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[Graduation Songs] Graduation songs featuring captivating piano tones! Introducing Japanese songs perfect for piano-and-vocal performances

Representative, Elysion Philharmonic Orchestrasai-kisaragi
Heisei College of Music, Composition Course. Studied composition and conducting under Keizo Ideta, piano under Chinami Kira, and arts management under Takuma Konishi. With a focus on community and music, I work to revitalize my hometown of Saga Prefecture. While performing as a double bassist with wind ensembles and orchestras across Kyushu, I participated on double bass in the “Orchestra Without Borders” orchestra camp of the professional game and anime music ensemble Eminence Orchestra, held in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture in September 2012. During CAPCOM’s Kyushu Tour in 2016, I not only performed as an orchestra member but also served on the production staff. I currently serve as the managing representative for the game and anime performance groups Elysion Philharmonic Orchestra (Saga Prefecture) and Fukuoka Game Music Wind Orchestra (Fukuoka Prefecture), and handle conducting, arranging, and public relations.
Graduated from a music school / 21 years of piano experiencesatomi
I began playing the piano at the age of four and spent six years at a conservatory, focusing mainly on classical music while honing my skills. In addition to solo performance, I studied extensively in chamber music and two-piano repertoire, and I had the opportunity to perform twice on stage as a soloist in piano concertos. While not to the same extent as classical, I also learned jazz and pop through practical performance. I was active as a pianist in various settings, including instrumental and vocal/choral accompaniment, performance assistance for other departments, and recording sessions. Beyond the piano, I devoted five years to the trombone in a wind ensemble. I hope to draw on these experiences to share the charm of music with many people.

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!

[Graduation Songs] Graduation songs featuring the charm of piano tones! Introducing recommended Japanese tracks perfect for singing with piano (31–40)

The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'The Meaning of Goodbye'

The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46’s song “Sayonara no Imi” features a beautiful piano tone that makes it perfect for graduation ceremonies.

Centered by member Nanami Hashimoto, the song carries a message of viewing farewells in a positive light.

The band’s piano-led arrangement creates a gentle harmony that conveys both poignancy and warmth, making it ideal for solo piano-vocal performances and choral singing.

Its warm melody will linger in the heart along with memories of graduation.

Played at moments of parting, this song offers gratitude for the past and the courage to believe in new encounters.

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Sakuraayaka

Ayaka / “Sakura” (from the LIVE DVD & Blu-ray “Acoustic Live Tour 2017–2018 ~3-STAR RAW~”)

Sakuraayaka

Sakura is Ayaka’s first graduation song, from an artist beloved for her assured vocal prowess.

It was premiered during her nationwide tour that began in 2017, with no initial plans for an official recording.

However, responding to fans’ requests, it was released in 2018 as a digital-only single.

Pianist Satoshi Shionoya, who performed at the concert, delivered exquisitely synchronized accompaniment with Ayaka—truly a perfect, almost telepathic musical rapport.

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one’s true feelingssumika

sumika / Honne [Music Video] *Theme song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Championship

one’s true feelingssumika

This is a song by sumika that was also selected as the support song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

It’s characterized by a gentle atmosphere with a prominent piano tone, which seems to further highlight the vocals.

The lyrics are notable for looking back on memories of encouraging one another and expressing renewed gratitude.

Conveying a warmth that reflects on all the steps taken so far while wishing for a bright future for each other, it feels like a perfect fit for a graduation ceremony.

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Sakura Lovemosao.

Sakuran / Mosawo [Music Video]

Sakura Lovemosao.

Based on a high school girl’s story, “Sakura-koi” by Mosawo is a graduation song.

Released in 2021 as a digital single, it was produced through a collaboration project with LINE MUSIC.

The poignant lyrics, about reaching graduation without being able to confess one’s feelings, are especially striking.

The piano accompaniment is simple yet supportive of the vocals and is featured in various sections, such as the opening and the ending.

In particular, the A-melody accompaniment also includes a Mellotron, giving it a cute, charming feel.

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Farewell, YouthChatto Monchī

Chatmonchy – Farewell, Youth – Zepp Osaka 2008

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!

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[Graduation Songs] Graduation tunes with captivating piano tones! Introducing Japanese songs perfect for piano-and-vocal performances (41–50)

Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri

Sakura Clear Skies

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.

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On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai

Ai Kawashima / On the Day of Departure (Lyrics)

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!

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