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

ChessboardOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Chessboard [Official Video]

This song moves listeners with lyrics that depict taking hesitant steps forward, one by one.

Its beautiful harmonies and the characteristically dramatic development of Official HIGE DANDism blend seamlessly, making it a deeply moving track.

Included on the single “Chessboard / Nichijou” released in September 2023, it was also selected as the required piece for the Junior High School Division of the 90th NHK National School Music Competition and featured on NHK’s Minna no Uta.

It’s highly recommended not only for students facing the major milestone of graduation, but for anyone celebrating a new beginning.

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE powerfully sings of the struggles and hopes of youth in this song, released in January 2025.

Created as the theme for NHK General’s special program “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18 Festival,” it featured a performance with 1,000 eighteen-year-olds that drew widespread acclaim.

Centered on the importance of living authentically as yourself, the piece delicately portrays the feelings of those weighed down by others’ expectations and social pressure.

Its message—keep moving forward by staying true to yourself and listening to your inner voice—is sure to resonate deeply with graduates taking their first steps toward a new chapter.

Blending an emotional melody with an energetic sound, this song offers courage for the future while looking back on days spent with friends.

Because we are living beingsRyokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Because We Are Living Beings' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Bokura wa Ikimono dakara

It’s a song that stays close to the anxiety and emotional wavering that come with change, affirming them as proof that we’re alive.

Released in September 2024 as a single by Ryokuoushoku Shakai, it was written as the set piece for the junior high division of the 91st NHK National School Music Contest.

The track is also included on the album “Channel U.” Because it’s a work that lets you release the emotions within you by giving them voice, it’s perfect for graduation ceremonies, where you sing while feeling the bonds with your friends.

ReplayDISH/

DISH// – Replay [Official Video]

An inspiring number sung by DISH//.

Centered on the theme of “time that can’t be rewound,” this piece portrays the value of each fleeting moment and the hope that lies ahead.

The lyrics, capturing both the brilliance and the bittersweetness of youth, are sure to resonate deeply with students embarking on a new chapter.

Released as a single in October 2022, it was specially written as the compulsory piece for the junior high division of the 89th NHK National School Music Competition.

Practice it with your whole class and create irreplaceable moments together!

Because I want to be by your side.SHISHAMO

SHISHAMO "Because I Want to Be by Your Side"

A number by SHISHAMO, written specifically as a required piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition and loved by people of all ages.

The lyrics, which express the pure desire to be by someone’s side in down-to-earth words, are deeply moving.

The stance of reflecting on oneself and trying to be close to the other person perfectly matches the delicate hearts of adolescence.

Released as a single in October 2019, it was included on the album “SHISHAMO 6.”

GiftsSuperfly

Superfly『Gifts』(Music Video)

It’s a ballad whose charm lies in its warmth, as if gently speaking to your former self who once struggled with complexes.

It stays close to a heart troubled by the feeling of having nothing, and its message—helping you realize the gifts you already have, like your talents and individuality—truly resonates.

Released as a single in October 2018, it was written as the designated piece for the junior high school division of the 85th NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition.

It was also broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” becoming widely beloved.

Why not try singing it as a graduation chorus song for those taking flight into a new world?

We againSG

Us, Again – SG (Official Lyric Video)

A song that’s perfect for the season of new beginnings that arrives with spring is SG’s “Bokura Mata.” SG, also known as Seogyeong, is active globally, leveraging YouTube and other social media platforms, and has many Japanese fans thanks to his releases sung in Japanese.

The song is filled with the bittersweet emotions of high school students on the brink of graduation, and its lyrics warmly weave together bonds with friends and loved ones.

If you’re looking for something a little different from the usual choral pieces, this might be just the one.