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!
- [For Middle Schoolers] Recommended Classic Songs to Sing at Graduation Ceremonies
- [Graduation Songs] Choral pieces perfect for singing at elementary school graduation ceremonies: A collection of moving classics
- [Gratitude, Encouragement, Memories] Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs You Can’t Listen to Without Crying [2026]
- [For junior high students] Choral songs you’ll want to sing at your middle school graduation ceremony. Songs that touch the heart.
- [For Graduates] Graduation Songs and Cheer Anthems to Convey Gratitude and Support
- [Recommended for High School Students] New Graduation Songs & Classic Tearjerkers Collection
- [Great Lyrics!!] Recommended Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs with Heartfelt, Moving Words [2026]
- 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
- Songs we want to sing at the graduation ceremony! A special feature on moving, heart-touching preschool graduation songs
- They’ll give your new beginning a boost! Enrollment songs released in the Heisei era
- [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 (11–20)
Melancholy Cherry Blossomsatarayo
Choosing the right song for a graduation ceremony—one that marks a fresh start—is never easy.
Among the songs that can truly move an audience, I recommend “Urei-zakura” by the band Atarayo.
This ballad, set against the backdrop of fluttering cherry blossoms, features lyrics that portray parting and hope, resonating deeply.
Its message and sound arrangement convey a bittersweet feeling while also offering forward-looking energy.
It’s the perfect song to color such an important day in life as graduation.
paper airplanesuis from Yorushika × Evan Call
This is a grand message song by Yorushika’s suis and Evan Call, where the feelings conveyed through a letter are expressed with an orchestra and a clear, translucent vocal.
Its melody gently embraces both the importance and the difficulty of delivering words to someone, resonating deeply in the heart.
Released in February 2025, it was chosen as the theme song for the anime “Dragonite and the Mail Carrier,” which premiered around the same time.
Two versions were produced— a Japanese version by Ameko Kodama and an English version by Evan Call—carrying the power and potential of words across borders.
It’s recommended as a memorable finale song for school and cultural festivals, and for anyone holding dear feelings for someone special.
Kitearashi
A grand message song by Arashi that you’ll want to give to friends setting off on a new chapter.
Like a kite catching the wind and soaring high, it portrays the resolve to move forward despite uncertainty.
There’s a warmth in this song that gently watches over that figure and gives a soft push from behind.
The single “Kite,” released in 2020, was written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu as the “NHK 2020 Song.” It was also aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” making it beloved across generations.
Parting with friends is lonely, but the sentiment embedded in this work—“we’re connected no matter where we are”—will surely reach their hearts.
If everyone sings it together at a farewell party, it becomes the perfect cheer, powerfully supporting the future of the one setting out.
spring sunlightKanapu × Kujira
Graduation ceremonies symbolize a new departure.
The graduation songs sung there become unforgettable tracks for students.
Among them, a particularly moving recommendation is “Shun’yo” by KAFU and Kujira.
The world they weave—Kujira’s music paired with KAFU’s crystal-clear vocals—seems to hold both backward-looking feelings and positive emotions at once.
Let this song make your graduation moment all the more memorable.
graduation ceremonySARD UNDERGROUND
If you’re looking for a song that’s perfect for a graduation day marking a new beginning, we recommend “Sotsugyoushiki (Graduation Ceremony)” by SARD UNDERGROUND.
Known for coloring the scene by covering classic hits from ZARD, the legendary hit-maker, they released this track in February 2023.
As the title suggests, it carries a moving message meant for the milestone of graduation.
The lyrical words evoke nostalgia while resonating deeply with today’s youth.
When choosing a piece to sing as a choir at your graduation ceremony, be sure to add this song to your list.
It will surely help create a wonderful moment.
About meMrs. GREEN APPLE
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, known for many lyrics that really resonate with middle and high school students, is hugely popular.
Their song “Boku no Koto” (About Me), released in 2019, is beloved for its deeply moving lyrics and is also a great choice for choral performance.
It’s a song that feels like someone who’s working hard, on the verge of breaking, is asking questions of another self within—difficult, yes, but that very quality feels like youth.
Many listeners will surely relate.
By the end, it leaves you with a wonderfully refreshing feeling.
From classic choir pieces to popular J-pop! Moving songs you’ll want to sing at graduation (21–30)
Goodbye, thank you.chanyu i
Chanyu-i, who’s drawing attention as a new-generation singer-songwriter, wrote “Sayonara Arigatou” for high school seniors graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s a lush piano ballad: the first half looks back on memories at her alma mater, while the latter half sings of setting off with hope in her heart.
Though it carries a positive message, the lingering sense of loneliness and vulnerability is striking.
The key is on the higher side, but the slow tempo makes it easy to sing.
