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

Before the cherry blossoms bloomkinoko teikoku

Kinoko Teikoku – Before the Cherry Blossoms Bloom

Despite receiving high praise for their musicality from both professionals and amateurs, the three-piece rock band Kinoko Teikoku has been on hiatus since 2019 due to a member’s departure.

Their second single, “Before the Cherry Blossoms Bloom,” which marked their major-label debut, lingers in the ear with a nostalgic sound that carries a touch of melancholy.

Although the song features many F chord shapes—often considered a hurdle for beginners—and includes challenging chords like Bmaj7 and C#sus4, the tempo is quite relaxed, so with practice you can learn to fret each chord one by one and play it.

It’s a perfect number for graduation season, stirring the heart all the more for those who have many happy memories from their youth.

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Hoshino Takashi

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If I can laughUrufuruzu

Ulfuls – If I Can Laugh

This is the 24th single by Ulfuls, a rock band from Osaka that stands out with their one-of-a-kind presence—funky, soulful vocals overlaid on their sound and lyrics that are both straightforward and comical.

The song was used as the ending theme for the TV drama “Ginza no Koi,” which also featured the band’s vocalist, Tortoise Matsumoto.

Its lyrics look back on the days of growth brought about by meeting someone important—feelings that many graduates are sure to relate to.

While it features many barre chords and includes chords like B7 and diminished, which might be challenging for beginner guitarists, it’s packed with a message perfect for graduates, making it a number you’ll want to challenge yourself to sing and play.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai

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

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.

GIVE ME FIVEAKB48

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

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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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