This is the definitive BGM for the graduation ceremony! A moving collection of songs you can use for everything from the entrance march to the thank-you party.

The Root of the HeartLyrics/Music: Minami Yume

Kokoro no Nekko [With Lyrics] – A Classic Song for Graduation Ceremonies

With its gentle, warm melody and lyrics that resonate in the heart, this piece is a graduation song celebrating children’s growth and new beginnings.

It tenderly portrays how the children have gradually stopped crying and no longer stumble, and how the days of shared laughter and tears take root in their hearts.

Recorded in October 2014 on the album “Omoide Ippai! Sotsuen Song,” it is sung by Yuko Doi and is widely performed at nursery and kindergarten graduation ceremonies.

It’s a perfect song for a ceremony that reflects children’s growth, so consider including it.

Adding simple choreography and singing it together would be wonderful, too.

Goodbye, Our Nursery/KindergartenShinzawa Toshihiko

Goodbye, Our Nursery/Kindergarten (No. 7) [Toshihiko Shinzawa 35th Anniversary Request Night] #8

If you’re looking for a heartwarming graduation song for preschool, how about this one? With lyrics written by Toshihiko Shinzawa, it gently captures memories from kindergarten and nursery school.

Its calm melody and moving lyrics make it perfect for a ceremony celebrating children’s growth.

Included on the album “SEASON,” released in July 1996, it later gained popularity as a single CD as well.

It’s a classic that has been loved for many years at kindergartens and nursery schools across Japan, so it’s also recommended as the closing song for a graduation ceremony.

Be sure to give this moving track a listen as you celebrate the children’s new beginning.

To become friendsSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

To Become Friends [With Lyrics] – A Graduation Ceremony Classic

Born from the collaboration between Toshihiko Shinzawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa, this song is a heartwarming piece that celebrates the importance of friendship.

Set to a bright, approachable melody, it gently speaks about how we relate to others and what happiness means.

Since its release in 1987, it has continued to be cherished by both children and adults.

It’s also popular at graduation ceremonies and events, where everyone can sing along and enjoy it together.

In 2017, an album commemorating its 30th anniversary was released, and the song continues to be passed down across generations.

Listening to it at moments of new beginnings—such as kindergarten graduations or school entrance ceremonies—will make it resonate even more.

It’s also highly recommended for adults who watch over children as they grow.

I’ve grown up.Irikura Miyako

Graduation song: “I’ve Grown Up”

We’d like to introduce a heartwarming song that’s perfect for graduation ceremonies at kindergartens and preschools.

Written and composed by Miyako Irikura, this wonderful piece celebrates children’s growth and their new beginnings.

It features a warm melody and relatable lyrics that reflect on memories from school life and express gratitude to teachers and friends.

Created in 2016 to mark the composer’s daughter’s graduation, the song has since been adopted by many schools and gained popularity.

One of its charms is that each school can create its own original version.

It’s ideal not only as background music for graduation ceremonies and thank-you parties, but also as a song for parents to enjoy.

Why not include it to help celebrate the children’s first steps into their next chapter?

A precious treasureSakushi / Sakkyoku: Shinzawa Toshihiko

[Precious Treasure] [Piano Solo] [With Lyrics] [High-Quality Audio] [High-Resolution Video] [Preschool Graduation] [Piano]

With a warm singing voice that gently connects with children’s hearts, Toshihiko Shinzawa’s work truly resonates.

Its melody is perfect for a graduation ceremony, and the option to incorporate sign language while singing is especially appealing.

Included on an album released in August 2003, it also comes with a karaoke version, making it easy to use for recitals.

Highly recommended for nursery and kindergarten teachers, as well as parents who are watching their children grow.

It’s sure to become a wonderful song that colors a page of children’s memories.

Please give it a listen!

you knowsakushi/sakkyoku: Takahashi Hayumi

[Piano] “Ne” Nursery/Kindergarten Song – Easy Accompaniment Piano Solo

This song is characterized by its gentle melody and warm lyrics.

Written and composed by Hayumi Takahashi, it celebrates the importance of human connections.

Originally created as a camp song, it is also widely used as a graduation song and is sung at performances and graduation ceremonies in nursery schools and kindergartens.

It received the Excellence Award at the 2nd Camp Song Contest hosted by the Japan Camping Association, and its musical value has been highly acclaimed.

Loved by a wide range of ages from children to adults, it’s a perfect track to play as background music in moments that evoke friendship and family love.

Always togetherboku to kimi.

[Graduation Song] Always Together - Piano Sheet Music (Child Key) / CD Available [see description below] - For nursery school and kindergarten graduation ceremonies and thank-you parties

This is a graduation song by Boku to Kimi that delivers memories of kindergarten life and hopes for the future on a gentle melody.

It tells, from a child’s perspective, of days spent holding hands with friends, moments of leaning on their teachers, and gratitude toward parents.

Rather than dwelling on the sadness of parting, it carries a positive message that “even if we’re apart, our hearts are connected,” making it a piece that brings not only tears but smiles as well.

Included on the album “Minna de Asobou! Ei Ei Oh!” released in September 2015, it also comes with karaoke tracks and sheet music arranged for children’s vocal ranges.

It’s the perfect song for expressing thanks to teachers at a graduation ceremony.

The sight of children standing in a circle, holding hands as they sing, is sure to become an unforgettable memory.