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

Best friendSnow Man

The official lyric video for “Best Friend” from the 9th single “Dangerholic” is now streaming! #SnowMan #BestFriend #Dangerholic #Sunotube

How about a heartwarming song that straightforwardly expresses gratitude to an irreplaceable best friend? Featured on the standard edition of the single “Dangerholic,” released in September 2023, this track is a friendship song performed by Snow Man.

It conveys a heartfelt “thank you” to a friend who stayed by your side without saying a word when you were worn out by everyday life and hurt by what others said.

The relay-like structure in which the nine members take turns singing conveys a strong bond and gentleness.

It’s a perfect classic for telling a friend who’s heading down a different path the appreciation that’s usually too embarrassing to say out loud.

If everyone sings it together on the milestone day of graduation, holding past memories close, it will surely become a lifelong treasure you’ll never forget.

rainbowMoriyama Naotaro

Niji (Naotaro Moriyama)

This is a choral piece written specifically as the set work for the Junior High School Division of the 2006 NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

Naotaro Moriyama and Omodaka Takashi handled the lyrics and composition, creating it with the intent of delivering it to junior high school students across the country.

The lyrics, which symbolically depict a fleeting scene after the rain, view parting not only as a loss but also as something paired with encounters and new beginnings.

The warm, folk-based melody is designed so that singers can savor the words and align their breathing, and it’s also appealing in how, when performed as a chorus, each part can support the others to easily create a resonant sound.

The piece was included in the first-press limited edition of the album “Kazamachi Kousaten,” released in November 2006, and a newly recorded version was later featured on the 15th-anniversary best-of collection “Daikessakusent” in 2016.

It’s a perfect song for junior high school students standing at the milestone of graduation, singing as they reflect on their days so far and take a step toward the future.

I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu

[Choral Version] I Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky

Spitz’s gem of a pop number, “Sora mo Toberu Hazu” (I Should Be Able to Fly).

I tend to end up choosing somber songs, but it’s nice to make a positive one like this the last song, too.

As you’d expect from Spitz, with their flowing melodies and bright lyrics—having those two is really reassuring, isn’t it?

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Murakami Shinpei

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On the Day of Departure

[Chorus Song] On the Day of Departure / With Lyrics / Singing Practice / Graduation Song #chorus #classchorus #graduationsong #choruscontest

Following classic choral pieces like “Aogeba Tōtoshi” and “Sodachi no Uta,” “Tabidachi no Hi ni” has become a beloved graduation standard among many students.

Composed in the 1990s by a junior high school principal and a music teacher in Chichibu City, it was later included in music textbooks.

Its popularity grew further after well-known artists such as SMAP and Little Glee Monster performed it, earning it affection from students across elementary, junior high, and high school.

The clear, accessible lyrics and the beautiful, warm piano accompaniment leave a strong impression.

Why not sing this post-Heisei-era choral classic at your graduation ceremony?

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SAKI

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Letter ~To You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki

Letter ~Dear You at Fifteen~ Eng sub (Have a Song on Your Lips)

A number by Angela Aki themed around letters written by one’s 15-year-old self to their future adult self, and by the adult self to their 15-year-old self.

It was originally written as a new piece titled “Tegami” (Letter) as the set piece for the Junior High School division of the NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition.

She then rearranged it for herself and added a subtitle, resulting in this song.

Due to its strong message, it is often used in contexts related to the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and the Great East Japan Earthquake.

While the song centers on the 15-year-old self, it’s perfectly fine for sixth graders or high school seniors to sing it as a message to their future selves! Add handclaps and more to create a wonderful graduation ceremony!

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SAKI

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globeYonezu Kenshi

Globe – Kenshi Yonezu [Mixed Choir Arrangement]

Released in July 2023 as the theme song for Hayao Miyazaki’s film The Boy and the Heron, this single is also included on the album LOST CORNER.

Kenshi Yonezu created the track as an expression of his long-held admiration for the director.

Framing life as a long journey, the lyrics portray the strength to keep moving forward on one’s own feet, even through farewells and hardships—offering gentle support to children facing the significant milestone of graduation.

Beginning with a quiet piano and gradually building into a powerful, expansive sound, it delivers a moving experience well-suited to a graduation ceremony, where hope and uncertainty meet as new doors open.

It’s a song filled with a warm message that inspires the courage to take a step toward the future.

Promise ~promises~EXILE

EXILE / Yakusoku ~promises~ (Recording Movie)

A heartwarming ballad by EXILE themed around a promise to meet again.

Created as the final work featuring ATSUSHI and TAKAHIRO as the duo on vocals, who have long led the group, the song’s lyrics were written by ATSUSHI.

It is filled with unwavering bonds that remain strong even when apart and a firm hope for the future.

Played at important milestones like graduation ceremonies or farewell gatherings to express gratitude, it will surely envelop the entire venue in a warm, moving atmosphere.