From classic choral pieces to popular J-pop! Moving songs you’ll want to sing at graduation ceremonies
Graduation ceremonies are special events where we take flight from the schools we’ve spent our days in.
Many schools sing songs related to graduation during the ceremony.
Still, you might find yourself thinking, “What kind of songs should we sing?” and struggle to come up with ideas.
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of recommended songs for choral performance, chosen from classic and popular graduation songs.
We’ll feature not only the standard pieces but also recommendations from J-pop that work well for choir—feel free to use them as a reference!
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From classic choral pieces to popular J-POP! Moving songs you’ll want to sing at graduation ceremonies (71–80)
Tomorrowsakushi sakkyoku sugimoto ryuuichi
Released in 1993 as the ending theme of a TV program, the song “Tomorrow” has also become a staple for elementary and junior high school choirs.
Because of its lyrics, it serves as a kind of support song for those setting off on a new journey, making it a popular and deeply moving choice for graduation ceremonies.
With imagery of grand natural landscapes and a message for people embarking on new paths, it’s sure to become an unforgettable, cherished memory when sung at a graduation.
To You — A Message for Your Departure
Anata e: A Message for Your Departure,” a song given to graduates by elementary school teacher Masako Tsutsui, is also known as a staple graduation song.
It carries a message to students who are closing the chapter of their school life—filled with both joys and hardships—and standing at the threshold of a new beginning.
Its powerful yet beautiful piano melody stands out and pairs well with singing that makes use of the wide vocal range of mixed voices.
Singing clearly and with a strong voice will deliver an even more convincing performance.
Be sure to try this choral piece that helps you welcome tomorrow with a bright, uplifting spirit.
Cherry blossom seasonEXILE ATSUSHI
Atsushi’s solo song feels as if it speaks for the bittersweet emotions of graduation.
When it comes to choral pieces, many songs look back on school memories with real, down-to-earth words, and this song is one of them.
It’s a number that conveys its feelings to us with straightforward lyrics.
From classic choral pieces to popular J-Pop! Moving songs you’ll want to sing at graduation ceremonies (81–90)
cherry blossomKobukuro
A classic hit by Kobukuro that uses cherry blossom petals as a motif to sing about poignant farewells and heartbreak.
It delicately portrays how past emotions fade with the arrival of spring.
Released in November 2005, it was re-released as a CD+DVD the following February.
The song was also used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Ns’ Aoi,” and is beloved by people across generations.
It’s perfect for graduation season and new beginnings, offering comfort to those who have experienced parting from friends or lovers.
It’s a wonderful song that gives you the courage to move forward while holding memories of someone dear close to your heart.
Cherry Blossom Rainhalyosy
Did you know that among Vocaloid songs, there are pieces that are actually sung as choral works at many schools’ graduation ceremonies? This song, “Sakura no Ame” (Cherry Blossom Rain), was uploaded to Nico Nico Douga by halyosy in 2008.
Since then, it has enjoyed immense popularity as a graduation song and has become a beloved standard.
With cherry blossoms as its theme, the lyrics—pledging to cherish past memories and to meet again in the future—are truly moving.
Some people might think, “A Vocaloid song at a graduation ceremony choir?” but its melody has a very beautiful atmosphere, making it a perfect choice to perform as a choral piece.
Sky-blue DaysSHISHAMO
On the day of the graduation ceremony that marks a new beginning, there is a song that stirs the heart: SHISHAMO’s “Mizuiro no Hibi” (“Days in Light Blue”).
With Asako Miyazaki’s clear, translucent vocals, it weaves together the graduates’ complex emotions and memories.
Released in 2018, the song carries a refreshing melody that evokes the bittersweetness of youth.
It is a moving piece that seems to symbolize both the poignant end of student life and the start of something new.
Sharing its unforgettable sound in a chorus will make the graduation day all the more special.
COSMOSAkuamarin
The music unit Aquamarine released this song, “COSMOS,” in 1999.
The following year it was arranged as a choral piece, and it has since become a choral standard.
Though not a graduation song, this work—depicting themes of the universe and nature—fits beautifully in the setting of a graduation ceremony.
Its grand theme feels as if it celebrates the new beginning that graduation represents, turning the moment into a send-off that stirs excitement for the new places and encounters that lie ahead.