[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.
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[Heartfelt] A Collection of Japanese Graduation Songs to Sing and Play on Guitar [2026] (1–10)
Best FriendKiroro
The 10th single by Kiroro, a duo from Okinawa, is a song that expresses gratitude to a best friend in plain, heartfelt words.
Released in June 2001, it became well known as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Churasan,” and was also performed at the 52nd NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen—truly a classic.
It’s a ballad filled with Chiharu Tamashiro’s feelings for her partner, Ayano Kinjo, and its lyrics of gratitude to a supportive friend resonate deeply with anyone standing at the milestone of graduation.
While the piano leaves a strong impression, the simple melody also pairs beautifully with acoustic guitar.
Why not convey your appreciation to a dear friend through your own performance?
About meMrs. GREEN APPLE
From arpeggios that pierce the heart to the chorus’s powerful strums, this is a grand ballad that showcases the full expressive potential of a single guitar.
The lyrics woven by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE affirm anxieties about comparing yourself to others—and even efforts that seem unrewarded—as irreplaceable “miracles,” making it the ultimate anthem to life.
Released as a single in 2019, it served as the support song for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, moving many young listeners to tears.
More than simple encouragement, it sings of the resolve to accept both your weaknesses and strengths and move forward.
During the graduation season, when loneliness and anticipation intertwine, performing it solo on guitar to rally yourself will let its profound message resonate powerfully in the hearts of those who hear it.
far; distant; by farGReeeeN
This is the 11th single by the vocal group GReeeeN, known for the unique background of all members holding dental licenses.
Chosen as the theme song for the film ROOKIES: Graduation, its straightforward delivery makes the lyrics—expressing the resolve to set out and gratitude toward one’s parents—resonate even more deeply.
The mix of anxiety and hope when leaving home is something many people standing at the milestone of graduation can relate to.
Also included on the acclaimed album Shio, Kosho (Salt, Pepper), the song’s warm acoustic guitar tones highlight each word, making it a great choice for trying your hand at an intimate solo performance.
It’s an ideal number to gift to your parents, with powerful singing in the high-range chorus conveying your feelings.
[Heartfelt] A Collection of Japanese Graduation Songs You’ll Want to Sing and Play on Guitar [2026] (11–20)
HarukaYOASOBI
The sixth digital single by YOASOBI, a duo that has gained global popularity with the concept of “turning novels into music.” Based on Osamu Suzuki’s short story Tsuki-ōji (Moon Prince), its lyrics—told from the perspective of a mug watching over its owner, a girl, as she grows up and sets off—make for a moving number that shakes listeners’ hearts.
Released digitally in December 2020, the song gently wraps the bittersweet sorrow of farewells and the feeling of gratitude that many of us experience.
As a warm, mid-tempo ballad, it lends itself beautifully to an acoustic guitar and vocals, allowing each word to reach the listener more deeply.
In the graduation season, when you want to say “thank you” to someone special, practice it and give it as a heartfelt gift.
proofflumpool
Here’s a song themed around bonds with friends and farewells.
Even while carrying anxiety and pain, its lyrics give you the courage to move forward and remind you that you’re not alone—they really strike a chord.
Released as a single by flumpool in September 2011, it was selected as the set piece for the Junior High School division of the 78th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.
It was also broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” making it a piece remembered by people across generations.
If you perform it with just voice and guitar, the acoustic tone brings the words into sharp focus and will surely resonate deeply with listeners.
It’s perfect for graduation or times of parting, when you want to express gratitude to someone important.
Sung in your own voice, this work may offer a different kind of moving experience from a choral performance.
The season of farewellSHISHAMO
This ballad, which delicately portrays a bittersweet crush, is a masterpiece that vividly captures the once-in-a-lifetime moment of a graduation ceremony.
The protagonist’s frustration at being unable to confess their feelings to the senior they liked—left with nothing to do but watch their back fade away—strikes deeply at the listener’s heart.
Released in March 2015 as the closing track of the album “SHISHAMO 2,” the song has been cherished by many as one of SHISHAMO’s spring staples, even being selected for Space Shower TV’s March power play.
While the original is arranged for a full band, performing it as a simple acoustic guitar solo only makes its delicate, beautiful melody stand out even more.
If you’re carrying an overflow of feelings you can’t put into words, try setting them to the sounds spun from your own fingertips and sing.
Thank youikimonogakari
Ikimono-gakari, beloved for their wide expressive range from poppy, refreshing tunes to moving ballads, released their 18th single in May 2010, written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Gegege no Nyobo.
The lyrics, which gently depict hope for the future, evoke a sincere sense of gratitude toward loved ones.
The song won the Excellence Award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards and has been included in high school music textbooks, making it a piece cherished across generations.
With the warm sound of acoustic guitar at its core, it pairs perfectly with solo singing and playing.
Consider choosing it for graduations or thank-you gatherings when you want to express appreciation to those who have supported you.