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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- Choral Songs Sung at Elementary School Graduation Ceremonies: A Collection of Moving Song Ideas
- [2026] Graduate with a Smile! Recommended Uplifting Graduation Songs
- [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 choir pieces to popular J-POP! Moving songs you’ll want to sing at graduation ceremonies (121–130)
Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46
A song by Hinatazaka46 themed around graduation.
It gently sings of the bittersweet feelings of the cherry blossom season and the love that went unspoken.
Memories and regrets sealed in graduation photos resonate deeply, intertwined with clear, transparent vocals.
Set for release on January 29, 2025, the track features Nao Kosaka as center and will be available in five editions: limited first-press versions and a regular edition.
It was premiered at their Tokyo Dome concert on December 26, 2024.
It’s a recommended listen not only for students entering graduation season, but also for anyone who wants to reflect on past loves.
Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru
Student days are packed with memories, and the moment of parting is both beautiful and tinged with melancholy.
Wataru Ochiai’s “Tomodachi Yakarane” richly conveys those feelings.
Along with its warm melody, it portrays everyday life at school and farewells to close friends, celebrating the strength of those bonds.
Sweeping away the anxiety of growing distant, this song makes you feel a connection that won’t change, and it resonates especially deeply when listened to during graduation season.
Its sincere lyrics give courage and hope to listeners, offering a cheer for taking a new step forward.
Kadode no Ippo (feat. CHICO CARLITO)ASOBOiSM
This is an uplifting anthem that gives you the courage to set off toward your dreams.
Born from a collaboration between ASOBOiSM and CHICO CARLITO, the track was released in March 2024.
It weaves together the loneliness and anxiety of leaving familiar places with the excitement of taking a new step forward.
ASOBOiSM’s down-to-earth lyrics and CHICO CARLITO’s powerful rap gently nudge listeners onward.
It’s the perfect song for organizing your feelings before graduation or a new chapter in life.
Give it a listen—won’t you open the door to a new world, too?
Gift SongCHiCO with HoneyWorks
This song was released by CHiCO, who began her activities in 2013, as part of the collaborative unit CHiCO with HoneyWorks, a creator team.
The lyrics express graduates’ gratitude to their parents and teachers.
It’s a moving piece about realizing that reaching graduation day wasn’t achieved by one’s own strength alone, but thanks to the support of parents and teachers—and about embarking on a new chapter in life.
From classic choral pieces to popular J-pop! Moving songs you’ll want to sing at graduation (131–140)
graduation songerica
As if blessing a new beginning, Erica’s “Graduation Song” is perfect for a moving scene at a graduation ceremony.
Celebrating the precious time spent with friends, the song’s gentle guitar tones and rich strings resonate in the heart, warmly coloring the moment of graduation.
It watches over this milestone with warmth and quietly encourages the first steps toward the future.
True to its title, it’s a graduation song that lingers in the heart—highly recommended for anyone reaching a turning point.
YellKobukuro
This song gives courage and hope to people taking a new step as spring arrives.
It was Kobukuro’s major-label debut single, released in March 2001.
It was featured as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Ucchikuru!?” and used in commercials for Tokio Marine & Nichido.
With its warm yet bold message gently delivered, it’s perfect for elementary school graduation ceremonies.
It would also work well as music to play in the car during spring break family outings, or as background music for graduation celebrations.
A refreshing, uplifting track.
era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki
Released in 1975, this song—one of Miyuki Nakajima’s signature works—is a classic that has been covered by many artists both in Japan and abroad.
It has appeared in school textbooks, was selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Songs, and is loved by people of all ages.
Because of its lyrics, it’s often performed at graduation ceremonies.
While a simple guitar-and-vocal rendition is beautiful, performing it as a large choral piece creates a different kind of moving experience.
Why not give it a try?
