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

Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

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.

A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – A Bouquet for You

It was selected as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Toto Nee-chan,” which generated a lot of buzz.

The song portrays farewells across a wide range of themes—not only graduation, but also partings with parents, friends, and lovers.

Overflowing with gratitude, it can be read as a final message to someone you will never meet again.

era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki

Era - Live 2010–11 (from Tokyo International Forum Hall A)

Since its release in 1975, this masterpiece has been covered by artists across generations and genres, including Hiroko Yakushimaru, Hideki Saijo, Hiromi Iwasaki, Hideaki Tokunaga, Keisuke Kuwata, and Yo Hitoto.

No matter how many times we encounter hardship, the passage of time will see us through—surely many have been comforted by this warm message.

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.

To the futureKiroro

To the Future – Kiroro (Full)

A ballad with a gentle melodic line and words to a mother who has walked alongside you, one that almost brings you to tears.

It’s a classic song often used at graduation ceremonies, in music classes, and for choral performances.

It stirs up feelings of gratitude toward parents—feelings that are usually too embarrassing to express or easy to forget.

Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu

Yuzu “Friend ~The Time of Departure~”

A perfect graduation song to sing with a guitar in hand is Yuzu’s “Tomodachi ~Tabidachi no Toki~” (“Friend ~Time of Departure~”).

Its exquisite chord progression and warm melody are ideal for playing on a single guitar and feel approachable for anyone.

The lyrics, filled with thoughts for friends leaving the place of learning and encouragement for the new paths ahead, bring back memories of the time spent together and gently resonate in the heart.

To send a warm cheer to those taking a step toward the future, try performing Yuzu’s “Tomodachi ~Tabidachi no Toki~” as a guitar-and-vocal rendition.