[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 featuring the charm of piano tones! Introducing recommended Japanese tracks perfect for singing with piano (31–40)
cherry blossomKobukuro
Created by Kentaro Kobuchi and Shunsuke Kuroda of Kobukuro, this work is a gem whose exquisite two-part harmonies resonate deep in the heart.
Through the motif of cherry blossoms, it portrays changes and growth in life and emotion, with blossoms that bloom and fall in spring symbolizing lost love and unfulfilled feelings.
The piano intro, reminiscent of petals scattering, is especially striking.
Released as a single in November 2005, it was later chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Ns’ Aoi” in February of the following year.
It’s recommended not only for those who have experienced heartbreak or farewell, but also for anyone standing at a turning point in life.
Lend an ear to the piano’s timbre and give it a listen.
Farewell, YouthChatto Monchī
The song chosen for Recruit Holdings’ “Sotsu-ome Project 2007” commercial was Chatmonchy’s “Saraba Seishun.” It’s included on their major-label debut mini-album, “chatmonchy has come,” and it’s a graduation song that reminds us the days we spent without much thought were actually irreplaceable and special.
In live performances, Akiko Fukuoka on bass also plays the piano for an acoustic version.
It has a different kind of charm from the original, so be sure to give it a listen!
Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri
Sakura-bare is Yuuri’s first graduation song, following the fame he gained with the hit Dry Flower.
Released in 2021 as a digital-only single, it was created in response to emails from fans who were about to graduate.
The lyrics addressed to parents and friends are moving, and the simple yet gripping piano accompaniment supports Yuuri’s emotional vocals.
When the strings come in, the sound grows majestic, making it an unforgettable masterpiece that brings listeners to tears.
On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai
The original song for I WiSH’s debut single “Asu e no Tobira,” which was a big hit in 2003, is Ai Kawashima’s classic “Tabidachi no Hi ni…,” a song she had been performing since her street-live days.
Its lyrics, which look back on memories with friends at graduation time, make it a truly bittersweet graduation song.
The piano accompaniment gently supports Kawashima’s vocals, and the piano phrases that weave between the vocal lines are beautifully memorable.
Compare the piano approach—such as the intro and accompaniment—with that of “Asu e no Tobira” and hear how they differ!
Cherry Blossom MoonSakurazaka46
Sakura-zuki, which captures the bittersweetness of graduation and the excitement of a new beginning, is a moving song delivered by Sakurazaka46.
The piano tones evoke cherry blossom petals drifting down in a blanket, while the ticking clock at the start symbolizes time slipping away.
Throughout the song, unspoken, delicate feelings of first love are conveyed through a sensitive melody that suits both solo piano-vocal performances and choral arrangements.
It’s a heartfelt recommendation for the graduation season, especially for those parting with friends and carrying hopes for the future.
[Graduation Songs] Graduation tunes with captivating piano tones! Introducing Japanese songs perfect for piano-and-vocal performances (41–50)
Tomoë GakuenFukuyama Masaharu
Tomoe Gakuen is a song written by Masaharu Fukuyama as the theme for the drama Totto-chan!, which depicts the life of renowned female host Tetsuko Kuroyanagi.
Released in 2017 as Fukuyama’s third digital-only single, Tomoe Gakuen takes its title from Kuroyanagi’s alma mater.
The song embodies the “longing for freedom” that Fukuyama felt from Kuroyanagi.
The piano accompaniment, which shifts restlessly like a film score that follows the song, expands the listener’s sense of the world.
Departure; a new beginning (literally “setting out from the gate,” often used for life’s new chapters such as starting a journey, marriage, or a new phase)Sasayama Taiyo
Singer-songwriter Taiyo Sasayama, who is also active as a member and leader of mic-alone and energetically provides songs to a variety of artists.
His 9th single, “Kadode,” features a piano-led band ensemble that evokes a moving, heartrending poignancy.
The lyrics, which depict parting from a dear friend, feel not only sorrowful but also filled with gratitude and a determination to take a new step forward.
It’s an emotional number—be sure to check out the piano version included as the coupling track as well.
