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

To the days without a nameyama

yama “To the Nameless Days” MV

Singer yama, who began performing as a solo artist with the debut original song “Haru wo Tsugeru” and has drawn attention for a gender-neutral vocal timbre, has released the seventh digital single “Nameless Days,” featured as the theme song for episode #2 of Seven-Eleven’s original web anime Rainbow Finder.

It’s a comfortably airy track with a sense of depth and float, featuring chords like Adim and G#maj7 that can be tricky to grab in the moment—but with the relaxed tempo, practice should make them manageable.

It’s an emotional pop tune that evokes how the everyday moments up to graduation suddenly become something special.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Farewell, YouthChatto Monchī

「CHATMONCHY LAST ONEMAN LIVE ～I Love CHATMONCHY～」-Digest Movie-

Chatmonchy is a rock duo that has had a major influence on many girl bands active in today’s J-pop scene.

Their song “Saraba Seishun,” used in Recruit Holdings’ “Sotsu-ome Project 2007” commercial, is the closing track on their major-label debut mini-album, “chatmonchy has come.” Since it only uses basic chords and has a relaxed tempo, it should be approachable even for beginner guitarists.

It’s a moving graduation song that conveys the specialness of ordinary days.

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Hoshino Takashi

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GraduationCharcoal Filter

[PV] Charcoal Filter – Graduation (卒業)

This is the eighth single by CHARCOAL FILTER, a four-piece rock band that, despite being the first band for all its members, managed to complete two full tours of all 47 prefectures.

The song was used as the ending theme for the music variety show “saku saku.” With a refreshing melody that evokes youth punk and an exhilarating, fast-paced feel, it’s the kind of number that seems capable of blowing away the sorrow of parting.

The lyrics capture both the joy and the sadness of relationships changing at the time of graduation—something graduating students will likely feel in real time.

Since it can be performed as a simple solo with relatively easy chord forms, it’s a song that’s easy to take on even if you suddenly decide to learn it as a graduation gift.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Full of memoriesH₂O

Memories Are Full – H2O [AiemuTV – Acoustic Cover]

A famous song known across a wide range of ages—from today’s youth to adults—often used in junior high and high school choirs and included in music textbooks.

Since its release in 1983, it has been beloved by many.

Set to the warm tones of an acoustic guitar, it portrays a girl on the verge of growing up.

Hey, my friendMr.forute

Mr. Fōrute – Hey, My Friend [Official Music Video]

Let me introduce a graduation song that’s perfect for the season of new departures, with its refreshing melody and heartfelt lyrics.

Mr.

Furiote’s 2021 release “Hey, My Friend” is an upbeat, bright track that somehow carries a touch of bittersweetness—a number you’ll want to dedicate to friends standing at a new threshold.

The lyrics feel like you’re speaking directly to friends who’ve shared the same time with you.

It sounds great with a full band, but a solo guitar-and-vocal rendition can be incredibly moving as well.

With its honest, straightforward chord progression, whether you sing it gently with just a guitar or pour your heart into it, it’s sure to resonate with listeners.

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nikki

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spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Spring Melancholy

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!

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Hamada Takuya

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Your FriendWEAVER

WEAVER – Your Friend (Music Video Short ver.)

A guitar-less three-piece rock band, WEAVER, whose name carries the meaning of “people who weave music.” This song is included on their major-label 4th album, Jubilation, and is also known for being selected as the support song for the 89th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

Even if you part ways, the message that your bonds won’t change may give a push to those about to graduate as they take a new step forward.

While the original arrangement doesn’t include guitar, that’s precisely why performing it as a solo acoustic guitar piece brings a fresh feel.

With its lyrical melody and encouraging lyrics, it makes a perfect gift for graduates.

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Hoshino Takashi

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