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

Sakuraayaka

Ayaka / “Sakura” (from the LIVE DVD & Blu-ray “Acoustic Live Tour 2017–2018 ~3-STAR RAW~”)

It’s a moving song that overlays moments of graduation and parting with cherry blossom petals.

This is Ayaka’s first graduation song, richly reflecting her own experiences and emotions.

The lyrics, filled with feelings from her farewells when she moved to Tokyo at 17 and from her life now as a mother, resonate with listeners at the milestones of their lives.

When performing it as a solo with guitar, placing the capo on the 3rd fret makes the chords easier to play.

Give it a try!

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.

Letter ~Dear fifteen-year-old you~Anjura Aki

Angela Aki “Letter ~Dear You, Fifteen~” Official Music Video (HD)

Born in Tokushima Prefecture to a Japanese mother and an Italian-American father, Angela Aki—who also performs as a jazz pianist—released this as her eighth single.

As the catchphrase “Have you ever written a letter to your future self?” suggests, the lyrics capture the complex feelings of students facing graduation and their anxieties about the future.

Since she primarily performs with piano and vocals, the song can also be played naturally with just an acoustic guitar.

However, because most of the chords are barre chords, I recommend that beginner guitarists use simplified chord shapes.

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Hoshino Takashi

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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.

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.”

CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi

Cheers

It’s a song often used not only at graduation ceremonies but also at weddings, and it’s loved across generations as a piece for singing with guitar accompaniment.

A folk song that truly celebrates a “departure,” raising a toast to the wonderful future that lies ahead.

It lavishly honors graduation and gives a gentle push toward a new journey.

Graduation PhotoArai Yumi

Graduation Photo – Yumi Arai (Yumi Matsutoya) (Full)

Since its release in 1975, this classic graduation song has been beloved by a wide range of generations for many years.

Set to a gentle, medium-tempo melody, it portrays the bittersweet feelings of “me,” who has changed since those youthful days.

It makes you keenly aware of the memories you never want to forget.