Songs of Thanks That Touch the Heart: Ideas to Give to Teachers at the Preschool Graduation Ceremony

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.

Friend’s FlowerFukuda Sho

Tomodachi no Hana / Sho Fukuda

This is a graduation song written and composed by Sho Fukuda, a former nursery teacher and children’s song writer.

It carries a warm message: the days spent with friends become buds in our hearts and eventually bloom into flowers.

Instead of saying “goodbye,” it makes a positive promise to remain friends, sure to bring tears to teachers and parents alike.

Released in February 2020, it was later included on the album “Tomodachi no Hana” (Friends’ Flower).

Sho Fukuda is active in a wide range of work, including providing music for NHK Educational TV.

Centered on the piano, this gentle ballad has a simple structure that makes it easy for children to sing along.

It’s a perfect song for choral performances at graduation ceremonies or for expressing gratitude at thank-you gatherings.

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.

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.

Nice friendKeroponzu

Nice friend

Time spent with friends is a treasure that can’t be replaced.

This collaboration between Keropons—hugely popular among children—and Tomohiko Fujimoto is a warm number that directly expresses the joy of meeting and the happiness of laughing together.

It carries a positive, gentle message that makes you truly think, “Friends are wonderful.” Released in July 2012 on the album ‘Chokotto Asobi Daisakusen!,’ the song has long been loved by many teachers and children, even being featured as a Hall of Fame song on the childcare information site Hoick.

During graduation season, singing it while looking at your dear friends’ faces will fill your heart with joyful memories of your time at the preschool.

It’s also a perfect choice to bring everyone together at a farewell party.

To become friendsSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

A classic song sung at preschools: “To Make Friends” [Spring Song / Enrollment Song / Preschool Music Activity]

Some of you may remember singing this when you were children.

With lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa and music by Hirotaka Nakagawa, this piece was included on the 1987 album “Sekai Juu no Kodomotachi ga” and has long been a beloved choral song at nursery and kindergarten graduation ceremonies.

The lyrics depict how people meet, come to understand one another, and become friends, brimming with hope that we can connect heart to heart with anyone.

Its message—that we all seek the same kindness—resonates deeply even with adults.

Children who feel anxious before setting off for elementary school may find their anticipation for new encounters growing as they sing this song.

It’s a perfect choice for graduation ceremonies, expressing gratitude to teachers while wishing for ever-widening circles of friendship.

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.