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.

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.

Bouquet of the Windsakushi: nakata arihiro / sakkyoku: nakagawa hirotaka

Kindergarten Chorus “Bouquet of Wind” « Life Presentation Day « Gifu Shotoku Gakuen University Affiliated Kindergarten

A graduation song brimming with dreams, where winds blowing from all corners of the world arrive as colorful bouquets.

The lyrics are by Arihiro Nakata and the music by Hirotaka Nakagawa, and it was included on the April 2003 album “Kimitachi Kyou kara Tomodachi da: Nakagawa Hirotaka Asobi/Taisou Song Collection.” It begins with a child waking up first thing in the morning, and tells of winds coming from faraway places—deserts, grasslands, the sea, and Antarctica—bringing messages of hope.

Filled with warmth that makes you want to share your excitement and your anticipation for each new day, it’s perfect for the milestone of preschool graduation.

It’s also beloved in covers by Keropons and by Nono-chan (Nonoka Murakata), and continues to be sung across generations.

It works wonderfully not only as entrance or exit BGM, but also as a soundtrack for a slideshow.

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!

Teacher, don’t cry.sakushi/sakkyoku: watanabe satomi

Teacher, Please Don’t Cry (Lyrics and Music: Satomi Watanabe – Preschool Graduation Song / Thank-You Party Song)

A song I highly recommend as a graduation gift from children to their teacher is by Satomi Watanabe.

Released in February 2014, this work was carefully crafted over more than three years.

Written straight from the perspective of the children, it conveys their heartfelt gratitude to their teacher and expresses a wish for everyone to keep smiling even at the moment of parting.

The gentle, piano-based melody is set in a range and rhythm that even very young children can sing comfortably—another welcome point.

There are both a kindergarten version and a nursery school version, so you can choose the one that fits what your school is called.

Seeing the children sing it at the graduation ceremony will surely bring tears to the eyes of teachers and parents alike.

It’s the perfect song for anyone who wants to express their appreciation on such an important day of new beginnings.

Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]

With lyrics that depict gratitude and personal growth and resonate deeply with graduates, this song is perfect as background music for ceremonies.

The words convey heartfelt thanks to those who have offered support.

Also used as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “The Winner in February: The Classroom of Guaranteed Success,” it was released in November 2021 and earned high acclaim on various music charts.

Recommended not only for graduates but also for anyone taking on a new challenge! Wrapped in DISH//’s warm vocals, this track will give you the courage to take a new step forward.

Pavane for a Dead PrincessMaurice Ravel

Ravel – Pavane for a Dead Princess, Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic, 1985

A signature work by Maurice Ravel in which quiet elegance melds with distant nostalgia.

Composed in 1899 as a solo piano piece and premiered in Paris in April 1902, it is said to have been inspired by the image of a young princess dancing at the Spanish court.

Though suffused with sadness, it never becomes heavy; its restrained beauty is part of its appeal.

Ravel later arranged the piece for orchestra himself, adding the horn’s gentle melody and the harp’s delicate hues, which gave the work a more expansive sonority.

Featured in numerous films, including Porco Rosso and Birdman, it has long provided a quiet backdrop for scenes of parting and remembrance.

It is an ideal choice for solemn yet warm occasions, such as processions of graduates or diploma presentations.

Liebestraum (Dream of Love)Franz Liszt

List: Liebesträume No. 3 / Kyohei Sorita

The gently flowing piano melody softly envelops the listener’s heart.

Released to the world by Franz Liszt in 1850, this piece was originally composed as a song and later arranged for solo piano.

Its sweet yet faintly wistful resonance perfectly suits the atmosphere of a graduation ceremony, where farewells and new beginnings intersect.

From a quietly introspective opening, it builds passionately before settling back into calm—a structure that paints a drama reminiscent of reflecting on days spent at school.

Beloved across many settings, it has been used in commercials and wedding-related videos.

Why not let its tender tones grace solemn yet warm moments—such as the conferral of diplomas or the recessional?