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

Friend ~Time of Departure~Sakushi Sakkyoku: Kitagawa Yūjin

A classic song sung at daycare: “Tomo ~Time of Departure~” [Graduation song / Preschool graduation song / Daycare music activity]

When you want to express your gratitude to teachers during graduation season, Yuzu’s “Friend: The Time of Departure” is a perfect choice.

Released in September 2013 as their 38th single, it was also selected as the required piece for the middle school division of that year’s NHK National School Music Competition.

It has been repeatedly broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” and is beloved by people of all ages.

Its warm melody carries a message that even when we are apart, we can support each other as long as we keep one another in our hearts.

The bond with the teachers who have watched over the children will continue even after graduation.

Why not let the children convey that feeling through their singing? It will surely create a wonderful moment that touches the teachers’ hearts.

right?Lyrics and Composition: Hayumi Takahashi

A classic song sung at daycare: “Ne” — Together Forever and Ever [Graduation from daycare/school • Tearjerker song]

It’s a warm song that celebrates the happiness of being together with family and friends.

The chance coincidences that let us share the same moments with someone may feel natural, but they’re actually very precious.

This song conveys that feeling directly, with simple, heartfelt words.

Originally, it won an Excellence Award in a camp song contest hosted by the Japan Camping Association, and it has been sung for many years at campfires and similar events.

After it was released on CD by Columbia in November 2007, it spread as a standard song for kindergarten graduation ceremonies.

Although its lyricist and composer, Hayumi Takahashi, passed away in 1997 at the age of 28, the song has continued to be sung by many children.

The lyrics, which express a wish to stay together even when we’re grandparents, evoke the warmth of bonds more than the sadness of parting.

It’s a wonderful song for children to give to their teachers, and equally lovely for teachers to offer to their children.

Flowers will bloom.Sakushi: Iwai Shunji/Sakkyoku: Kanno Yoko

A nursery school classic to sing: 'Flowers Will Bloom' [Graduation/Moving Up/Touching Song]

Released in May 2012 as a song supporting recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, this piece features lyrics by Shunji Iwai and music by Yoko Kanno.

Written from the perspective of someone who has passed away, the lyrics speak gently to the loved ones left behind, resonating deeply.

As the seasons turn, flowers bloom, and life continues to live on in memory, the song quietly depicts a world where loss and hope softly intersect.

It was repeatedly broadcast as the theme song for NHK’s reconstruction support project “Ashita e,” and its collaborative video with figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu also drew wide attention.

Sung at a preschool graduation ceremony, it naturally overlaps with gratitude for the days spent with the children and prayers for their journey ahead.

When sung with heartfelt feelings for the teachers, a warm afterglow will spread throughout the venue.

Flower of ThanksYokoyama Daisuke / Mitani Takumi

Thank-You Flower Okaasan to Issho With Lyrics Foamy Cappuccino

This is a song of gratitude sung by Daisuke Yokoyama and Takumi Mitani, aired in October 2009 as the Monthly Song on NHK E-Tele’s “Okaasan to Issho.” The lyrics and music were written by Osamu Sakata, known as the 7th “Uta no Onii-san.” The lyrics depict the word “thank you” being passed from person to person and spreading like flowers, warming the heart just by listening.

The song has been included in elementary school music textbooks and is beloved as a standard piece for expressing thanks to teachers at graduation ceremonies and thank-you events.

With its gentle melody and bright tone, it’s perfect for children’s lively voices.

When you want to convey “thank you” to the teachers who spent every day with you, be sure to sing this song.

Because I was able to meet youImai Yūzō, Haida Shōko

@user15821878215964Original song – Hikaru Tamura – Hikaru Tamura

It’s a moving song, perfect for graduation season, that expresses gratitude for irreplaceable encounters.

Yuzo Imai and Shoko Haida, beloved performers from NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” handled the vocals.

Broadcast in March 2008 as the “Song of the Month,” it marked their graduation from the show and was included on albums such as “NHK Okaasan to Issho Song Collection ~ Yume no Kakera.” Written and composed by Osamu Sakata, the song delivers a heartfelt message: meeting you made me stronger.

When children sing it at their graduation ceremony, it will deeply resonate with parents and teachers who have watched them grow.

Consider including it in moments that celebrate the bonds with dear friends.

Until the world becomes oneNEUTRINO

Until the world becomes one Song: NEUTRINO (with lyrics)

A heartwarming cover song by NEUTRINO, a developer of singing voice synthesis technology.

Centered on themes of peace, friendship, and the importance of supporting one another, it expresses the hope of joining hands and moving toward the future, carried by a gentle melody.

The original song was included on the single “Yūki 100% / Sekai ga Hitotsu ni Naru Made,” released in May 2002, and has long been beloved as the ending theme of the anime Nintama Rantarō.

It’s a classic cherished across generations, even featured in school textbooks.

The AI’s precise and clear vocals also serve as an excellent guide for children learning the melody.

Why not consider adopting it as a choral piece to express gratitude to parents at a preschool graduation ceremony, a special song for teachers and children to sing together?

Soon to be a fine first gradericchī・naru

♪Soon to be a splendid first-grader — selfish, mischievous, and loving to joke around〜♪ [Preschool Graduation Song / Graduation Song]

This work is a cover by a popular duo of a classic song written and composed by Toshihiko Shinzawa that portrays rambunctious children just as they are.

While looking back on preschool days—like playing pranks that flustered the teacher or getting into squabbles with friends—it expresses a proud determination to take the next step.

It was included on the February 2023 album “Bonbon Academy: Best Graduation and School Entrance Songs.” The vocals are by Icchi & Naru, who are active with anime theme songs and choreography and have surpassed 2 billion total views on YouTube, making it easy to enjoy the dance moves with children while watching the video.

It’s perfect for classes that want to avoid an overly somber mood and greet graduation with smiles, or for brightening up the opening of the ceremony.