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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From classic choral pieces to popular J-pop! Moving songs you’ll want to sing at graduation (111–120)
BelieveMay J.
Believing, a song that evokes anticipation for a new future, is perfect for graduation ceremonies.
May J., known for songs like Let It Go from the film Frozen, covered it in 2014, beautifully recreating the original’s warmth and grand sense of scale.
Its lyrics, which help you cherish the days spent with friends and look ahead with hope for tomorrow, gently encourage graduates as they take their next steps.
Moreover, this song, which reminds you that you can help one another through whatever comes and that you’re never alone even when you’re apart, is highly recommended for graduation day.
From classic choir pieces to popular J-POP! Moving songs you’ll want to sing at graduation ceremonies (121–130)
FriendKetsumeishi
It’s a song with a message about friends who have each chosen different paths, yet still wanting to stay friends forever.
Ketsumeishi’s distinctive upbeat groove stylishly and realistically conveys the bond of male friendship.
If you listened to it before graduation, it would surely make you cherish the little time you have left together even more.
Goodbye, graduation.haji→
A graduation-themed song by singer-songwriter Ha-j→.
The lyrics, which can apply not only to school but also to various farewells and “graduations” like romance, getting a job, or changing careers, really strike a chord.
The message—“It’s lonely, but let’s smile and each move forward on our new paths”—conveys a straightforward sense of empathy.
Being separated and walking a different path alone can be very unsettling and make you feel isolated.
Still, it’s a cheer song that encourages you to look ahead, believing that you’ll meet again someday.
Somewhere on this EarthSakushi Miura Keiko • Sakkyoku Wakamatsu Kan
When it comes to memories of graduation ceremonies and choir competitions, I think many people remember this song.
J-pop arranged for chorus is great, of course, but songs originally written as choral pieces have a distinctly different flavor.
The lyrics are interesting, and it’s a piece that’s enjoyable to sing.
The mixed-gender harmonies and the piano arrangement are very beautiful.
Precious thingsSakushi Sakkyoku Yamazaki Tomoko
During our youthful days at school, we spend a lot of time with many friends, and among them there are some we can truly call lifelong friends.
These lyrics are captivating for the way they overflow with gratitude for the bond forged by the irreplaceable time spent together.
graduation albumGakuen Seikatsu-bu
This is a character song from the anime School-Live!, which depicts the unique school life of its characters.
The lyrics look back on various memories from their time at school.
Just like this song, why not look back through the many photos packed into your yearbook together with your friends on graduation day?
GraduationOzaki Yutaka
With its raw emotions of youth and soaring vocals that strike the heart, “Sotsugyo” is a song that looks back on school memories and gives you the courage to move forward.
Since its release by Yutaka Ozaki in 1985, it has continued to be loved by those wrestling with the unique struggles and anxieties of youth.
Many will likely relate to its message of graduating from everything you’ve experienced—even if you had falling-outs with friends or got defensive with teachers.
Why not sing it on graduation day, as you look back and see each school memory shining brightly?