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

Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako

Takako Okamura “Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Takako Okamura “Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams” (solo self-accompanied performance)

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?

HarukaYOASOBI

YOASOBI 'Haruka' Official Music Video

Haruka / YOASOBI / Guitar Chords

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

flumpool “Proof” Music Video (Full Chorus ver.)

Akashi / flumpool Solo Acoustic Cover

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.

Graduationsaitou yuki

Yuki Saito “Graduation” MV

[Sung by a female college student] Yuki Saito / Graduation (cover * guitar * chords)

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.

Sakura, You, and Ituki.

tuki. 'Sakura Kimi Watashi' Official Music Video

[Sakura Kimi Watashi / tuki.] Arranged into four easy chords: guitar sing-and-play tutorial! #JapaneseGuitarTutorial

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?

Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya

Takaya Kawasaki - Sakura Usagi [OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO]

Sakura Usagi / Takaya Kawasaki / Guitar practice video for singing and playing (chords / strumming / lyrics)

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?

cherry blossomKobukuro

Sakura – Kobukuro (Full)

It won the Gold Award at the 47th Japan Record Awards in 2005 and was used the following year as the theme song for the drama “N’s Aoi.” A highly message-driven song that likens “flowers” to one’s guiding principles in life.

The image of flowers desperately continuing to bloom despite various hardships mirrors the way people live.