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.

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.

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.

The Root of the HeartNEUTRINO

Kokoro no Nekko (The Roots of the Heart) - Song: NEUTRINO (with lyrics) - Graduation-from-Kindergarten Song

If you’re looking for a moving song for graduation season from kindergarten, how about “Kokoro no Nekko” sung by the NEUTRINO vocal synthesis software? Its lyrics—about children who have grown up before you know it and how the days spent with friends will support them in the future—are sure to bring tears to the eyes of parents and teachers.

The song, written and composed by Namu Minami and beloved for many years, gained wider recognition when it was included on albums such as “Sotsuen no Uta: Best Songs that Stay in Your Heart,” released in November 2008.

NEUTRINO’s clear, transparent vocals are pitch-accurate and can serve as a helpful guide when learning the melody.

Singing it at a graduation ceremony or recital will fill the venue with warmth.

Please try singing it together with the children, with all your hearts.

To become friendsNEUTRINO

To Become Friends — Song: NEUTRINO (with lyrics)

We’d like to introduce “Tomodachi ni Naru Tame ni,” a beloved staple song for graduation ceremonies and school performances.

With its warm message—that everyone we meet can be a friend and the time we spend together is a treasure—this piece resonates deeply with listeners.

This NEUTRINO rendition covers the classic by Toshihiko Shinzawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa, originally released in February 2006, using AI singing voice synthesis.

The layered choral work is beautifully crafted and perfect for helping children form an image for their chorus practice.

The kindness woven into the lyrics makes it especially fitting for older kindergarteners to sing with heartfelt emotion.

Incorporating sign language will make the stage even more moving.

On that special day when children show their growth to their parents, be sure to take it on together.

See youNEUTRINO

See You Again — Song: NEUTRINO (with lyrics)

This is a staple song for graduation season, written and composed by Hiroshi Machida, who is also a nursery school principal.

The AI singing synthesis software NEUTRINO covers this classic with a crystalline, transparent vocal.

The lyrics are sprinkled with everyday memories from the nursery—like playing tag with friends and the playground scenery changing with the seasons—moving listeners to tears.

The original track was included on the album “Congratulations on Graduation: Nursery Graduation Songs & Music Collection—All the Laughter and Tears, Those Everyday Moments Are Treasures,” released in December 2017, and has been cherished in many childcare settings.

This rendition features beautifully polished harmonies unique to AI, making it ideal as background music for ceremonies.

It’s a warm piece that conveys not only the sadness of parting but also the hope of meeting again.