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

Last SongOfisharu Higedan Dism

Last Song

There’s a song that begins with a gentle, soothing piano tone, capturing the flood of feelings that come at the moment of parting.

It’s not just about loneliness; it’s filled with gratitude for the time spent together and a hopeful “let’s meet again,” which resonates with those about to graduate.

This moving ballad is a track included on Official HIGE DANDism’s album “Traveler,” released in October 2019.

It was also used as a drama insert song, adding depth to the story.

Satoshi Fujihara’s heartfelt vocals have the power to speak the words we can’t express.

Listen to it during your final moments with friends, and it will surely color an unforgettable page in your memories.

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.

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utatane

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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.

Joined handsMINAMI

[MV] MINAMI – The Hands We Held

A ballad that tugs at the heartstrings, “Tsunai da Te” (“Hands Held”), portrays the bond of two people walking hand in hand toward the future.

Conjuring youthful scenes like the after-school chime and a rainbow after the rain, this work is MINAMI’s major-label debut single, released in July 2023.

It’s a song you’ll want to send to a friend who feels the loneliness of parting during graduation season, when anxiety and hope mingle.

Its warm message—supporting one another’s existence—will surely resonate in the heart.

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.

Cherry Blossom Rainhalyosy

Sakura Rain [Chorus] with Lyrics

Did you know that among Vocaloid songs, there are pieces that are actually sung as choral works at many schools’ graduation ceremonies? This song, “Sakura no Ame” (Cherry Blossom Rain), was uploaded to Nico Nico Douga by halyosy in 2008.

Since then, it has enjoyed immense popularity as a graduation song and has become a beloved standard.

With cherry blossoms as its theme, the lyrics—pledging to cherish past memories and to meet again in the future—are truly moving.

Some people might think, “A Vocaloid song at a graduation ceremony choir?” but its melody has a very beautiful atmosphere, making it a perfect choice to perform as a choral piece.

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Hane Keisuke

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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?