Songs we want to sing at the graduation ceremony! A special feature on moving, heart-touching preschool graduation songs

Until the day we meet againyuzu

Mataaeruhimade

Songs that convey both the sadness of parting and the hope for the future are perfect for graduation ceremonies and thank-you gatherings, aren’t they? Yuzu’s 14th single, released in October 2002, is a song truly fitting for such moments.

Chosen as the ending theme for the TV Asahi anime Doraemon, it has been loved by people of all ages.

The song has the background of Yujin Kitagawa crafting the lyrics together with children he met while camping, and its simple, straightforward words are deeply moving.

Built around acoustic guitar with a bright sound, it’s enhanced by handclaps and call-and-response, creating a sing-along atmosphere.

Rather than saying “goodbye,” it carries a message of promising to meet again, making it a great choice when you want to express gratitude to teachers and friends.

The First StepSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

[Let’s Sing Together] The First Step (Lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa / Music by Hirotaka Nakagawa) #TryItTogetherAtHome

Graduation from kindergarten is an event that marks the start of a completely new day and a new life, entirely different from what came before.

Some children may feel anxious because everything changes when they enter elementary school.

This is a warmhearted graduation song we’d like to give to children like that.

With lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa and music by Hirotaka Nakagawa, it was released in 1987.

Taking that first step takes courage, and that’s hard even for adults, isn’t it? At times like that, this song might just blow away the clouds in your heart.

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Araki Jakkan

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I’m happy to see you.sakushi: fujino manami / sakkyoku: kataoka tsugumi

[Children’s Song] I’m Happy to Have Met You

“I’m Happy to Have Met You” was created by Parkits, the musical duo of Manami Fujino and Tsugumi Kataoka, both graduates of Musashino Art University.

It’s a blessing to be able to sing about such warm feelings—becoming friends with children you didn’t know at nursery or kindergarten, wanting to stay close from now on.

Sing it energetically at your graduation ceremony and strengthen the bonds with friends who will head into the future alongside you.

The days here are treasures.Jirafa

The days here are treasures (Preschool Graduation Song)

Jirafa, a native of Gifu Prefecture, has worked on music for various TV dramas and films.

This song, “The Days Here Are Treasures,” was composed as a surprise gift to the teachers at a thank-you party when her child, ENA, graduated from kindergarten.

The lyrics depict the irreplaceable days spent with teachers and friends, expressing gratitude and a determination to move forward.

Since it’s actually sung by ENA, you can really hear how it sounds when a child sings it.

A highly recommended, moving song!

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sasashina

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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.

pinky promiseSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

Let's sing at home: 'Yubikiri' (Pinky Promise)

The song “Yubikiri” makes you want to promise, “We’ll be friends forever,” as you remember days spent with friends.

The lyrics are by Toshihiko Shinzawa and the music is by Hirotaka Nakagawa.

Set against everyday, simple scenes, the song warmly and movingly portrays children’s shifting emotions and unchanging friendship.

Although it was originally released around 2007, it was included in the best-of album “Toshihiko Shinzawa & Hirotaka Nakagawa: Full of Songs,” released in July 2017, and has since become beloved at many preschools and kindergartens.

It’s also lovely to sing while making the pinky-swear gesture and looking at each other’s faces.

Please consider choosing this piece for important occasions like graduation or farewell ceremonies to deepen the bonds between friends.

Calendar MarchSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

Calendar March | Live piano-and-vocal performance of a graduation song [Free sheet music download]

A classic song that has been loved for many years, it sings about the changing seasons with a lively rhythm.

The lyrics, which run from the snows of January to the winter scenes of December, vividly bring back happy memories from kindergarten life.

Its warm message—like a call to say, “Let’s meet again next year”—gently encourages children and makes the graduation season deeply moving.

Since it aired on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” in 1973, it has been widely cherished.

Lyrics by Takao Ide and music by Wakako Fukuda, it is also included on albums such as “Haruno Uta HiHiRecords Season Best,” released in February 2009.

This piece looks back on the year and inspires hope for the future.

If sung together with teachers and parents at graduation ceremonies or year-end events, it will surely create a heartwarming time.