From classic choral pieces to popular J-pop! Moving songs you’ll want to sing at graduation ceremonies

COSMOS

[Choral Piece] COSMOS / One Singer per Part [Astonishing Quality with a Small Ensemble]

The choral pieces that students sing with heartfelt emotion at junior high school graduation ceremonies have a power that lingers in the heart.

Among them, “COSMOS,” arranged by Yutaka Tomizawa, is especially recommended.

Written and composed by Mimas and released by Aquamarine in 1999, the song later became a beloved choral piece at many schools.

Its beautiful melody, arranged in E-flat major, and lyrics that evoke the vastness of the universe offer hope and deep emotion for the new journey that graduation represents.

Why not sing the moving “COSMOS,” a piece truly fitting for this milestone?

Somewhere on this Earth

[Chorus] Somewhere on This Earth (with lyrics)

This is a song that’s actually sung at many elementary schools as part of their graduation ceremonies.

Released in 1998 as a choral piece, it’s a standard often covered in music classes as well.

Its grand, beautifully flowing melody and interwoven harmonies are wonderful, making it a perfect fit for the solemn and moving atmosphere of a graduation.

The lyrics, written in familiar, accessible language, convey hope that even after graduation, when everyone goes their separate ways, they will remain connected—making it a highly recommended choice for elementary school students to sing.

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Hane Keisuke

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ultramarineSakushi: Fukushima-ken Minamisoma Shiritsu Odaka Chūgakkō Heisei 24-nendo Sotsugyōsei / Sakkyoku: Oda Miki

[Choral Song] Ultramarine / With Lyrics [45/200]

Here is a moving song perfect for graduation ceremonies.

It is a choral piece filled with the feelings of students who lived through the Great East Japan Earthquake and the nuclear accident.

The lyrics were written by the 2012–2013 graduating class of Odaka High School in Minamisoma, Fukushima Prefecture, and the music was composed by Miki Oda.

Completed in February 2013, it premiered that March at a concert supporting recovery from the earthquake.

Since then, it has spread nationwide and was featured on the TV program “24-Hour Television” in August 2014.

The song carries thoughts for friends far away, memories of days spent together, and hopes for the future.

Its soul-stirring piano melody and lyrics that inspire the courage to face forward are sure to encourage graduates as they take their next steps.

Until graduationBoku ga mitakatta aozora

The Blue Sky I Wanted to See / “Until Graduation” Music Video

A heartfelt song that poignantly and beautifully captures the moment of graduation.

It’s a track by Boku ga Mitakatta Aozora, released as their second single in January 2024.

The vocals by the 12 selected members leave a strong impression.

The music video, set against a wistful fishing port, also drew attention.

The lyrics weave in cherry blossom buds, the ache of unrequited love, and the sadness of parting.

This piece will gently embrace the complex feelings of students on the verge of graduation.

It’s an inspiring song, perfect for marking a page of youth.

Even though spring is almost hereKumaki Anri

Even though spring is almost here

Anri Kumaki, who has been active in a wide range of projects including composing theme songs for TV dramas, released “Mousugu Haru nanoni” as the first installment of her 12-month consecutive digital release plan.

The song depicts students facing graduation as they overcome their anxieties and feelings of loneliness.

It is characterized by the way it layers gentle spring scenery with the students’ inner emotions.

The more you listen, the more depth you’ll find in the lyrics.

Another recommendation point is that the vocal range is relatively narrow, making it easy to sing.

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yamamoto

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Words of FarewellKaientai

Farewell Words / Kaientai (cover)

“Okuru Kotoba” by Kaientai has become a classic graduation song.

Released in 1977, it became a huge hit as the theme song for the drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3B,” which was a major success and even spawned several sequels.

Since then, it’s become a national favorite you often hear on TV, in the streets, and at schools.

Many people have listened to it countless times, but if you really sit down to listen and read the lyrics, it’s a truly wonderful song that fits many different people and situations.

Given its origin as a school drama theme, it also feels perfectly suited as a choral piece for graduation ceremonies.

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utatane

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365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48

[MV full] 365 Nichi no Kamihikōki / AKB48 [Official]

Among AKB48’s songs, there are a few that are popular across generations, and this is one of them.

365 Nichi no Kamihikōki (365 Days of Paper Airplanes) was used as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Asa ga Kita, so it’s widely known and is also a very popular karaoke choice.

This song, which feels like it can clear away the fog in your heart, is a perfect fit for celebrating the start of a new chapter at graduation, and I highly recommend it as a choral piece.

It adds a touch of positivity to graduation—not just the sadness of parting, but a forward-looking spirit.

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utatane

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