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

Country RoadHon’na Yoko

058 'Country Road' (from 'Whisper of the Heart') (from the 48th Regular Concert)

It’s a memorable song featuring a simple, nostalgic melody and lyrics that portray the resolve to set out alone toward the future.

Released in June 1995 as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s film “Whisper of the Heart,” it’s captivating for Yoko Honna’s clear, translucent vocals.

The song mirrors the film’s protagonist pursuing her dreams and is sure to gently encourage children standing at the major milestone of graduation.

Since April 2012, it has also been adopted as the station melody at the setting featured in the film, exemplifying how it has been loved for many years.

With a message about tucking away your memories and forging your own path, it’s perfect for graduates about to take flight into a new world.

Holding back tears and facing forward—there’s no doubt it will make for a moving ceremony.

the world of dreamssakushi: furō akiko / sakkyoku: hashimoto shōji

the world of dreams

Memories of treading on fallen leaves, an avenue bathed in the glow of the setting sun, the chirping of small birds, and the clear scene of a babbling brook.

Interweaving these tangible touches of nature, this song calls on friends to share their dreams together.

Born from an NHK music program in the 1970s and later arranged as a choral piece, it was composed by Yoshimichi Hashimoto, who, while deeply involved in creating educational materials at Kyoiku Geijutsu Sha, left behind many works that balance singability with evocative imagery.

Its gentle, swaying 6/8 rhythm naturally supports a sense of walking and the flow of scenery, and the structure—expanding from unison in the first half to full chorus in the latter—is a highlight.

It is a song that quietly encourages children to take a new step on the special day of graduation, as they look back on memories with their friends.

spring songamasaki annainin

Amesaki Annainin “Haru no Uta” (Spring Song) [Official Music Video]

For those looking for a song that gives you a push forward, “Haru no Uta” is also recommended.

It’s a track released by the rock band Amezaki Annainin.

In the song, it portrays students who have reached graduation and are jumping into a new environment, while singing about how their current friendships will remain unchanged.

Paired with its pop sound, it’s a tune that will lift your spirits.

Another notable feature is the relatively long piano solo woven in between sections.

If you’re searching for a piece that lets you showcase your piano performance skills, definitely give it a try.

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yamamoto

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Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu

Friend ~Time of Departure~ (Subtitled with Lyrics)

A song by Yuzu that sings of gratitude to friends and an unshakable bond no matter what happens.

It was arranged for chorus as the set piece for the Junior High School Division of the 80th NHK National School Music Competition and was also broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta.

At graduation ceremonies, students express their thanks to many people, including teachers and family.

Among them, many feel especially deep gratitude toward their friends.

Even while feeling uncertain about what lies ahead after graduation, let’s remember the times we spent together and all do our best! It’s a song that all graduates can share those feelings with.

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SAKI

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Just a little longer until graduationGLAY

Just a little longer until graduation

A mid-tempo ballad from GLAY, the four-piece rock band from Hakodate, Hokkaido, that gently seeps into the heart.

Based on TAKURO’s own experiences, the lyrics delicately capture the bittersweet everyday atmosphere that precedes parting—distinct from the exhilaration of a graduation ceremony.

Originally released to the world in February 2002 as the B-side to the single “Way of Difference,” the song was later included on the album “UNITY ROOTS & FAMILY, AWAY.” While the title track became a major hit as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Ainori, this song has also enjoyed enduring popularity among fans.

If you know the unique loneliness that settles in the season before graduation, it’s sure to move you.

Why not revisit it slowly, letting it wash over you as you dwell on memories from that time?

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Promise of Sunflowers [from the 25th Owariasahi Children’s Choir Regular Concert]

Written as the theme song for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon,” this piece became one of Motohiro Hata’s signature works.

Released as a single in August 2014, it is also included on the albums “Ao no Koukei” and “All Time Best Hata Motohiro.” Many listeners were undoubtedly moved by its lyrics, which portray the warmth of those who stay by our side and the unchanging bonds that endure even when we’re apart.

Widely loved as well for its use in NTT West’s commercials, the melody is so well-known that anyone can hum along.

This song, which reminds us that the ordinary moments spent with friends are priceless, is the perfect choice for a graduation ceremony to say “thank you” to teachers and peers who have supported you.

CorrectRADWIMPS

Chorus 'Seikai' / RADWIMPS / 18 Festival / (Mixed Chorus, 3 Parts) Entire (All) - With Full Lyrics - For Part Practice Covered by Singer micah

This song was created in 2018 to be performed at the music event 18-sai-sai, which is produced together with 18-year-olds across the country.

At school, we mostly learn problems that have set answers, but from now on we’re going to search for our own answers—this message in the lyrics is likely to resonate with many students.

The lyrics also portray friendship.

Of course, it’s a beautiful piece with a choral feel that can be sung to a piano accompaniment.

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Hane Keisuke

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