RAG MusicGraduation
A lovely graduation song

[Heartfelt] A Collection of Japanese Graduation Songs to Sing and Play on Guitar [2026]

Graduation is a special season, and there’s a warmth in singing a graduation song with just a guitar that seeps right into the heart.

Unlike karaoke, it’s the sound and voice spun from your own fingertips.

That resonance reaches the listener’s heart quietly, yet unmistakably.

Many of you may feel, “I want to express my gratitude through my own performance,” or “I want to create a special moment for a farewell with someone important.” In this article, we’ve gathered standout graduation songs by Japanese artists that you’ll want to perform with just a guitar and your voice.

From songs with relatively simple chords to those worth the challenge, we’ll introduce a wide range.

Find the one song that carries your feelings.

[Heartwarming] A Collection of Japanese Graduation Songs to Sing and Play on Guitar [2026] (91–100)

I’m glad I met you.Inoue Sonoko

Sonoko Inoue – “I’m Glad I Met You” (short ver.)
I'm glad I met you.Inoue Sonoko

A song by singer-songwriter Sonoko Inoue, who, influenced by her mother—a voice trainer—began playing guitar and writing songs in elementary school.

It’s included on her first album, “Hello,” and its bright, refreshing sound adds color to the life event of graduation.

Since the original features strummed acoustic guitar throughout, it should be easy to recreate naturally as a solo vocal-and-guitar performance.

The lyrics overflow with gratitude for friends from school days and really resonate—an ideal number to gift to anyone about to attend their graduation ceremony.

Hoshino Takashi
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Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai

Dai Hirai / The Way Home in March (Lyric Video)
Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai

It’s a perfect ballad for graduation season.

It was released as a digital single in February 2022 as part of the “Sunday Goods” project.

Dai Hirai’s gentle vocals tenderly embrace both the sadness of farewell and the excitement of a new beginning.

The simple arrangement of just piano and strings really brings out the world of the lyrics.

Practice well so you can convey the song’s comfort, then give it a try in your performance.

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GIVE ME FIVEAKB48

[MV full] GIVE ME FIVE! / AKB48 [Official]
GIVE ME FIVEAKB48

In the J-pop scene long known as the “warring states era of idols,” AKB48—a group that serves as a symbol of that landscape—delivers an unshakable presence with their 25th major single.

Featured in numerous commercials, the song’s catchphrase, “If you’ve cried enough for a lifetime, let’s high-five!” is a message that truly gives a push to those facing graduation.

Although it feels challenging due to its driving tempo and frequent barre chords, the chord changes are slow, making it approachable even for beginner guitarists.

It’s a graduation song that lifts the mood—even with a simple acoustic-guitar-and-vocal performance—perfect for gifting to someone who has just finished their graduation ceremony.

Hoshino Takashi
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In conclusion

A graduation song delivered through guitar and vocals carries a warmth that words alone can’t fully convey.

The feelings poured into the fingertips pressing the chords reach straight into the listener’s heart.

Gratitude for someone dear, cheers for a new beginning—whatever the emotion, a single guitar gently envelops it all.

This spring, why not color your special moments with a sound that’s uniquely yours?