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

YELLikimonogakari

[Chorus] YELL by Ikimonogakari

An Ikimono-gakari number that’s perfect as a graduation chorus piece, featuring the kind of beautiful harmonies and call-and-response unique to choral singing.

Written as the set piece for the Junior High School Division of the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition, it has been sung by many students on TV programs and elsewhere.

Despite its bittersweet melody, the lyrics convey hope for what lies ahead and a burning spirit.

While accepting their own weaknesses, anxieties, and hazy emotions, the singers’ resolve to spread their wings toward their future comes through.

With a structure that’s easy to sing as a chorus, it’s a song that can showcase the bonds you’ve built so far as the final culmination of your school years at graduation.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

MiracleGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Kiseki

When it comes to youth anthems, you just can’t leave this one out! Released in May 2008 as the theme song for the drama “ROOKIES,” GReeeeN’s signature track “Kiseki” is a pure love song that celebrates the joy of meeting the person you love and the resolve to walk into the future together.

True to its title, the lyrics call the couple’s meeting a “miracle” (kiseki) and describe the path they’ve walked as a “trace” or “trajectory” (also kiseki)—a wordplay that stirs the heart every time you listen.

In 2009, it was also chosen as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, making it beloved across generations.

It’s a moving song you’ll want to play at graduations, thank-you parties, and those final moments with dear friends or a loved one, to express your gratitude.

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Graduation Ceremony ~ Bridge of Glory

Every song by Yuzu is truly moving and gives you a comforting sense of relief when you listen.

Among them, the masterpiece “Eikou no Kakehashi,” which has brought many people to tears, is also a perfect chorus song for graduation ceremonies.

Seeing both the male and female parts sung with all their heart mirrors the lyrics and makes it even more touching.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Murakami Shinpei

Report a problem

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE

EXILE ~Path~ Chorus Practice

A classic graduation song sung by EXILE, released in 2007.

The original is a duet by ATSUSHI and TAKAHIRO, and its beautiful harmonies and gentle melody make it a piece that really shines when performed as a chorus.

In fact, this song is often performed by choirs at graduation ceremonies.

The lyrics, which express how the path we’ve walked together will now be walked separately, are sure to deeply move many graduates.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

A bouquet for meAdo

[Ado] A Bouquet for Me

In March 2025, the song by Ado that became a hot topic as the CM track for Japan Coca-Cola’s “Georgia” is a cheer anthem newly written by HoneyWorks.

It carries a warm message that doesn’t deny failures or regrets, instead embracing both who you were yesterday and who you are today.

The theme of offering blessings to oneself harmonizes beautifully with Ado’s powerful yet gentle vocals, giving listeners a gentle push forward.

It’s a number we especially hope those standing at the milestone of graduation—feeling anxious or uncertain—will hear.

Brimming with positive energy, it’s the kind of work you’ll want to gift yourself as a morning pep talk when taking that first new step.

EverlastingSixTONES

SixTONES –「Everlasting」from LIVE DVD/BD「Feel da CITY」(2022.1.6 YOKOHAMA ARENA)

This piece is included on the album CITY, released in January 2022.

It was also used as the corporate CM song for Idemitsu Kosan, so many of you have probably heard it on TV and elsewhere.

It’s a grand ballad befitting life’s milestones such as weddings and graduations, carrying a warm message that evokes eternal bonds and trust.

The rich, layered sound featuring a choir is sure to move listeners to tears.

It’s a number we hope you’ll listen to when you want to express gratitude to someone important.

C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h. [Official Music Video]

This is a stirring rock number by ONE OK ROCK that portrays the fiery bonds between friends charging toward their dreams.

While looking back on the youthful days they spent together, it vows that each will shine on the path they’ve chosen, powerfully pushing listeners forward.

Even if they grow apart, the memories in their hearts remain unfading treasures—an encouraging message that gives courage.

Included on the October 2011 album “Zankyo Reference,” this song is perfect to listen to while cheering on friends as they leap into a new world and salute each other’s efforts.

As an anthem that blows away anxiety and loneliness and helps you face forward, it’s definitely worth checking out!