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.

Thank you along with goodbye.iwashi pikunikku

A preschool teacher’s graduation song, “Goodbye and Thank You Together.”

There’s a graduation song that makes the everyday memories of days spent at the preschool feel so precious.

Created by Iwashi Picnic, the song has steadily spread across childcare settings nationwide since its release on YouTube in January 2019.

Born from the creator’s experience as an active nursery teacher in charge of the oldest class, it gently weaves together specific, child’s-eye memories—like the day they fought with a friend and made up, or the moment they managed to eat a food they didn’t like.

The melody naturally blends the sadness of parting with feelings of gratitude, and it’s written in a range that even preschoolers can sing comfortably.

The simple piano-only arrangement is another charm.

It’s a piece that seems made for slideshow presentations at graduation ceremonies or as background music at thank-you gatherings—one that conjures the image of parents in tears as they look back on their children’s growth.

Filled with the warmth that only something born from real practice can offer, it’s a song that stands beside both the teachers sending the children off and the families setting out on a new journey.

The Londonderry Air (Danny Boy)Airurando min’yō

“The Londonderry Air” — Yuko Doi

This is a famous piece, cherished around the world as a traditional folk melody from Northern Ireland.

Its long-breathed melodic line and lingering resonance naturally evoke emotions such as nostalgia, parting, and prayer.

It spread explosively in 1913 as “Danny Boy,” with lyrics by British songwriter Frederick Weatherly, and has since continued to inspire a wide variety of lyrics and arrangements.

Its range of settings—from solo voice to full orchestra—and its establishment as ceremonial music are part of its appeal.

For graduation ceremonies, it offers a gentle sonority suitable for quiet moments or recessional scenes.

The melody, which combines a warmth that seems to watch over children as they embark on a new path with the poignancy of farewell, will resonate deeply with both guardians and teachers.

Thank youikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

This is Ikimonogakari’s 18th single, written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Gegege no Nyobo.

Released in May 2010, it won an Excellence Award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards.

The lyrics, which tenderly portray the love nurtured in everyday life and gratitude toward those dear to us, resonate deeply.

The warmth conveyed by holding hands and the hope for a shared future are expressed through a gentle melody that warmly embraces listeners.

In the 2013 school year, it was included as a choral piece in high school music textbooks, and it has also become a popular staple for graduation ceremonies.

It may feel a bit embarrassing to put into words, but this song is perfect for conveying thanks to the teachers, friends, and family who have supported you.

Why not sing it to express your honest feelings along with your memories of junior high school life?

Symphony No. 2, Movement IIISergei Rachmaninov

Tadaaki Otaka (conductor) · Tokyo Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra / Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 2, Movement III / Orchard Hall Subscription Concert, July 21, 2014

Among the large-scale symphonies by the Russian Romantic composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, the third movement of his Symphony No.

2 is exceptionally beautiful.

Premiered in February 1908, this work became a landmark piece that helped him overcome past harsh criticism and regain his confidence as a composer.

The clarinet’s long-breathed melody seeps into the heart like an endless song, gently embraced by the warm sonorities of the strings.

Played during diploma presentations or recessional scenes, it can create a moving atmosphere befitting the children’s departure on their next journey.

Until the world becomes oneYa-Ya-yah

Until the world becomes one

This is a song by Ya-Ya-yah that has long been cherished as the ending theme of the beloved anime Nintama Rantaro.

Released in May 2002 as the single “Yuuki 100% / Sekai ga Hitotsu ni Narumade,” it reached No.

9 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

Set to gentle piano and strings, it carries a warm message: in tough times, let’s hold hands and share our warmth.

The boys’ clear, pure vocals and soft harmonies are perfect for scenes reflecting on days spent at the kindergarten.

The lyrics, which convey the importance of bonds with friends and supporting one another, will quietly resonate with parents as well.

Played as slideshow background music or as an exit song, it will envelope the venue in a cozy atmosphere.

If everyone holds hands and sings together, it will become a song that makes your graduation-from-kindergarten memories shine even brighter.

Precious friendSakushi: Itsumi Ryūichirō / Sakkyoku: Furukawa Tatsuya

Dear Friends – <Graduation Song> [Japanese Songs / Shoka]

Here’s an introduction to a moving song that’s being performed more and more often at kindergarten graduation ceremonies.

The lyrics were written by Ryuichiro Henmi, an active video director, and the music was composed by Tatsuya Furukawa, known in the game music world.

Created in 2009 as part of Benesse’s kindergarten graduation support campaign, the song was sung in the 2013 school year by children at 5,071 kindergartens nationwide—about 250,000 kids—and its cumulative CD shipments have surpassed one million.

The lyrics weave in specific episodes from kindergarten life—like getting back up after falling during a sports day thanks to friends’ cheers, or making up after a fight—which deeply resonate.

It was also used in a TV commercial in 2014, bringing it into many homes alongside touching graduation scenes.

With a bright melody tinged with a hint of poignancy, the tune suits a wide range of moments, from entrance music to slideshow background tracks.

It’s a perfect song for a graduation ceremony where you want to express gratitude to friends and teachers.

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48

[MV full] 365 Nichi no Kamihikōki / AKB48 [Official]

An AKB48 number included as the coupling track to their 42nd single “Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby,” released in December 2015, which also served as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Asadora “Asa ga Kita.” It’s an impressive piece characterized by a warm, acoustic guitar–based sound and a gentle, easy-to-hum melody.

The lyrics, using a paper airplane as a metaphor, carry the message that “life can be different for everyone” and “it’s okay to move at your own pace.” Even when things don’t go well, the song gently encourages you to try again tomorrow—making it perfect for children graduating from kindergarten.

A mixed three-part choral arrangement was performed at the NHK National School Music Contest, helping it become a staple at school events and graduation ceremonies.

Highly recommended as a motivational song that gives children the courage to face forward as they take flight into a new world.