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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.

[Heartfelt] A Collection of Japanese Graduation Songs You’ll Want to Play and Sing on Guitar [2026] (71–80)

Sakura: To You Who Couldn’t GraduateHanzaki Yoshiko

Sakura ~To You Who Couldn't Graduate~ Hanzaki Yoshiko
Sakura: To You Who Couldn't GraduateHanzaki Yoshiko

Yoshiko Hanzaki is a singer-songwriter who, for about 17 years, did not belong to any agency and sold her own merchandise while performing live shows on her own.

This song is famous as one of her signature pieces and is said to be based on a true story.

Her moving vocals and performance heighten the bittersweet feelings of the graduation season.

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Lingering Snowiruka

A folk song whose simple acoustic guitar sound lends it an even deeper sense of melancholy.

It has been covered by artists across a wide range of genres—including idols, rock bands, and singer-songwriters—and is loved by listeners of all ages.

Portraying the moment of parting and the passage of time, it has also long been cherished as a graduation song.

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The happiest treasuresutopuri

[MV] The Most Wonderful Treasure / Strawberry Prince
The happiest treasuresutopuri

Strawberry Prince (StPri) is a six-member entertainment group whose popularity is evident, with their YouTube uploads surpassing a total of 7 billion views.

Their 27th single, “Saikou no Takaramono,” delivers a refreshing message that’s sentimental yet uplifting.

For guitar accompaniment, using a capo on the 2nd fret makes it relatively easier to play, but be careful with the maj7 chords—they’re barre chords and tricky to finger.

It’s a sentimental pop tune you’ll want to practice slowly until graduation season and then perform for the big moment.

Hoshino Takashi
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Words of FarewellKaientai

This is the 16th single by the three-piece folk group Kaientai, named by Tetsuya Takeda, a devoted fan of Ryoma Sakamoto.

The song was used as the theme for the TV drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3B” and is known as one of Kaientai’s signature tracks.

Although the lyrics are actually about heartbreak, phrases that evoke graduation and its association with a school drama theme have made it a classic graduation song across generations.

In terms of performance, it uses many barre chords, so beginner guitarists who struggle with barring should use simplified chord shapes.

With its beautiful, lyrical melody, it’s a perfect song to perform as an acoustic sing-along for those celebrating their graduation.

Hoshino Takashi
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365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48

[MV full] 365 Nichi no Kamihikōki / AKB48 [Official]
365 Days' Paper AirplaneAKB48

AKB48’s “365 Nichi no Kamihikōki” is loved by many people.

Chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Asa ga Kita,” it’s a ballad with a memorable, nostalgic melody.

Unlike pop idol songs, it has a mature tone that evokes a sense of nostalgia.

This makes it well-suited for guitar-and-vocal performances, and its gentle sound, enjoyable across generations, makes it a perfect song for graduation season.

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