A lovely graduation song

[2026] Graduation songs you’ll want to play in concert band! A collection of moving J‑Pop hits

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
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.

Music is indispensable at graduation ceremonies.

Memories of student life—days spent with friends and teachers, club activities, school trips—float back as if they were yesterday, and sink in all the more alongside lyrics that resonate.

In this article, we introduce recommended graduation songs, mainly J-pop, that make those special moments even more vivid when performed by a wind ensemble.

Along with timeless classics that have been loved for years, we also feature masterpieces that have become popular in the Reiwa era and beyond, so be sure to check them out.

We hope that a wind ensemble performance will add even more color to this important day of celebrating a new beginning at your graduation ceremony!

[2026] Graduation Songs You’ll Want to Perform with a Wind Ensemble! A Collection of Moving J‑Pop (1–10)

March 9Remioromen

Remioromen – March 9

March 9Remioromen

March 9 / Remioromen [Brass Band Hit]

The brass band rendition of Remioromen’s March 9 is a perfect song for the milestone of graduation.

Its warmly enveloping melody and lyrics that cheer on those stepping into the future resonate in the hearts of students embarking on a new start.

Each time you listen, you can feel a connection to the irreplaceable moments spent at school.

Gently wrapping the emotion of the graduation ceremony like blossoms in bloom, March 9 is a highly recommended piece that weaves beautiful, unforgettable moments.

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Song of DepartureMr.Children

Mr.Children “Tabidachi no Uta” MUSIC VIDEO

Song of DepartureMr.Children

Band Hit: Tabidachi no Uta / Mr.Children

This is the 31st single by Mr.Children, a band that has continued to lead the Japanese rock scene, released in October 2007.

It was selected as the theme song for the film “Sky of Love” and also used in an NTT East Japan commercial.

The song made a major impact, topping the Oricon weekly chart and ranking eighth on the year-end chart.

This work is a medium-tempo ballad filled with a warm cheer for those standing at a crossroads.

Its message—that hearts remain connected even when apart—arrives through Kazutoshi Sakurai’s delicate vocals and the gentle soundscape.

It’s a number we especially want to send to those approaching the milestone of graduation and preparing to take their next step.

Performed with the tender tones of a wind ensemble, it will envelop the entire venue in warmth and create a moving moment overflowing with tears and smiles.

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evening primroseNovelbright

Novelbright – Evening Primrose [Official Music Video]

evening primroseNovelbright

Evening Primrose / Novelbright [Osaka Toin High School Wind Ensemble]

This love ballad, which portrays a heartrending farewell and unchanging feelings, is a perfect song for graduation season.

As Novelbright’s fourth major-label release, it came out in December 2020 and is also included on the album “Kaimaku Sengen.” It was chosen as the monthly song for the weather segment on Fuji TV’s “Tokudane!” and the band performed it live on the program in February 2021.

With over 300 million streams, it has captured the hearts of many listeners.

Centered on a dramatic piano melody, the arrangement is captivating for the way vocalist Yudai Takenaka’s clear, high tones resonate deeply.

Performed by a wind ensemble, the warm timbre of the brass and woodwinds would make the melody even more moving.

It’s recommended for those who want to deliver a performance that touches the heart at a graduation ceremony—looking back on days spent with loved ones while taking a new step forward.

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[2026] Graduation songs you’ll want to play in concert band! A moving J-pop roundup (11–20)

sunflowerAdo

[Ado] Sunflower

sunflowerAdo

Sunflower / Ado | Theme song for TBS Tuesday drama “18/40: If It’s the Two of Us, Dreams and Love Too” [Woodwind Quintet / Wind Ensemble]

Like a flower that blooms straight toward the sun, I want to take a new step forward with a positive mindset.

Gently supporting graduates as they do so is this song released by Ado in July 2023.

Written as the theme for the TBS drama “18/40: Dreams and Love If We’re Together,” the track features lyrics and composition by singer-songwriter Miyuhan, with arrangement by Vocaloid producer 40mP.

It carries an encouraging message: even if you’re timid, stretch yourself little by little and walk toward the light.

It carefully portrays gratitude toward loved ones and a wish for personal growth.

From Ado’s clear, transparent opening to the gradually deepening emotion in her delivery, the performance is a highlight.

When paired with the warm tones of a wind ensemble, it will make a graduation ceremony all the more moving.

It’s a song to gift to anyone about to embark on a new path.

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To the futureKiroro

Kiroro “To the Future” Official Music Video

To the futureKiroro

WSL-18-002 To the Future (Wind Band Selection)

Kiroro’s “Mirai e” is a song that turns graduation moments into something truly special.

The lyrics—born from the time the duo spent together in their high school music room—link hope and gratitude and resonate deeply.

Listening to this piece performed by a wind ensemble as you step beyond childhood and into adulthood will surely give you courage for a new beginning.

Its continued love and countless covers across fields prove its universal appeal.

It’s a highly recommended, unforgettable track that’s hard to hear without tears.

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ChessboardOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Chessboard [Official Video]

ChessboardOfisharu Higedan Dism

Chessboard / Official HIGE DANDism [Osaka Toin Wind Orchestra]

Introducing a song by Official HIGE DANDism, newly written as the set piece for the Junior High School Division of the 90th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

Released in September 2023 as a double A-side single with “Nichijou,” the track was also broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta, reaching listeners across generations.

Its lyrics compare life to a grid of black and white squares, conveying that what truly matters isn’t winning, losing, or being right, but the accumulation of encounters and choices—words that resonate deeply.

The arrangement is also striking, with the timbre and beat evolving step by step from the first half to the second, letting you feel life’s changes through sound.

Given its background as a choral piece sung by many junior high school students, performing it at a graduation ceremony will gently encourage graduates as they take their next steps.

It’s a highly recommended song for anyone who wants to look back on days spent with friends and gain the courage to face the future.

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YELLikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “YELL” Music Video

YELLikimonogakari

YELL / Ikimono-gakari

Ikimono-gakari’s “YELL” is a perfect piece for performance at a graduation ceremony.

With its bittersweet melody and lyrics that take a positive view of graduation as a new beginning, it gives a supportive push to students taking their first steps on a new journey.

Having been selected for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition and well-regarded as a set piece for wind ensembles, the song truly lends itself to concert band performance.

A moving rendition at a graduation ceremony will be etched deeply in students’ memories and serve as a cheer for their future.

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