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

On the Day of Departure

[Chorus Song] On the Day of Departure / With Lyrics / Singing Practice / Graduation Song #chorus #classchorus #graduationsong #choruscontest

On the Day of Departure

The music played at graduation ceremonies enhances the poignant feelings of farewell and new beginnings.

A perfect fit for such an occasion, the song “Tabidachi no Hi ni” resonates even more deeply when performed by a wind ensemble.

Born in 1991 at Kagemori Junior High School, this piece is now loved by schools across the country.

Its lyrics, symbolizing hope and departure, invite both students and faculty to reflect together.

The affection for this song lingers not only with participants but also with listeners, creating a moment that shares both the bittersweetness and joy of graduation.

Words of FarewellKaientai

Okuru Kotoba

[Wind Ensemble Hit] Okuru Kotoba / Kaientai

Released as a single in November 1979, this is Kaientai’s signature song, which became widely known after being chosen as the theme for the first season of the TBS drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3B.” Its folk-inspired, unadorned melody and the straightforward message—what can you leave with someone at a moment of parting—strike a deep chord.

At its core is a life lesson: only those who have known sorrow can offer kindness to others, giving the song a warmth that goes beyond pretty words.

It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and won the Lyrics Award at the 22nd Japan Record Awards, proof that its words themselves were recognized by society.

Although originally written from a heartbreak experience, its association with a school drama broadened its reach to become a graduation staple.

Its structure adapts easily to wind ensemble and choral arrangements, making it a song that resonates with both those who send off and those who are sent off.

Consider adding it to your graduation ceremony selections to lend the occasion a meaningful touch.

HarukaYOASOBI

YOASOBI 'Haruka' Official Music Video

Haruka / YOASOBI [Osaka Toin High School Wind Ensemble]

YOASOBI’s “Haruka” is a song themed around growth and parting, making it a fitting choice for graduation ceremonies.

The lyrics, inspired by Osamu Suzuki’s novel “Tsuki Ōji” (Moon Prince), reflect days spent at school and evoke a deeply moving emotion.

Combined with the warm yet powerful sound of a wind ensemble, it will etch the memories of this milestone of graduation even more deeply.

While celebrating students’ new beginnings and gently reminiscing about their school days, the warmth this song brings makes graduation feel like the first step toward a bright future.

Full of memoriesH₂O

Adachi Mitsuru’s “Miyuki” × H2O “Omoide ga Ippai” Collaboration MV

Band Hit: Full of Memories / H2O

H2O’s signature song, released in 1983, is often chosen for music classes and chorus contests and continues to be loved by a wide range of generations.

With lyrics by Yoko Aki and music by Kisaburo Suzuki, the song’s vivid imagery—like flipping through an old photo album—paired with lyrics that mirror growing up, strikes a deep chord.

It was used as the ending theme for the Fuji TV anime “Miyuki” and peaked at No.

6 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

The track is also included on the album “EMOTION.” In 2003, a self-cover version was featured in a Canon printer commercial, showing its timeless appeal.

It’s a perfect song for moments of parting with loved ones, such as graduations and farewell gatherings.

Performed with the rich tones of a wind ensemble, it can fill the entire venue with warm emotion.

Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]

Daphne / DISH//

How about incorporating this song into the brass band’s background music for the graduation ceremony? DISH//’s song “Jindai-ge” (Jinchōge/Daphne) is perfect for celebrating a new beginning.

Chosen as the theme song for the drama “The Winner in February: The Classroom of Guaranteed Success,” it blends wistful emotion with an encouraging, forward-looking message, deepening the sentiments of graduation.

Its lyrics, which express gratitude and a fresh start, would become even more evocative when carried by the warm tones of a wind ensemble, making the ceremony’s scenes all the more memorable.

Letter ~Dear Fifteen-Year-Old Me~Anjura Aki

Angela Aki “Letter: To You, Fifteen” Music Video (HD)

WSJ-08-023 Letter ~Dear 15-Year-Old Me~/Angela Aki (Wind Ensemble J-POP)

Angela Aki’s “Tegami: Haikei Jūgo no Kimi e” is a moving masterpiece directed at young people taking their first step toward the future.

The song is written in the form of a letter, capturing the worries, anxieties, and experiences she herself carried in the past.

Known for evoking deep empathy and emotion, it has been performed at many graduation ceremonies as a symbol of youth.

Its lyrics pierce the heart of each listener, delivering an important message to everyone beginning a new chapter.

The episode in which Angela sang the song with junior high school students at a competition further highlights the song’s strong sense of resolve.

It’s a perfect piece for performance by a wind ensemble at graduation ceremonies.

secret base 〜What You Gave Me〜ZONE

ZONE “secret base ~What You Gave Me~” MUSIC VIDEO

[Wind Band Hit] secret base ~What You Gave Me~ / ZONE

Here’s an introduction to ZONE’s signature song, beloved across generations as a graduation classic.

Released in 2001 as their third single, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama Kids War 3: Zakenna yo.

It peaked at No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and became a huge hit, with total shipments surpassing one million copies.

The gentle mellotron tones and acoustic sound leave a lasting impression, while the lyrics—filled with bittersweet memories of youth—resonate deeply.

The song carefully depicts bonds with friends, scenes of parting, and hopes for reunion, giving it a universal appeal that overlaps with each listener’s own memories.

In 2011, it was covered as the ending theme for the anime Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day, sparking renewed attention.

Because it’s such a well-known song, performing it with a concert band at a graduation ceremony will surely touch the hearts of current students, graduates, and their families alike.