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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- [Farewell] A selection of moving, tear-jerking Japanese songs recommended for graduation ceremonies
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- [Moving] Heartfelt Japanese Songs Recommended for Graduation Season [2026]
From classic choral pieces to popular J-POP! Moving songs you’ll want to sing at graduation ceremonies (91–100)
1096Cody Rī (Ri)
For a graduation song that truly resonates on the day of a new beginning, we’re choosing Cody・Lee(李)’s “1096.” This track captures the bittersweet yet beautiful moments that color our school days, evoking memories of youth.
Its lyrics chronicle the limited “1,096 days” of high school life, striking a chord with listeners of all ages and becoming a soundtrack for facing the unforgettable memories we all carry.
The guitar sound especially heightens the sense of poignancy, gently easing the tightness in your chest at the graduation ceremony.
It’s a song that moves not only students about to graduate, but adults as well.
Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai
Sung by Dai Hirai, this song gently embraces the complex emotions of those entering graduation season.
Set on the homeward path in March, it beautifully portrays gratitude for the youthful days spent with friends and the anticipation of a new journey.
Its simple arrangement of just piano and strings resonates deeply with listeners.
Released as a digital single in February 2022, the track is also included on Dai Hirai’s first album in three years, HOPE / WISH.
It’s a perfect song for graduation ceremonies and farewell gatherings, so as you face parting from someone important, why not listen with a heart full of thanks?
From classic choral pieces to popular J-pop! Moving songs you’ll want to sing at graduation ceremonies (101–110)
Cherry Blossom MoonSakurazaka46
Sakura Tsuki, a perfect song for graduation ceremonies and a day of new beginnings, is a moving track from Sakurazaka46.
The ticking clock at the very start symbolizes the passage of time during school days and leaves a lasting impression on listeners.
The lyrics, imbued with the bittersweet pain of parting from someone you love, resonate deeply with graduating students and will make those emotional moments even more profound.
Beautifully and powerfully capturing the fleeting instant of leaving one’s place of learning, Sakura Tsuki is a graduation song that will remain in memory.
Young wings arekikuyoshihiro・Hirayoshi Takeshu
The lyrics were written by Yoshihiro Kiku, and the music was composed by Takeshi Hira-yoshi, who has created numerous choral works.
It is mainly sung at junior high school choral competitions and graduation ceremonies.
There was a scene in the TBS drama Mr.
Kinpachi in Class 3B where it was performed in a choral competition, and since then it has been sung at many junior high schools.
It is a piece characterized by a somewhat intense, high-spirited section that expresses inner turmoil.
GIVE ME FIVE!AKB48
Filled with the radiance of youth, this song celebrates the bonds and memories shared with friends.
Its band-style arrangement captures the moving emotions of students facing graduation.
Released in February 2012 as AKB48’s 25th single, it topped the Oricon weekly chart and became a massive hit with over 1.28 million copies sold.
The lyrics, which convey the joy of school life and the preciousness of friendship, make it a song you’ll want to sing at school events like graduation ceremonies and school festivals.
It’s also an encouraging anthem that gives courage to those taking a new step forward.
Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi
A collaborative song by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu and actor Masaki Suda.
With verses kept understated that surge into an explosive chorus, it links to the wish that even as we grow, some things will remain unchanged—a number that feels like the heart’s cry of those about to graduate.
HarukaYOASOBI
This song tells a touching story about a mug and a girl.
It was released in December 2020 as YOASOBI’s sixth digital-only single.
Based on Osamu Suzuki’s novel “Tsuki Ouji” (Moon Prince), it was produced and went on to rank high on the Billboard charts.
The lyrics, which closely follow the girl’s joys and sorrows, are deeply moving.
It’s perfect for those embarking on a new chapter in life.