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

The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP

The Only Flower in the World – SMAP

Even now, “Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana,” one of SMAP’s signature songs and a beloved national favorite, remains hugely popular.

It drew attention when it was included in school textbooks and is a song cherished by a wide audience.

If you’re performing a choral piece, choosing a widely known song—whether from the choral repertoire or J-pop—that everyone recognizes is a great idea.

Its lyrics overflow with kindness and compassion, so even if people already know the song, it will surely sound more moving and feel fresh in the context of a graduation ceremony.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

March 9Remioromen

EMG3-0013 March 9th / Remioromen [Mixed Three-Part Chorus]

Released in 2004 and adopted as an insert song for the drama “1 Litre of Tears,” this became one of Remioromen’s signature tracks and a staple graduation song.

That said, it’s well known that the song was originally created to celebrate the wedding of a mutual friend of the band members! Even so, its lyrics—looking back on past memories while gazing toward the future and feeling the presence of friends—fit graduation scenes perfectly.

It’s also often performed as a choral piece, and because the pitch and overall feel differ between the chorus and the other sections, dividing the parts carefully can make for a very impressive performance.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS Arigatou Chorus

This is a mid-tempo ballad from 2013 that represents FUNKY MONKEY BABYS.

It brings back memories of days spent with parents and friends and stirs up all kinds of gratitude, moving you before you realize it.

It feels like hearts become one when singing it, making it a perfect graduation song for a chorus.

It was also FANMON’s final single, and its powerful warmth beautifully colors those precious moments.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KEI

Report a problem

While shining…Tokunaga Hideaki

Hideaki Tokunaga – While Shining...

A single released in 1987 that became a major hit after being used in a Fujifilm commercial, this is one of Hideaki Tokunaga’s signature songs.

Set to a comfortable sound that fuses kayōkyoku and AOR, it delicately portrays the wavering heart of youth and the transition into adulthood.

It peaked at No.

4 on the Oricon chart and sold about 280,000 copies.

Originally a single cut from the album “BIRDS,” it has remained beloved over the years, also appearing on his 2003 self-cover best album “Self‑Cover Best ~Kagayakinagara~.” With a nostalgic yet refreshing melody, it’s perfect for graduation day—when you take a new step forward while holding your memories close.

This is a ballad we especially recommend to those who are ready to move toward the future with the bittersweet recollections of their youth.

On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai

[Choral Version] On the Day of Departure ... Ai Kawashima

A signature song by singer-songwriter Ai Kawashima and a long-loved graduation tune, “Tabidachi no Hi ni…”.

Many of you may have sung this song at your graduation ceremony.

Depicting the time from first meeting your friends to graduation, it brings back countless irreplaceable moments as you sing—and it’s a real tearjerker.

It’s a graduation song that stays in your heart long after time has passed.

A classic, but a highly recommended track.

I WiSH’s “Ashita e no Tobira” was produced using this song as its original source.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

I’m glad I met you.Inoue Sonoko

Sonoko Inoue “I’m Glad I Met You” BOMBER-E LIVE

A number by Sonoko Inoue that makes you realize those ordinary days were irreplaceable treasures.

It’s included on her first album, “Hello,” released in March 2016, and drew attention as the theme song for the drama “Sakura Saku” and in a KKBOX commercial.

The lyrics capture the genuine feelings of Inoue herself, then a third-year high school student, and they move you not only with a sense of loneliness but also with gratitude for the people you met and a forward-looking message.

The warm yet refreshing sound woven by piano and strings beautifully colors graduation ceremonies where tears and smiles mingle.

It’s the perfect song to sing when you want to convey overflowing thanks to friends as you each head down different paths.

Song of SpringFujihara Sakura

Sakura Fujiwara – Spring Song (Lyric Video) – 360 Reality Audio

This is a captivating song with a melody that evokes the gentle warmth of spring sunlight and a smoky vocal that nestles close to the heart.

Though it carries the anxiety of an unseen tomorrow, its lyrics encourage taking a strong first step forward—sure to gently support graduates setting off into new environments.

Included on a single released in March 2017 and chosen as the theme song for the latter part of the film March Comes in Like a Lion, the piece moved many to tears in theaters.

It’s also featured on the album PLAY, where Spitz’s original classic is reinterpreted with Sakura Fujiwara’s uniquely warm expression.

Because it overlaps with the image of children overcoming the sadness of parting and taking flight with hope, it’s perfect for scenes where you want to create a moving graduation ceremony.