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

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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road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE

EXILE / Road

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE

When it comes to EXILE’s ballads themed around graduation and setting off on a new journey, “Michi (Road)” comes to mind.

Released as a single in 2007, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

It was also featured as the theme for the second night of Fuji TV’s four-night drama series “Sotsu Uta” in 2010.

The lyrics, which sing about lovers being separated by graduation, are truly heartrending.

The piano accompaniment in the A melody, built on an arpeggiated pattern using the most standard eighth notes, firmly supports ATSUSHI’s vocals.

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Cherry blossom seasonEXILE ATSUSHI

EXILE ATSUSHI / “Cherry Blossom Season” MV

Cherry blossom seasonEXILE ATSUSHI

The graduation song written and composed by EXILE’s ATSUSHI is “Sakura no Kisetsu.” It reached No.

3 on the Oricon Singles Chart and was also selected as the required piece for the junior high school division of the 81st NHK Nationwide School Music Competition.

The song reflects ATSUSHI’s wish for listeners to “carry hope and face the future.” In the first verse, only piano and strings are used, and the dramatic accompaniment that supports the vocals is particularly captivating.

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spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Spring Melancholy (Chorus ver.) by Waseda Jitsugyo School Music Club, Chorus Section

spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s “Shunshuu” (Spring Melancholy) is a song that vocalist Motoki Omori created the day after his high school graduation ceremony.

It was recorded and released as audio on the 2018 single “Love me, Love you.” The staccato-played piano, with its short, clipped notes, is striking and has become a defining image of the song.

There’s also a choral version performed by the Waseda Jitsugyo School Music Club Choir, accompanied only by piano, which offers a different kind of charm from the original band version.

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In conclusion

This time, we introduced songs with memorable piano tones that leave a lasting impression at graduation ceremonies.

From classic choral pieces to J-pop, choosing moving graduation songs from a wide range of genres makes the joy of performing all the greater.

Trying your hand at singing with piano accompaniment is wonderful, and enveloping the venue with a piano solo can be a deeply touching choice as well.

What matters most is to keep practicing while feeling the emotions imbued in the piece.

The sound of the piano played on the special day of graduation will surely become an unforgettable memory.

Find a favorite piece and practice it carefully.