksSakushi/Sakkyoku: Sakata Osamu

[Children's Song] The Flower of Thanks (with Lyrics) / Lyrics and Music by Osamu Sakata, Arrangement by Tsuyoshi Ike / Appreciation & Graduation Song / 'Song is a Friend' Teaching Accompaniment Collection Vol. 1 – Piano Accompaniment Only

This song was broadcast in autumn 2009 as the Monthly Song on NHK E-Tele’s “Okaasan to Issho.” Sung by Daisuke Yokoyama and Takumi Mitani, it became well-loved and was included in the October release of the CD “Okaasan to Issho Latest Best: Bokura no Uta.” The lyrics, which compare feelings of gratitude to flowers, are memorable, depicting how saying thank you brightens the world around us.

Its gentle, warm melody sits comfortably within a range that children can sing without strain, which adds to its appeal.

The phrasing is easy to follow, making it perfect for singing together in unison.

It’s an ideal piece to perform at the milestone of preschool graduation, conveying appreciation to teachers and friends who have supported you.

With piano accompaniment, the entire venue will be enveloped in a warm atmosphere.

Bloom, bloom, the flowers of dreamsroketto kureyon

Graduation Song “Bloom, Bloom, Flower of Dreams” by Rocket Crayon / Piano Cover

Created by the play-song duo Rocket Crayon, who are active in nursery schools and kindergartens, this piece has become a graduation-season staple beloved by many schools.

It carries a warm theme in which each child’s small dream eventually blossoms into a large flower, delivering a message full of hope that resonates perfectly at the moment of departure.

Its gentle, medium-tempo melody pairs beautifully with piano accompaniment.

The song was also included on the album “Sotsuen no Uta: Kokoro ni Hibiku Best Song Collection,” released in December 2017, and has garnered such strong support that it earned a spot in the Hall of Fame on childcare professionals’ websites.

It’s an ideal choice for anyone wishing to create a moving entrance scene or for families who want to warmly celebrate their children’s growth.

First GoodbyeSakushi: Kuwabara Nagae / Sakkyoku: Matsuura Yūta

First Goodbye — Together with Dad — Piano Performance

Born from NHK’s children’s program “Otosan to Issho” (With Daddy), this song centers on the first major farewell in life: graduating from kindergarten.

It debuted on the show in January 2014, and in November 2016 it was included as the first track on the graduation song compilation “Columbia Kids: Songs for Your First Departure—Graduation Songs.” The lyrics, written in words easy for young children to understand, balance lingering longing—wanting to play together a little more—with the determination to move forward and grow.

Its mid-tempo melody, which skillfully blends brightness and bittersweetness, fits well with the solemn atmosphere of ceremonies.

It works not only for the procession at the graduation ceremony but also as background music for farewell parties and memory videos.

Highly recommended for teachers who want to warmly color the children’s big day and for parents planning a touching presentation.

Nice friendKeroponzu

Tomodachi Ii ne (Accompaniment)

Keropons, immensely popular at nursery and kindergarten events, recorded this friendship song as the opening track of their July 2012 album “Chokotto Asobi Daisakusen!” The lyrics, which overlay the joy of seeing friends and the excitement of playing together with images of the sun and a bright sky, are memorable, and the chorus repeatedly sings the feeling of “Isn’t it great to have friends?” The melody features few large leaps and stays within a range that even young children can sing comfortably—another key point.

It has been long supported by educators to the extent that childcare information sites introduce it as a hall-of-fame song.

If you perform it on piano as the entrance music for a graduation ceremony, it can create a gentle moment that brings back memories of the time spent together.

Recommended for teachers who want to start the ceremony with a bright, positive atmosphere and for anyone hoping to bring out children’s smiles.