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

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.

From me to youGalileo Galilei

From Me to You

This is the third single by the rock band Galileo Galilei from Wakkanai, Hokkaido, released in January 2011.

It was used in a Benesse Corporation “Shinken Seminar High School Course” commercial and encouraged many students during exam season.

The song is also featured as the opening track on their first full album, Parade, and reached a peak position of 15 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

With its transparent guitar sound and a melody that speaks straight to the heart, the track leaves a strong impression.

Rather than one-sidedly cheering someone on, it carries a warm message of walking together despite uncertainty.

Its unobtrusive sense of distance feels comfortable, making you feel as if you’re running alongside friends facing the milestone of graduation.

The band sound, which balances a sense of drive with room to breathe, is easy to perform and a perfect fit for a graduation live setlist.

See you again.kawanishi natsuki

See you again.

This warm and slightly nostalgic ballad by Natsuki Kawanishi, a singer-songwriter from Nara Prefecture, was released in August 2025.

It was selected as the opening theme for BS-TBS’s “Nara Fushigi Tabi Zukan.” Co-written with Sho Yamamoto, the song blends a gently enveloping melody with Kawanishi’s resolute vocals to quietly awaken listeners’ “hometowns of the heart.” The lyrics convey not only the parting that comes with setting off on a journey, but also a forward-looking promise to meet again, evoking a sense of certain hope amid loneliness.

It’s a perfect song for those leaving their hometown for school or work.

rainbowELLEGARDEN

ELLEGARDEN “Rainbow”

This is a song by ELLEGARDEN, a four-piece rock band known for their talent, with each member also active in other bands.

It’s a track from their April 2005 album “RIOT ON THE GRILL,” and among their many fast-paced songs, this one stands out for its warm, mid-tempo feel.

The lyrics depict someone who keeps staring at their feet and ends up missing what’s truly important, yet still finds the moment to lift their head and start walking forward.

It’s perfect for the graduation season, when people take new steps while carrying doubts and anxieties.

Rather than hyping things up, it has a quiet strength that seeps into the listener’s heart.

It’s an emotional rock tune you’ll want to add to a graduation live setlist—one that gently looks back on days with friends and gives a soft push toward the future that’s about to begin.

crossroadYUI

crossroad

This is a song by YUI, included as the B-side to the single “LIFE” released in November 2005.

Centered around acoustic guitar, its warm sound and delicate lyrics—capturing everyday scenes—strike a deep chord.

The structure is superb, shifting from simple imagery like sunlit spots and splashes of water to the wavering of a heart that can’t quite smile, carefully portraying the resolve to keep moving forward even without clear answers.

The single “LIFE” served as the ending theme for the TV Tokyo anime BLEACH, reaching a peak of No.

9 on the Oricon weekly chart and significantly boosting YUI’s profile.

In November 2008, it was also included on MY SHORT STORIES, an album compiling B-sides, where it received renewed recognition.

It’s a perfect song for graduates standing at life’s crossroads, or for anyone ready to take a step forward despite their doubts.

Good-bye daysYUI

YUI　『Good-bye days ～2012 ver.～』

This is the fifth single by singer-songwriter YUI, who has been active since 2013 as the vocalist and guitarist of the rock band FLOWER FLOWER.

The song was used as the theme for the film Midnight Sun, in which she starred.

With lyrics that bid farewell to ever-changing days while looking back on memories, many graduates may feel as though it speaks directly to them.

Because there are few barre chords or complex chord shapes and the tempo is slow, it’s easy for beginner guitarists to take on.

With a heartrending melody and the resonant tone of an acoustic guitar that pierces the heart, it’s a recommended number as a sing-and-play gift.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Song of PointillismMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Song of Pointillism” Official Live Lyric Video

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s “Dempyo no Uta (Pointillism Song)” is a perfect graduation song for guitar-and-vocal performance, with a melody and lyrics that resonate deeply.

The lyrics portray the depth of bonds formed within limited time, making it a perfect fit for the milestone of graduation and warming the hearts of listeners.

If you place a capo on the 5th fret, you can change it to a chord progression that’s easy even for beginners.

Celebrate a new beginning with a special gift by trying a solo performance of “Dempyo no Uta.”