[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] (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.
road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE
This is the 23rd single by EXILE, the dance and vocal group that continues to thrive as an iconic presence of LDH, the entertainment company dominating the J-POP scene.
A ballad themed around graduation and new beginnings, it was featured as the commercial song for the music distribution service music.jp and as the opening theme for the music variety show Ongaku Senshi MUSIC FIGHTER.
Its lyrics, which express gratitude to friends and the sadness of parting, resonate with many people on graduation day.
With its relaxed tempo that pairs well with acoustic guitar accompaniment, it’s an emotional graduation song you’ll want to perform as a gift for someone graduating.
Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro
Since its release in 2003, this song has enjoyed a long-running hit, including a new version announced in 2019 as a tie-in with the drama “同期のサクラ” (“Synchronous Sakura”).
It’s a staple at graduation ceremonies and is often used for choral performances.
The song brims with passionate feelings that strongly encourage friends as they set out on new paths.
GraduationOzaki Yutaka
This is the fourth single by the legendary singer-songwriter Yutaka Ozaki, who, despite enjoying immense popularity among young people across Japan, passed away suddenly at the young age of 26.
Rather than focusing on the themes common to typical graduation songs—hope for the future or the sadness of parting—the lyrics express anger toward a repressive life and a yearning for liberation, which still carries a sensational impact today.
Since it can be played with relatively simple chords, it’s also a recommended graduation song for beginner guitarists to choose for a solo singing-and-playing performance.
Good-bye daysYUI
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.
See you again.kawanishi natsuki
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.
YELLikimonogakari
The 15th single by Ikimonogakari, a musical group known for weaving beautiful messages and melodies with their straightforward vocals.
The song was created as the set piece for the NHK National School Music Competition’s junior high division, and because it’s often sung at graduation ceremonies, it’s also known as a modern classic graduation song.
The lyrics, which look back on student days while expressing a resolve to walk a new path, will likely resonate in real time with graduates.
With many difficult chords and frequent chord changes, beginner guitarists may find it challenging, but the relaxed tempo makes it possible to learn at ease and perform it as a singing-with-guitar piece.
Precisely because it’s a staple song, it’s perfect as a gift for graduates.