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

Please give me wingsSakushi: Yamagami Michio / Sakkyoku: Murai Kunihiko

Please give me wings

This is a timeless folk song beloved across generations.

The lyricist, Michio Yamagami, is known for depicting everyday scenes in unadorned language, and in this piece, the simple wish to take to the sky resonates deeply.

The music was composed by Kunihiko Murai, and the song was released in February 1971 as a single by Akaitori.

It was later included in school textbooks and spread nationwide as a choral piece, and it has been cherished in many settings, from being sung as a support song for Japan’s national soccer team to performances at the Nagano Olympics.

Cover versions by Kaori Kawamura and Junko Yamamoto also drew attention, reaching a wide range of listeners.

It’s perfect for preschool graduation ceremonies as background music for slideshows or as a recessional.

The song has a warmth that gently encourages children as they step into a new world.

To become friendsSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

To Become Friends Tomodachininarutameni / Opening lyrics ♪ To become friends, people meet each other / With easy-to-read lyrics / [Children’s Song kid’s song]

Some parents may remember singing it themselves when they were children.

The song “Tomodachi ni Naru Tame ni” by Toshihiko Shinzawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa is a classic choral piece for nursery school and kindergarten graduation ceremonies.

Its theme—“Why do people meet?”—is profound, isn’t it? It’s wonderfully crafted in a way that makes even adults think, “I see.” For children who feel anxious about moving up to elementary school, this song might just help them feel okay.

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Dokidoki Don! First Graderssakushi: itō akira / sakkyoku: sakurai jun

A classic song sung at preschools: “Dokidoki Don! First Graders” [Classic graduation and entrance ceremony song / Preschool music]

This is a song with lyrics by Akira Ito and music by Jun Sakurai that portrays the feelings of children about to enter elementary school.

It was released in 1986 as an insert song on Fuji TV’s Hirake! Ponkikki.

Set to a bright, lighthearted melody, it expresses a mix of excitement and anxiety about a new environment.

Its charm lies in how it carefully conveys, from a child’s perspective, simple feelings like “Will I be able to walk to school by myself?” and “Will I get along with the child sitting next to me?” When sung by the oldest class at a preschool graduation ceremony, it can convey to the teachers the children’s resolve for the new life that lies ahead.

Even as they carry their worries, their willingness to take a step forward is a heartening sign of growth for the teachers.

It’s a song that simultaneously communicates gratitude to the teachers who watched over their days at the preschool and hope for a new beginning.

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

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

Here’s the perfect song to celebrate a kindergarten or nursery school entrance ceremony, a milestone marking children’s new beginnings.

With lyrics by Arihiro Nakada and music by Hirotaka Nakagawa, this piece paints a dreamlike world where a bouquet gathers breezes from around the globe and is delivered to you.

It carries messages that nurture the joy of waking up early, the spirit of trying new things, and the warmth of sharing happiness with others—lyrics that gently resonate with children.

Featured on the album “Omoide Ippai! Sotsuen Song,” it’s often sung at kindergarten and nursery school entrance ceremonies.

Highly recommended if you want to see children’s faces light up with hope.

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.

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.

Sakura Sakura Kindergarten, Nursery School, and Certified Childcare CenterSakushi: Kawasaki Yasuhiko / Sakkyoku: Shinzawa Toshihiko

“Sakura Sakura Kindergarten, Nursery, and Kodomoen” (Lyrics by Yasuhiko Kawasaki, Music by Toshihiko Shinzawa, Vocals by Satoko Yamano) [Graduation Song]

Beloved as a heartwarming graduation song, this piece gently sings of children’s growth and gratitude while painting a springtime scene of fluttering cherry blossoms.

Included on the album “Sakura♪SONGS” and released in October 2012, it is widely performed at kindergarten and nursery school graduation ceremonies.

Satoko Yamano’s calm, soothing voice resonates as if blessing the children’s new departure, leaving a deep impression on listeners.

It’s a highly recommended song not only for children about to graduate, but also for their parents and teachers.

It’s a wonderful graduation song that invites you to look back on memories and gives you the courage to take a new step forward.