[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 You’ll Want to Sing and Play on Guitar [2026] (11–20)
Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako
Here’s the signature song by singer-songwriter Takako Okamura, released in 1987.
With a piano-based, gentle melody and a tender, conversational vocal delivery, it’s a track that truly touches the heart.
Interestingly, although the song was originally written with heartbreak as its theme, its lyrics—cheering someone on while watching them walk away—have led it to be embraced over time as a graduation song and an anthem of encouragement.
It has been used on the high school baseball program “Netto Koshien,” included in middle school music textbooks, and sung across generations.
In 2005, it was also chosen as the theme song for the film “Gyakkyō Nine” (No More Cry!!!).
It’s perfect for those who want to perform it with feelings of gratitude and support for friends or juniors setting out on a new path.
The chord progression is relatively gentle, so why not try it as a vocal-and-piano rendition?
Graduationsaitou yuki
Yuki Saito made her debut as a singer in February 1985.
Her debut song is a gem of a graduation tune, created by the golden duo of Takashi Matsumoto (lyrics) and Kyohei Tsutsumi (music).
While delicately depicting details like uniform buttons and scenes around the school building, the lyrics capture the emotional wavering of not being able to cry honestly on the day of parting, reflecting a more realistic side of youth than just sweetness.
Her clear, translucent voice further enhances the poignancy.
It’s a piece I’d love to see anyone try if they want to convey feelings of gratitude and farewell through their own performance.
We againSG
SG’s “Bokura Mata” is a graduation song distinguished by its heartwarming melody.
SG, who is active as a YouTuber, captivates many listeners with his gentle singing voice.
In this track, he sings about the universal theme of friendship with an expression that is both delicate and powerful.
It’s a perfect song for graduation season, imbued with feelings for friends who are setting off on separate paths.
Through its lyrics and melody, you can fully feel the importance of bonds that keep us connected under the same sky.
It’s also in a friendly key that makes it easy to play and sing with just a guitar.
Primal.THE YELLOW MONKEY
THE YELLOW MONKEY is a rock band with overwhelming charisma, beloved across generations.
Released in January 2001 as their 24th single, this song is known as one of the last works before the band went on hiatus.
Produced by the renowned Tony Visconti—famed for his work with David Bowie and T.
Rex—the track layers powerful rock instrumentation with lush choruses to create a grand, expansive sound.
Originally written with the graduation season in mind, the lyrics vividly depict scenes of parting and new beginnings, which is part of its appeal.
During their 2016 reunion tour, it was performed as the opening number and sent the crowd into a frenzy.
With a profound worldview that feels like it stands beside you at life’s turning points, this is the perfect song to play and sing as a heartfelt expression of gratitude to someone special.
Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya
It’s a song that beautifully portrays the feelings of students on the verge of graduation.
Released in January 2021, it sings of the fragility of unrequited love felt as cherry blossom petals dance in the air.
The protagonist’s inability to confess their feelings to the person they like makes your heart tighten.
How about trying something bold on the last day of your school life—performing this song in front of the person you like and then confessing your feelings?
Sakura, You, and Ituki.
This piece overlays the loneliness of graduation and the fleeting nature of young love with cherry blossoms blooming in spring.
Released in January 2024, it captured the hearts of students approaching graduation.
The bittersweet feelings of love and the scenes of parting depicted in the lyrics really tighten your chest.
Plus, Tuki.’s clear, translucent vocals evoke images of cherry petals dancing in the wind.
How about singing it together the next time you gather with friends?
[Heartfelt] A Collection of Japanese Graduation Songs to Sing and Play on Guitar [2026] (21–30)
Endless JourneyMr.Children
A song distinguished by its intro guitar backing and distinctive chord feel.
Since its 1998 release, it has sold over a million copies and stands as one of Mr.
Children’s signature tracks.
When you’re searching for your true self, it shares the strength to keep moving forward.
If you keep walking, you’re sure to encounter something new.