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

I’m glad I met you.Inoue Sonoko

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

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

together; along with; bothWANIMA

WANIMA – Together / THE FIRST TAKE

WANIMA’s “Tomoni” is regarded as a song well suited to the new beginning that graduation represents.

Their warm message and refreshing melody will give courage to young people stepping onto a new path.

And not only as a graduation chorus—performing it as a guitar-and-vocal piece makes it even more moving.

It’s a recommended song to gift at life’s milestones, entrusting feelings of friendship and gratitude to the music.

It carries a powerful ability to connect hearts in many different situations.

Thank you, and goodbye.koaramōdo

Koalamode. 'Thank you, and goodbye'

The graduation song by Koalamode, an artist trending on TikTok, is “Arigatou, Soshite Sayonara” (“Thank You, and Goodbye”).

It’s a track from their 2016 single “Sakura Bocchi,” and it expresses gratitude to the friend who sat next to them in a nerve-wracking first classroom.

While the song leaves a strong impression with its piano—starting with a piano intro—it’s a mid-tempo pop tune, so it’s also great for guitar-and-vocal performances.

There’s a key change partway through, but both keys aren’t too difficult, so definitely give it a try!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hamada Takuya

Report a problem

To the skyYamazaki Masayoshi

Masayoshi Yamazaki – To the Sky (Theme song of “Doraemon the Movie: Nobita and the Birth of Japan” [New])

When you think of Masayoshi Yamazaki, he’s known for his image as an artist who performs solo with an acoustic guitar.

His 2016 single “Sora e” (To the Sky) is a perfect ballad for graduation season, teaching us that time is what eases the pain of parting.

It was written as the theme song for the film Doraemon: Nobita and the Birth of Japan 2016, released the same year.

The original features many barre chords that take some getting used to, so you might want to use a capo to change the key and make it easier to play.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hamada Takuya

Report a problem

Graduation SongHUNGRY DAYS

HUNGRY DAYS Graduation Song

A song by the four-piece punk band HUNGRY DAYS, who, despite their short period of activity, captivated listeners with energetic, unadorned, straight-to-the-point lyrics.

Chosen as the ending theme for the talk variety show “Akko to Machami no Shingata Terebi,” it’s a graduation song with a pleasantly relaxed shuffle beat included on their first album, “We Are HUNGRY DAYS!!” While the tune works naturally as an acoustic-guitar-only solo performance, it primarily uses barre chords, so beginners should practice thoroughly.

It’s a number that resonates with graduates, conveying the message that a graduation ceremony is not only about parting ways but also about a fresh start.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem