[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] (41–50)
Just a little longer until graduationGLAY
A four-piece rock band, GLAY, has continued to lead the front line of Japan’s rock scene with catchy melodies and distinctive arrangements.
This song is included on their major 7th album “UNITY ROOTS & FAMILY, AWAY” and as the B-side of their 25th single “Way of Difference.” The lyrics, drawn from member TAKURO’s real experiences, are heartrending.
The feeling of looking back on one’s school days before graduation is something many graduates can relate to.
Since the original track already features acoustic guitar arpeggios, be sure to try recreating it in a solo acoustic performance.
[Heartfelt] A Compilation of Japanese Graduation Songs You’ll Want to Sing and Play on Guitar [2026] (51–60)
On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai
Ai Kawashima’s “On the Day of Departure…” is a song whose warm melody and lyrics linger in many people’s graduation memories.
The gentle piano introduction evokes the atmosphere of a graduation ceremony and resonates deeply with listeners.
Delivered in a tender voice, its message reminds us to reaffirm the meaning behind every event.
Though it carries a hint of loneliness, this song also gives you the courage to face forward and take your next steps.
When performing it as a vocal-and-guitar piece, be sure to convey each and every word of the lyrics with care.
Kitearashi
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.
spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE
Haruju was released in 2018, back when Mrs.
GREEN APPLE was a five-member band; since 2022 they’ve been active as a trio.
It’s the B-side to the single Love me, Love you, and it’s a ballad themed around the contradictions in people’s feelings and graduation.
Motoki Omori, who wrote and composed the song, is said to have created it the day after his high school graduation ceremony.
The arrangement at the beginning makes great use of space, with breaks and the like, which makes it perfect for a slightly different take on a solo acoustic performance.
And the sense of openness when the chorus hits is irresistible—definitely give it a try on guitar!
one’s true feelingssumika
Sumika’s “Honne” was written as the official support song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
Released as a single in 2021, it reached No.
6 on the Oricon charts.
The lyrics, which portray struggles common to all sports and the bonds between teammates, really hit you when you listen.
Anyone who did club activities and hears it at graduation will probably be moved to tears.
The song is in C major and should be relatively easy to play, so definitely give it a try in practice!
Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu
Youth passes in the blink of an eye.
It’s something that’s hard to grasp when you’re living through it in real time.
“Seishun to Isshun” (Youth and a Moment), which sings about those glittering, once-in-a-lifetime moments of youth, is a 2019 single by the four-piece rock band Macaroni Empitsu.
Its lyrics seem to say that the dull routines and tedious days, when you look back, are actually fleeting and precious—so cherish the time you’re living right now.
The fresh, straightforward melody resonates with listeners’ hearts.
It’s also perfect to sing during graduation season, backed by acoustic instruments like the guitar.
Teenage ~Graduation~Raphael
A song by the visual kei metal band Raphael, which went on hiatus after guitarist Kazuki suddenly passed away at the young age of 19 and disbanded following their final live show in 2016.
Included on their second mini-album, “Sotsugyo” (“Graduation”), the track reflects the members’ real-time emotions as teenagers and evokes a sense of accomplishment at having reached the life turning point of graduation.
Its brisk, fast-paced feel and beautiful melody can resonate even in a simple acoustic guitar-and-vocal arrangement.
It’s a perfect number to give as a gift that will be in tune with the feelings of those celebrating their graduation.