A Must-See for Middle and High Schoolers! Recommended Free-Choice Songs for Choir Competitions Catalog

Beyond the tearsNEW!Sakushi: Kaze Kōji / Sakkyoku: Nakamura Hachidai

Hisamatsu Junior High School Chorus ~Beyond the Tears~

It’s a song of hope carrying the message: rather than crying and regretting, let’s keep moving forward while looking toward tomorrow.

Released as a single in November 1969, it was sung by the music group Sing-Out! as their debut track.

From 1970, it became a beloved staple of NHK’s music program “Stage 101,” and it has remained a long-cherished classic.

The song’s open, bright character—like flying straight through the sky—is striking.

It’s perfect for student choir competitions and school festivals, overflowing with possibilities for the future.

Friend ~Time to Depart~NEW!yuzu

Choral Piece “Friend ~Time of Departure~” (Mixed Choir, Three Parts) Entire (All) -With Full Lyrics- For Part Practice Covered by Singer micah

A warm message song that depicts gratitude to friends and an unshakable bond even when you’re apart.

It was created by Yuzu, a folk duo with immense popularity.

Originally written after the earthquake to encourage tour staff, it was later reworked around the theme of setting out on a journey.

Released as a single in September 2013, it was later included on albums such as “Shinsekai.” It was chosen as the set piece for the Junior High School Division of the 80th NHK National School Music Competition and was also broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” It’s recommended for graduation ceremonies, to be sung together while sharing feelings as you express your thoughts to your cherished friends.

Smile AgainNEW!Mari Nakayama

Smile Again (Chorus).MP4

A warm choral piece that gently gives you a push and lifts your spirits when you feel small and lose confidence.

It was created by Mari Nakayama, a lyricist and composer known for many songs widely loved in elementary schools.

With a kind presence that stays close to hearts that have grown downcast and forgotten how to smile, it carries a wonderful message encouraging you to face forward once again.

Released to the world as part of a choral collection published in June 1997, this piece has long been cherished as a go-to repertoire sung at school assemblies and events.

Try singing it together as a class, uniting your hearts at important milestones of school life—such as graduation ceremonies or staff transfer farewells.

Bridge of GloryNEW!yuzu

YELL — choral version

A beloved classic by Yuzu that serves as a rallying song to unite everyone’s hearts at choral competitions and school events.

Released as a single in July 2004, it became widely known as the official theme for NHK’s coverage of the Athens Olympics.

The lyrics portray persevering through hardship and setbacks while continuing to move toward one’s goals, offering courage not only to athletes but to anyone striving in various moments of life.

Its message affirms past efforts and gives a gentle push toward the future, making it perfect as a choral piece that deepens students’ bonds.

Be sure to raise a powerful harmony together with your classmates or club teammates.

Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)NEW!Vaundy

Monster Flower Song (Vaundy) / Arranged by Yuichi Tabata [Tokyo Chorus Festival 2025]

From music to visuals, singer-songwriter Vaundy captivates fans with comprehensive production that fully pursues his unique worldview.

Released in May 2020 as a pre-release track from his first album “strobo,” this song was featured in a commercial for Maruha Nichiro’s WILDish series.

Its driving beat and exhilarating guitar sound create a sense of clarity, while the explosive chorus amps up the sing-along energy—making it a number you’ll want to belt out with friends.

The call-and-response is fun too, making it perfect for school festivals and events where you want to wrap the venue in a bright, festive atmosphere.

COSMOSNEW!Akuamarin

Choral Piece: COSMOS / With Lyrics [High Quality]

This song was released in 1998 by the musical duo Aquamarine and was arranged as a choral piece the following year.

Mimas, who wrote and composed the piece, has been familiar with stars and astronomy since childhood, and those formative experiences culminate in the work’s grand, expansive worldview.

Its sweeping message—centered on the cosmos, nature, and the preciousness of life—moves listeners alongside its clear, pure vocals.

It’s a perfect choice for events where everyone sings together with one heart, such as choral competitions and school festivals.

Sing it freely and boldly as you picture the vast starry sky!

Ballad of the MonstersNEW!Sakushi: Okada Fumiko / Sakkyoku: Tokaiji Osamu

[Choral Song] Monster Ballad [Three-Part Chorus] [MELOGAPPA]

Released as a single in July 1972 as an original song for an NHK music program, this piece features lyrics by Fumiko Okada and music by Osamu Shoji, and it remains a beloved staple at school events today.

Its appeal lies in lyrics rich with storytelling, depicting a monster living in the desert who longs to see the sea and to love someone, stepping forward into a new world.

The powerful melody and accessible harmonies make it enjoyable for both listeners and performers.

It’s perfect for group singing by early teens and is highly recommended for choir competitions and school festivals where classmates and friends raise their voices together.