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

First GoodbyeSakushi: Kuwabara Nagae / Sakkyoku: Matsuura Yūta

First Goodbye | With Father | Piano

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.

Until the day we meet againyuzu

Mataaeruhimade

Songs that convey both the sadness of parting and the hope for the future are perfect for graduation ceremonies and thank-you gatherings, aren’t they? Yuzu’s 14th single, released in October 2002, is a song truly fitting for such moments.

Chosen as the ending theme for the TV Asahi anime Doraemon, it has been loved by people of all ages.

The song has the background of Yujin Kitagawa crafting the lyrics together with children he met while camping, and its simple, straightforward words are deeply moving.

Built around acoustic guitar with a bright sound, it’s enhanced by handclaps and call-and-response, creating a sing-along atmosphere.

Rather than saying “goodbye,” it carries a message of promising to meet again, making it a great choice when you want to express gratitude to teachers and friends.

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.

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.

Thank you, teacher.Sakushi / Sakkyoku: Nishimura Naoto

Thank you, Teacher – at the thank-you party – Lyrics and music by Naoto Nishimura – Piano

Here’s a perfect song for when the children enter at the graduation ceremony.

Composed by Naoto Nishimura, this piece was included in King Records’ compilation album “I Found a Great Song! Sing Every Day! Songs for the Start of Graduation” in October 2015, and has since been featured in several other graduation song collections.

One of its biggest charms is how it brings back memories of the teachers’ names and the days spent together.

By weaving in episodes the children have truly experienced, it will create even more moving moments.

With its gentle melody that shines with just piano accompaniment, it suits the ceremony’s atmosphere well.

Try sending a heartfelt “thank you” along with the children’s entrance.

La la la of You and MeSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

[Children's Song] You and Me La La La (Piano) — Graduation Song

This is a memorable song with a gentle melody that softly wraps the sadness of parting.

With lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa and music by Hirotaka Nakagawa, it was included on the July 2017 album “Shinzawa Toshihiko & Nakagawa Hirotaka: Full of Songs.” Its warm message—that we’re connected under the same sky even when we’re apart—quietly reaches children’s hearts.

Rather than drawing tears, the lyrics encourage looking forward with a “We’ll meet again,” creating a mood perfect for closing out kindergarten life.

It’s a song that gently gives a push to children as they take their next step.

The First StepSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

[Easy Piano] The First Step

Graduation from kindergarten is an event that marks the start of a completely new day and a new way of life, totally different from what came before.

Some children may feel anxious, since everything changes when they enter elementary school.

This is a warmhearted graduation song you’ll want to give to such kids.

With lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa and music by Hirotaka Nakagawa, it was released in 1987.

It begins with the scene of morning arriving with birdsong and gently portrays children stepping into a today that’s different from yesterday.

Its simple chord progression in C major makes it easy to sing for children from preschoolers to early elementary students.

Finding the courage to take that first step is hard even for adults, isn’t it? Performed with piano accompaniment as a processional at a graduation ceremony, it fills the event with a warm atmosphere.

It’s a recommended song for everyone who wants to cheer on a new beginning.