[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!
- [Touching] Entrance/Exit Songs for Graduation Ceremonies: Classics & the Latest BGM
- [Piano Solo with Vocals] Recommended for Piano-and-Vocal Performances! Hit Songs from the Heisei to Reiwa Eras
- It’s so cool if you can play these on the piano! A selection of irresistibly charming masterpieces.
- Processional music on the piano! A collection of perfect ideas for nursery and kindergarten graduation ceremonies
- [Piano × J-POP] Tearjerker! A Selection of Moving/Touching Songs
- Tear-jerking classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM
- Piano Masterpieces: Surprisingly Easy Despite Sounding Difficult!? A Curated Selection Perfect for Recitals
- [For Graduates] Graduation Songs and Cheer Anthems to Convey Gratitude and Support
- Today's Piano: Masterpieces and Popular Pieces Woven with Delicate Tones
- Thank you, Teacher: A Song of Gratitude for Teachers and Mentors — An Emotional Farewell Song for the Journey Ahead
- [J-POP] I want to listen to songs with impressive, beautiful piano tones! Recommended piano cover tracks
- [Piano Recital] Perfect Pieces for Middle Schoolers! A Curated Selection of Impressive, Audience-Pleasing Works
- [Piano] A Lineup of Masterpieces | Piano Pieces That Evoke Spring
[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!
YELLikimonogakari
“YELL” by Ikimonogakari was written as the set piece for the junior high school division of the 2009 NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.
It’s their 15th single and reached No.
2 on the Oricon singles chart.
The intro piano phrase arranged by Masataka Matsutoya is striking, and as you listen, it quietly seeps into your heart.
The lyrics, perfect for graduation season, are also deeply moving!
Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai
Hirai Dai’s “The Road Home in March” is marked by a crystal-clear piano resonance.
In this season when we reflect on graduations and the start of new lives, this song becomes a source of comfort.
Its rich melody stays close to you and reflects your feelings just as they are.
As time flows gently, if you listen to the vocals and the piano’s timbre, deeply moving memories will come back.
Revisit memories with friends and listen quietly on a calm spring day.
NovelbrightTsukimisō
This serene ballad, which opens with a moving piano intro, is a masterpiece that poignantly portrays the pain of heartbreak and lingering attachment.
Using the fragile evening primrose as a metaphor, it weaves in the emotions of being unable to accept a farewell to a loved one.
In February 2021, it was selected as the Monthly Song for the weather segment on Fuji TV’s “Tokudane!,” capturing the hearts of even more listeners.
The piece delicately traces the scenes from meeting to parting, vividly expressing the protagonist’s struggle to look ahead while still being bound by past memories.
Its heartrending lyrics and melody resonate deeply, making it a perfect graduation song as well.
The gentle piano tones and memorable melody make it a track that lets you fully savor the essence of piano-and-vocal performance.
Best FriendKiroro
A song released in June 2001 by Kiroro, a female duo from Okinawa.
Expressing gratitude to a friend who stays by your side in times of uncertainty, it became known as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Churasan.
The gentle piano tone is striking, and the lyrics convey deep friendship and heartfelt thanks.
They recount how much the presence of a friend who encourages you in difficult times—and their smile—has been a source of support, with the word “thank you” repeated throughout.
Often sung at life’s milestones such as graduation and weddings, it’s a highly recommended song for anyone wishing to express gratitude to someone dear.
To the futureKiroro
Speaking of Kiroro’s graduation songs—known for many classics with piano accompaniment—their 1998 single Mirai e (To the Future) stands out.
It reached No.
4 on the Oricon Singles Chart and is even included in junior high and high school music textbooks.
It’s also widely known as a staple for choir competitions, graduation ceremonies, and weddings.
While Ayano Kinjo’s piano provides a simple accompaniment, you can really feel her solid technique in the performance.
There’s also a 2006 remix version, so try comparing the two!
CorrectRADWIMPS
“Seikai” was written specifically for NHK’s “RADWIMPS 18-sai” and premiered on the program.
The song captures the feelings of the 18-year-old generation, and the take featuring a massive sing-along with 1,000 participants is included on the album “ANTI ANTI GENERATION.” After the broadcast, many requested to sing it at graduation ceremonies, leading to the production of a choral version.
The piano performed by Yojiro Noda, who wrote the lyrics and composed the music, provides a moving, masterful accompaniment.