Processional music on the piano! A collection of perfect ideas for nursery and kindergarten graduation ceremonies
Are you unsure which song would be suitable for the entrance music at a graduation ceremony? The entrance scene that highlights the children’s big moment is a crucial part that sets the tone for the entire event.
Whether you want to create a warm atmosphere with a piano performance or send them off in a festive way with bright J-pop melodies, the choice of music can dramatically change the mood of the venue.
Here, we’ll introduce entrance songs that are perfect for nursery and kindergarten graduation ceremonies.
We’ve gathered songs that are both moving and uplifting, so please use this as a reference when selecting your music!
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Processional music on piano! A collection of perfect ideas for nursery and kindergarten graduation ceremonies (21–30)
Smile AgainSakushi/Sakkyoku: Nakayama Mari
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.
It will be sunny tomorrow.Sakushi/Sakkyoku: Sakata Osamu
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.
See youSakushi/Sakkyoku: Machida Hiroshi
A classic graduation song crafted by Hiroshi Machida, who also has experience serving as a daycare director.
Included in the 2003 CD book “Macchan’s Connection Play & Songs: Poppoppo,” it has been cherished in the field ever since.
Its appeal lies in a structure that expresses gratitude for the days spent at the center and acknowledges the sadness of parting, while gently connecting those feelings to “the day we meet again.” It strikes a perfect balance—moving without being overly sentimental.
The melody is designed so children can naturally sing along as they follow the meaning of the lyrics, making it ideal for choral singing.
It’s also included in Yamaha’s song collections, with a proven ease of accompaniment.
Highly recommended for teachers who want to send children off warmly at graduation ceremonies, and for parents who wish to cherish their memories from the center.
Flower of ThanksSakushi/Sakkyoku: Sakata Osamu
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.
right?sakushi/sakkyoku: Takahashi Hayumi
Born as a camp song, this piece has since been passed down and sung at nursery schools and kindergartens nationwide.
After winning an Excellence Award in a contest hosted by the Japan Camp Association, it became widely known when it was included on a CD released by Columbia in November 2007.
Its unadorned lyrics express the desire to honestly convey the warmth held deep in one’s heart, the joy of a chance encounter, and the wish to stay together forever.
The melody is smooth and easy to remember, and it’s designed in a range that children can sing without strain, which adds to its appeal.
It’s perfect for those who want to bring a forward-looking atmosphere to the venue without becoming too sentimental.
The piano accompaniment is simple as well, making it easy to try singing while playing.
Consider including it when you want to warmly color an entrance scene.
Thank you with a smileNagai Daichi
If you’re looking for a song that lets children express their gratitude in their own words for the milestone of graduation from preschool, we recommend this piece by Daichi Nagai.
Born from real experiences in a nursery school and first included on a compilation CD of graduation songs in December 2015, it has since been sung at preschools across Japan.
While it carries the sadness of parting, its message is to deliver a final “thank you” with a smile.
Its appeal lies in expressing feelings for the family who did drop-offs and pick-ups, the friends they spent time with, and the teachers who watched over them—all in words that children can sing naturally.
It’s perfect when you want to conclude the ceremony on a positive note without becoming too somber.
With a simple melody that works with just piano accompaniment, it can also create a warm atmosphere as an entrance piece.
It’s a song that can be used for the graduates’ chorus as well as a response song from teachers or parents.
To become friendsSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka
This is a heartwarming children’s song themed around meeting friends and the importance of bonds.
Included on the 1987 album “Sekai juu no Kodomotachi ga” (Children Around the World), it continues to be beloved in educational settings today.
Its hope-filled message—that we can connect with anyone—reflects the pure feelings of children.
Precisely because there are times we feel lonely, it portrays the joy of having someone to support us, gently resonating with listeners.
The calm melody pairs beautifully with piano accompaniment and softly enhances entrance scenes at kindergarten graduation ceremonies.
It’s recommended when you want to express gratitude to friends met during preschool life or to quietly encourage children as they take a new step forward.