[Choral Songs] Recommended for cultural and school festivals! Classic choir pieces & the latest popular songs
Choral performances by the choir club and whole-school or class-wide chorus numbers are staple events at cultural and school festivals.
“You want to pick popular, classic songs to get everyone hyped!”—but many of you may be struggling to find a track that really clicks.
So in this article, we’ll introduce perfect songs for cultural and school festival performances, from timeless choral standards to J-pop arranged for chorus.
Consider the performance setting and the overall vibe of the event, and choose the best song!
[Choral Songs] Recommended for school cultural festivals! Classic choral pieces & the latest popular songs (1–10)
far; distant; by farNEW!GReeeeN

A song chosen as the theme for the film “ROOKIES: Graduation,” it is the first ballad GReeeeN ever attempted.
Released as a single in 2009, its lyrical lyrics—expressing gratitude to parents and the emotions felt at the moment of becoming independent—are deeply moving.
Beginning with a quiet piano and gradually building as more instruments join, its structure is highly dramatic, making it excellent as a choral piece as well.
The down-to-earth message—clashing with parents during school days but eventually recognizing their love—makes it perfect for performances at cultural and school festivals.
It’s a heartwarming masterpiece that we hope will be sung by those starting their journey toward independence, such as high school and junior high students.
waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)NEW!Fuji Kaze

This song was released in March 2024 as the theme for the film “April, Come She Will.” Crafted by singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze, it resonates with a gentle piano melody and a tender vocal delivery.
It delves deeply into the importance of embracing life’s changes and letting go of attachment, as well as the notion of unconditional love that seeks no return, conveying an introspective and philosophical message.
Its calm tempo and beautiful melody make it perfect for choral arrangements at school culture festivals.
It’s a deeply moving, beautiful ballad recommended for classes that want to sing as one or for events aiming for an emotional finale.
Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)NEW!Vaundy

Singer-songwriter Vaundy, whose diverse talents have earned strong support from his generation.
Released digitally in May 2020 and included on his first album “strobo,” this track was featured in the commercial for Maruha Nichiro’s frozen food “WILDish.” Its appeal lies in a fast-paced band sound and a pop melody that gives you a push toward the future.
The chorus includes phrases that invite call-and-response, making it a beloved anthem that brings everyone together when sung as one.
Boasting overwhelming popularity—surpassing 500 million streams in October 2023—this song is perfect for cultural or school festivals when you want the whole class or the entire student body to unite and get fired up.
Earth Star SongNEW!Sakushi sakkyoku: Mimasu

This work, written and composed by Mimasu—known as a member of the musical duo Aquamarine—and arranged for chorus by Yutaka Tomizawa, was first performed at the Tanabata Festival in 2008 and has since become a beloved classic sung at schools across Japan.
Its inclusion in a 2012 song collection by Kyoiku Geijutsu Sha further cemented its place as a staple of school choral repertoire.
The piece is rooted in the author’s travels through South America, Africa, and beyond, where he was moved by Earth’s majestic nature and warm encounters with people.
Gently celebrating a sense of solidarity that transcends borders and the joy of living together on the same planet, it’s a perfect choice for choral performances at cultural and school festivals.
Unchanging ThingsNEW!sakushi sakkyoku: Yamazaki Tomoko

This is a choral piece that lyrically depicts scenes of graduation, parting, and new beginnings.
Written and composed by Tomoko Yamazaki, it was included in the collection “Tomoko Yamazaki Original Songs: Mixed Chorus Edition,” released in July 2010.
Characterized by straightforward, approachable melodies and beautiful harmonies, it carries a positive message that memories of encounters and the value of human connections do not fade with time.
It’s often chosen for choral competitions, so many people may have sung it before.
Transforming the sadness of farewell into warm memories, this work is perfect not only for choirs at cultural and school festivals, but also for graduation ceremonies and farewell gatherings.
hometownNEW!arashi
This is a J-pop ballad that expresses gratitude for the land where one was born and raised and for heartwarming original landscapes.
With its warm melody at a relaxed tempo and an arrangement that gains depth when voices are layered together, this captivating piece was performed by the national group Arashi and premiered at the 61st NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in December 2010.
It was later selected as the set piece for the 80th NHK National School Music Competition in 2013 and used as the ending theme for the drama “Hajimari no Uta,” and it is included on the album “Japonism,” released in October 2015.
It’s recommended for moments when you want to unite hearts with your classmates while resonating with beautiful harmonies.
If you sing it on a school festival stage, it’s sure to be etched deeply in your heart as a precious memory.
Blue BirdNEW!Sakushi: Yasuoka Yuu / Sakkyoku: Kitayama Youichi

This is a number by The Gospellers, a vocal group known for their beautiful harmonies, depicting youth and new beginnings.
Released in March 2008, it was written as the theme song for the film “Utatama♪,” starring Kaho and centered on choral music.
The lyrics, shining with Yutaka Yasuoka’s gentle touch, intertwine with Yoichi Kitayama’s expansive melody to evoke a deep emotion that closely follows the film’s story.
While featuring an emotional sound that incorporates orchestral elements, the piece later saw the release of mixed-chorus sheet music and became beloved as an actual choral repertoire.
A heartwarming song themed around graduation, growth, and hope, it’s perfect for uniting everyone’s hearts in song at cultural and school festivals.




