[Graduation Songs] Graduation songs featuring captivating piano tones! Introducing Japanese songs perfect for piano-and-vocal performances
With graduation ceremonies approaching, many of you might be looking for music that leaves a lasting impression.
The delicate tones of the piano gently embrace both the sadness of parting and the excitement for a new beginning.
Among graduation songs, there are countless masterpieces where the piano takes center stage and amplifies the emotion many times over.
Whether you’re choosing BGM for a ceremony or want to perform something yourself to create lasting memories, piano pieces are a special option.
In this article, we’ll introduce Japanese songs brimming with the charm of the piano—perfect for this milestone called graduation.
We’ve gathered pieces that are approachable even for those who want to try singing and playing the piano, so be sure to find your favorite one!
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[Graduation Songs] Graduation songs with captivating piano tones! Introducing Japanese tracks perfect for piano-and-vocal performances (11–20)
CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
A popular ballad by Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, said to have been written to celebrate a friend’s wedding.
After debuting in September 1980 as a track on the album “Kampai,” it was re-recorded and released as a single in February 1988, becoming a million seller.
The lyrics don’t just mourn parting; they also cheer on friends who are setting off on their own paths, making it perfect for graduation milestones.
In 2010, it was featured in a Kirin Lager Beer commercial, and it has been loved across generations as a song that accompanies life’s new beginnings.
With a straightforward vocal range and an easy-to-remember melody, it’s also recommended for those who want to try piano-and-vocal performances.
As you look back on the time spent with dear friends, try playing it with a heart full of gratitude.
On the Day of DepartureSakamoto Hiromi
A choral piece often heard at graduation ceremonies and school events, it was born in 1991 at Kagemori Junior High School in Saitama Prefecture.
The scenic description of spring sunlight and mountain ranges portrayed in the work symbolically conveys the inner landscape of young people about to open a new door.
Alongside its gentle, melodic tune, the song carries a prayer-like message that warmly supports graduates as they set off on their journeys.
Its warm tone can create ample emotion even if you simply sing one chorus up to the hook with self-accompanied guitar or piano.
In 2007, SMAP used it as the song for an NTT East Japan commercial, bringing it wide recognition as a piece that encourages people taking flight into society.
It’s a recommended choice for those considering a piano performance or for anyone wishing to celebrate a loved one’s new beginning.
Letter ~Dear fifteen-year-old you~Anjura Aki
When it comes to female singer-songwriters who play piano, many people probably think of Angela Aki.
And when it comes to her graduation songs, “Tegami: Haikei Jūgo no Kimi e (Letter: Dear You, Fifteen)” is the one that comes to mind.
Released as a single in 2008, it reached No.
3 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
Since it was written as the set piece for the junior high division of NHK’s All-Japan School Music Competition, it’s also well loved as a choral work.
True to Angela’s style, it features a distinctive, dynamic piano accompaniment, and the rhythmic section in the middle offers a different flavor of sound to enjoy.
The Door to TomorrowI WiSH
Known as a ballad with an impressive piano timbre, this song drew attention in February 2003 as the theme for Fuji TV’s romance variety show Ainori.
It features a gentle atmosphere crafted by I WiSH’s clear, transparent vocals intricately woven with the piano’s melody.
The piece delicately depicts the pure feelings of a first love budding under the summer sun and the way one’s affection for another gradually grows.
From the moment of falling in love to hopes for the future, the lyrics carefully trace the subtleties of the heart in a way that resonates universally.
With its calm, warm melody and deeply moving lyrics in perfect harmony, this track is recommended for anyone who wants to savor the poignancy and joy of love or is seeking tender, heartwarming music.
Sakura (2019)Moriyama Naotaro
When it comes to graduation songs, Naotaro Moriyama’s “Sakura,” which was a huge hit in 2003, comes to mind.
It topped the Oricon singles chart for three consecutive weeks and achieved million-seller status.
“Sakura” has various versions: in addition to the best-known solo vocal version, there are a music video version, a band version, and a choral version, each featuring different piano arrangements to enjoy.
What’s more, in the version re-recorded in 2019, the chord progression was changed, offering a fresh new sound.
far; distant; by farGReeeeN
The song by the four-member group GReeeeN from Fukushima Prefecture centers on themes of departure, familial love, and a strong will to pursue dreams.
Known as the theme song for the film “ROOKIES -Graduation-,” it’s a ballad where piano and strings resonate beautifully.
It opens with depictions of natural scenery—views flowing past a window, the spring breeze, and cherry blossoms—and portrays the protagonist’s new journey.
The song conveys anticipation for reuniting with loved ones and a firm resolve to chase one’s dreams.
It’s a highly recommended track for those starting a new chapter in life.
[Graduation Songs] Graduation songs with captivating piano tones! Introducing recommended Japanese songs perfect for piano-and-vocal performances (21–30)
Gift SongCHiCO with HoneyWorks
“Okuriuta” is a graduation song sung by CHiCO with HoneyWorks, hugely popular especially among younger generations, and it’s included on their 2018 album The Songs that Dye Me with i.
The lyrics, which express gratitude to parents, teachers, and friends, are truly moving.
The piano melody you hear in the intro and interlude is also poignant and really hits home.
The choir-like backing vocals that subtly come in behind CHiCO’s lead emphasize the graduation-song vibe.
There’s even a mixed four-part choral score available, so be sure to try singing it at your graduation ceremony!