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

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.

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.

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.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Himawari no Yakusoku – Motohiro Hata (Full)

A signature song by Motohiro Hata, widely used in various contexts such as commercials and variety shows, including as the theme song for the film STAND BY ME Doraemon.

It portrays the irreplaceable days spent with a loved one.

Even if we are separated in the future, the song conveys a sense of hope that we are bound by a strong bond.

LullabyRADWIMPS

Lullaby - RADWIMPS

A song by the rock band RADWIMPS, whose name comes from a coined phrase combining opposing words like “cool coward” and “splendid wimp.” It closes out their second album, RADWIMPS 2: Hatten Tojo (Under Construction), and the catchy phrases sprinkled throughout its punkish arrangement are so quintessentially RADWIMPS.

Its message—that some things don’t change even after graduation and going separate ways—is exactly what people who feel sad about graduating most want to hear.

While the original is a full band sound, it’s a song whose melody stands out even more when performed solo with just vocals and guitar, so please play it with all your heart.

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Future airplaneakairo no gurittā

Red Glitter “Future Airplane” (Official Music Video)

A beloved graduation song that gently weaves together memories of high school—school routes, chimes, hallways, and the everyday moments with friends—this is the title track of Akairo no Glitter’s debut single.

Released in March 2015, the song was written based on vocalist Ryosuke Sato’s own experiences, and its lyrics, which hold both the ache of not being able to return to the past and the resolve to step forward into the future, resonate deeply.

Its catchy, solid melody powerfully propels the emotions, making it unforgettable after just one listen.

The fact that the music video and performance scenes were filmed at the members’ alma mater also lends a vivid sense of lived-in youth.

It’s a guitar rock number that warmly brightens any graduation live performance—recommended not only for students facing graduation, but for anyone experiencing a farewell with cherished friends.

Kitearashi

ARASHI – Kite [Official Music Video]

As a melody to celebrate a new beginning, Arashi’s “Kite” is a special song for many graduates.

The lyrics crafted by Kenshi Yonezu touch the heartstrings and give strength to keep moving forward without losing hope amid changing circumstances.

This song is dedicated to graduates who carry both anxiety and anticipation for the future.

Even played with just a single guitar, its message comes through clearly.

For everyone standing before the new stage of graduation, it will be an unparalleled message song that gives a gentle push forward.