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

March 9Remioromen

Remioromen – March 9

March 9th / Remioromen (cover)

This is the third single by Remioromen, a three-piece rock band that announced a hiatus from band activities in 2012, with each member now pursuing individual projects.

Although the song was written to celebrate a friend’s wedding, its lyrics can also be read as messages to a beloved teacher or friends from one’s youth, making it a staple graduation song.

For solo acoustic performances, it can be played using basic chords, but since it features many barre chords, beginner guitarists will need practice.

In the original, the band creates dynamic contrast by switching between strumming and arpeggios, so try to play it the same way if possible.

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Hoshino Takashi

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sunflowerAdo

[Ado] Sunflower

Ado did an acoustic self-cover of Sunflower by Ado

Like flowers blooming toward the summer sun, this heartwarming song gives you the courage to look ahead.

Sung by Ado, it was released digitally in July 2023 and drew attention as the theme song for the drama “18/40: Dreams and Love If We’re Together.” It portrays a protagonist who lacks self-confidence, admiring “you” with your dazzling smile and slowly trying to change.

The earnest lyrics resonate even more deeply during graduation season, when farewells and new beginnings intersect.

Ado’s YouTube channel features a self-accompanied performance video by her, and watching it will definitely make you want to try performing it yourself!

The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'The Meaning of Goodbye'

[Singing with Guitar] Guitar Solo/Acoustic Cover: 'The Meaning of Goodbye' — Nogizaka46 (with chords)

The word “sayonara” may carry not only sadness, but also a strength for the future.

This piece, released in November 2016 as the 16th single by the popular idol group Nogizaka46, is also known as the final single for Nanami Hashimoto, who served as center at the time, and it drew major attention when it was performed at the 67th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen that same year.

The beautiful melody line composed by Katsuhiko Sugiyama pairs perfectly with the warm resonance of the acoustic guitar.

If you sing while strumming the chords at a gentle tempo, memories with someone special are sure to come vividly back to life.

Why not let your voice carry your resolve to overcome parting and move toward a new future?

Sakura, Bloom!arashi

ARASHI – Sakura Sake [Official Music Video]

[With Guitar Chords] Arashi / Sakura Sake [Tried Playing on Acoustic Guitar]

Arashi’s 14th single, fondly known as a hallmark of exam season, is a pop-rock number released in March 2005.

It was used as the commercial song for Jonan Prep School featuring Sho Sakurai, and it captured many listeners’ hearts as a straightforward pep anthem that gives you the courage to move forward.

With a clear melody and an up-tempo beat, its guitar-centered arrangement also shines in acoustic performances.

It’s recommended for anyone feeling anxious about stepping into a new environment or for those who want to send cheers to their cherished friends.

I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu

Spitz / I Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky

Sora mo toberu hazu / Spitz / Guitar / Chords / Solo acoustic (sing and play) / For beginners / Easy

This is a classic hit by Spitz that was tied in as the theme song for the coming-of-age drama “Hakusen Nagashi,” which starred Tomoya Nagase from TOKIO, Miki Sakai, Takashi Kashiwabara, Kotomi Kyono, and others.

It’s a representative song that suits the graduation season, with a captivating guitar sound.

Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]

[With Chords] Daphne / DISH// Theme song of “The February Winner: The Classroom of Certain Success” [Guitar solo singing cover]

This is a heartwarming mid-tempo ballad born from the collaboration between Hattori from Macaroni Empitsu and Takumi Kitamura.

Released as a single by DISH// in November 2021, it was written as the theme song for the TV drama “The Winner in February: The Classroom of Guaranteed Success.” The lyrics portray feelings of gratitude that are hard to express out of shyness, and the joy of having a place you can always return to—perfect for the graduation season when new journeys begin.

If you perform it with just voice and guitar, it’s sure to gently encourage those who listen.

As of May 2024, the song surpassed 100 million streams.

When you want to say “thank you” to someone important, try expressing it with your own voice and sound!

Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri

Sakura Clear Skies

I tried singing my own song [Yuuri] [Sakurabare]

This is the fourth major digital single by singer-songwriter Yuuri, known for hits like “Dry Flower” and his powerful vocals.

Released in February 2021 and later included on his long-awaited first album, “Ichi,” this heartwarming graduation song was inspired by an email from a fan.

The lyrics, which convey down-to-earth gratitude toward a father, mother, and friends, are sure to resonate deeply with anyone setting off on a new journey.

While the original is a beautiful piano-and-strings ballad, the melody itself is so expressive that a simple acoustic guitar-and-vocal performance is more than enough to get the feelings across.

The chord progression is relatively simple and makes it easy to focus on the singing, so try performing it for someone special.