[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.

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

Angela Aki “Letter ~Dear You, Fifteen~” Official 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.

evening primroseNovelbright

Novelbright – Evening Primrose [Official Music Video]

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.

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.

Song of DepartureMr.Children

Mr.Children “Tabidachi no Uta” MUSIC VIDEO

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.

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.

Kitearashi

ARASHI – Kite [Official Music Video]

KITE / Arashi (NHK 2020 Song) [Wind Ensemble] Rocket Music - POP-307

Arashi’s “Kite” is perfect for the moving moments of a graduation ceremony.

Produced by Kenshi Yonezu, this song reflects on hopes for the future and the process of overcoming difficulties, while empowering listeners to embark on a new beginning.

Since its 2020 release, it has been embraced by many fans and is especially recommended for performance at graduations.

Its moving vocals and message full of hope warmly watch over everyone setting out on a new journey.