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.

Like a melodyJohannes Brahms

Brahms: "As if it were melody" — from the album "Poésie: Playing Poetry (Song)"

The moment you try to put it into words, it disappears.

Such delicate feelings are depicted in music in the first song of Johannes Brahms’s collection Fünf Lieder, Op.

105.

Based on a poem by Klaus Groth, something that flits through the heart flows like a melody, blossoms like a flower, and drifts like a fragrance—yet the instant it is spoken, it fades like mist.

This paradoxical beauty is woven in sound.

Premiered in Vienna in February 1887, the work is written for low voice and piano, and it holds a deep afterglow within restrained emotion.

Played in a quiet graduation moment—say, during the presentation of diplomas—it can gently let feelings that words cannot fully convey seep into the heart.

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

This song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE was written as the theme for the NHK General TV special “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18-Sai” broadcast in December 2024.

It was performed on a stage created together with 18-year-olds, and the moment when a choir of around 1,000 voices joined in was truly breathtaking.

The lyrics express questions about staying true to oneself and an earnest wish to have someone by your side.

As we struggle to meet society’s expectations, there’s an anxiety of nearly losing sight of our true selves.

The warmth that embraces such wavering emotions just as they are is a major charm of this work.

After its digital release in January 2025, it surpassed 100 million streams.

It’s a song that gently supports those facing the milestone of graduation and taking a new step forward, making it a perfect choice for entrance and exit music at ceremonies.

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?

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.

Our PowerKeroponzu

[New Standard • Graduation Song] Our Power / Keropons

When we think of graduation ceremonies at kindergartens, we tend to picture tearful farewells, but “Our Power” by Keropons is a perfect classic for ceremonies you want to end with hopeful smiles.

Its lyrics, filled with gratitude to those who have supported us and with a firm resolve to stride into the future, overlap with the children’s growth and are truly moving.

Released as a single in July 2010 and included in publications such as “The Keropons,” the song has been sung for many years at numerous preschools.

It’s ideal for moments when you want to recall time spent with friends and convey a lively, positive spirit rather than the sadness of parting.

Let this bright, upbeat melody warmly encourage the children as they confidently take flight to their next stage!

Bloom, bloom, the flowers of dreamsroketto kureyon

Graduation song: Rocket Crayon – Bloom, Bloom, Flowers of Dreams

This is the song that brings warm, moving tears at graduation ceremonies where you can feel the children’s growth.

It depicts how each child’s small dream held in their heart will one day bloom into a magnificent flower, conveying the message that every joyful moment and tearful experience in their kindergarten life has shaped who they are today.

Included on the album “Harmony to the World,” released in July 2014, the piece was created by Rocket Crayon, a duo of former nursery teachers.

Gentle yet uplifting, its lyrics liken the children stepping forward into the future to blossoming flowers, resonating deeply with parents as well.

Highly recommended for teachers who want a song for the children to sing at graduation that will fill the entire venue with warm emotion.

ariosoJ.S.Bach

J.S.Bach – Arioso from Cantata BWV 156 – Adagio

A gentle, long-breathed melody that quietly seeps into the heart.

Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, its singing solo line is so beautiful that, in later generations, it came to be cherished on its own as an “aria-like instrumental piece.” The melodies voiced by oboe and strings transcend words, softly stirring feelings of prayer and comfort.

A staple at weddings and memorials, this work is also perfect for diploma presentations and exit scenes at graduation ceremonies.

Its walking-paced tempo and understated yet resolute emotion quietly bless a new beginning.