RAG MusicGraduation
A lovely graduation song

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

Graduation ceremonies are special events where we take flight from the schools we’ve spent our days in.

Many schools sing songs related to graduation during the ceremony.

Still, you might find yourself thinking, “What kind of songs should we sing?” and struggle to come up with ideas.

In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of recommended songs for choral performance, chosen from classic and popular graduation songs.

We’ll feature not only the standard pieces but also recommendations from J-pop that work well for choir—feel free to use them as a reference!

Playlist

From classic choral pieces to popular J-pop! Moving songs you’ll want to sing at graduation ceremonies
show_chartTitlePlaylistReview
1eastChessboardOfisharu Higedan Dism
ChessboardOfisharu Higedan Dismplay_arrow
A moving song whose lyrics about advancing while unsure resonate with the heart.
2eastDarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE
DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLEplay_arrow
A song that sings of youth's struggles and hopes
3eastBecause we are living beingsRyokushokushakai
Because we are living beingsRyokushokushakaiplay_arrow
A Heart’s Song Embracing the Anxiety of Change
4eastReplayDISH/
ReplayDISH/play_arrow
Irreversible Time and the Hope of Youth
5eastBecause I want to be by your side.SHISHAMO
Because I want to be by your side.SHISHAMOplay_arrow
Beloved songs, pure feelings, and hearts that stay close
6eastGiftsSuperfly
GiftsSuperflyplay_arrow
A heartwarming song that makes you realize your potential
7eastWe againSG
We againSGplay_arrow
“We, Once More,” a moving song that celebrates springtime departures
8eastskyBE:FIRST
skyBE:FIRSTplay_arrow
A message of hope for the required piece in the school music competition
9eastThe happiest treasuresutopuri
The happiest treasuresutopuriplay_arrow
Stopri’s latest song sings about graduation memories.
10eastLive in the present.Saucy Dog
Live in the present.Saucy Dogplay_arrow
A song of courage that looks ahead, coloring graduation
11eastGazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro
Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiroplay_arrow
A moving song that's perfect for a graduation ceremony
12eastcherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro
cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaroplay_arrow
Naotaro Moriyama’s famous song that depicts parting and reunion with the cherry blossoms.
13eastBest FriendKiroro
Best FriendKiroroplay_arrow
A famous song by Kiroro from Okinawa that sings about friendship
14eastPetals, heralding the beginningsakura shimeji
Petals, heralding the beginningsakura shimejiplay_arrow
A heartwarming song that gently embraces the feelings of graduation
15eastMelancholy Cherry Blossomsatarayo
Melancholy Cherry Blossomsatarayoplay_arrow
A moving, heart-touching song befitting a graduation ceremony
16eastpaper airplanesuis from Yorushika × Evan Call
paper airplanesuis from Yorushika × Evan Callplay_arrow
A message song that conveys my feelings in a letter
17eastKitearashi
Kitearashiplay_arrow
A cheer for a colleague embarking on a new chapter
18eastspring sunlightKanapu × Kujira
spring sunlightKanapu × Kujiraplay_arrow
The graduation song “Shun’yō” is a track that resonates with the heart.
19eastgraduation ceremonySARD UNDERGROUND
graduation ceremonySARD UNDERGROUNDplay_arrow
SARD UNDERGROUND’s graduation song
20eastAbout meMrs. GREEN APPLE
About meMrs. GREEN APPLEplay_arrow
Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s “Boku no Koto” is an anthem that resonates with youth.
21eastGoodbye, thank you.chanyu i
Goodbye, thank you.chanyu iplay_arrow
Graduation song for high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic
22eastCountry RoadHon’na Yoko
Country RoadHon'na Yoko
The Appeal of Studio Ghibli’s Graduation Songs
23eastthe world of dreamssakushi: furō akiko / sakkyoku: hashimoto shōji
the world of dreamssakushi: furō akiko / sakkyoku: hashimoto shōjiplay_arrow
A graduation song that sings of natural scenery and feelings for friends
24eastspring songamasaki annainin
spring songamasaki annaininplay_arrow
An encouraging support song that gives you a push on the back, “Haru no Uta” (Song of Spring)
25eastFriend ~Time to Depart~yuzu
Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzuplay_arrow
A graduation song singing of gratitude for friendship and bonds
26eastJust a little longer until graduationGLAY
Just a little longer until graduationGLAYplay_arrow
A bittersweet farewell before graduation and a song of memories
27eastPromise of SunflowersHata Motohiro
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiroplay_arrow
A classic song that portrays the bonds and warmth of friendship
28eastCorrectRADWIMPS
CorrectRADWIMPS
A youthful song filled with the feelings of an 18-year-old
29eastYELLikimonogakari
YELLikimonogakariplay_arrow
A moving song befitting a graduation ceremony
30eastMiracleGReeeeN
MiracleGReeeeNplay_arrow
GReeeeN’s classic hit “Kiseki,” a song of youth
31eastBridge of Gloryyuzu
Bridge of Gloryyuzuplay_arrow
Yuzu’s “Eikou no Kakehashi” is a moving song for graduation ceremonies.
32eastroad; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE
road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE
A memorable graduation song, a masterpiece that depicts parting and bonds
33eastA bouquet for meAdo
A bouquet for meAdoplay_arrow
A song that encourages you and helps you take a new step forward
34eastEverlastingSixTONES
EverlastingSixTONESplay_arrow
An emotional ballad from Idemitsu’s commercial, for life’s milestones
35eastC.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK
C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCKplay_arrow
Bonds and resolve with companions heading toward our dreams
36eastBest friendSnow Man
Best friendSnow Manplay_arrow
A heartwarming song filled with gratitude for friendship
37eastrainbowMoriyama Naotaro
rainbowMoriyama Naotaroplay_arrow
A graduation chorus song that depicts parting and new encounters
38eastI should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu
I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsuplay_arrow
The charm of Spitz: healing the heart with uplifting songs
39eastOn the Day of Departure
On the Day of Departureplay_arrow
The graduation song 'Tabidachi no Hi ni' is popular.
40eastLetter ~To You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki
Letter ~To You at Fifteen~Anjura Akiplay_arrow
A song of letters to my 15-year-old self and my adult self
41eastglobeYonezu Kenshi
globeYonezu Kenshiplay_arrow
Kenshi Yonezu to produce the theme song for a Hayao Miyazaki film
42eastPromise ~promises~EXILE
Promise ~promises~EXILEplay_arrow
A moving ballad of parting and reunion, bound by a strong bond
43eastDreamerJO1
DreamerJO1play_arrow
An anthem cheering on those who chase their dreams, the courage to move forward
44eastJoined handsMINAMI
Joined handsMINAMIplay_arrow
A coming-of-age ballad that holds hands and heads toward the future
45eastEmbrace the presentsatō moka
Embrace the presentsatō mokaplay_arrow
A wistful song that embraces the present at graduation
46eastCOSMOSMimas
COSMOSMimasplay_arrow
An inspiring graduation song in harmony with the universe
47eastBelieve in your dreamsTokunaga Hideaki
Believe in your dreamsTokunaga Hideakiplay_arrow
Hidetaka Tokunaga’s moving graduation song
48eastfootprint(s)Little Glee Monster
footprint(s)Little Glee Monsterplay_arrow
A song of courage to face forward and move into the future
49eastThe Last ChimeSakushi: Yamamoto Emiko / Sakkyoku: Wakamatsu Kan
The Last ChimeSakushi: Yamamoto Emiko / Sakkyoku: Wakamatsu Kanplay_arrow
A classic graduation song, memories woven into the melody
50eastThe One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP
The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAPplay_arrow
The one and only flower in the world, a popular classic song
51eastMarch 9Remioromen
March 9Remioromenplay_arrow
'Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana' is a graduation song.
52eastThank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYSplay_arrow
A moving masterpiece that portrays gratitude and bonds at graduation
53eastWhile shining…Tokunaga Hideaki
While shining...Tokunaga Hideakiplay_arrow
Hideto Tokunaga’s classic song “Kagayaki Nagara” sings of youth.
54eastOn the day of departure…Kawashima Ai
On the day of departure...Kawashima Aiplay_arrow
Ai Kawashima’s graduation song is a memory of my youth.
55eastI’m glad I met you.Inoue Sonoko
I'm glad I met you.Inoue Sonokoplay_arrow
A graduation song that sings of everyday treasures
56eastSong of SpringFujihara Sakura
Song of SpringFujihara Sakuraplay_arrow
A moving song that expresses hope and farewell in a spring melody
57eastGarnetOku Hanako
GarnetOku Hanakoplay_arrow
A timeless, heart-stirring classic that sings of youthful memories
58eastTo the futureKiroro
To the futureKiroroplay_arrow
A heartfelt graduation song expressing gratitude to my mother
59eastproofflumpool
proofflumpoolplay_arrow
A classic filled with the emotions of youth, cherished across generations.
60eastspring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE
spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLEplay_arrow
A heartwarming song that expresses feelings before graduation
61eastSomeday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster
Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monsterplay_arrow
An inspiring message song for those who strive hard
62eastCome, spring.Matsutōya Yumi
Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumiplay_arrow
Yumi Matsutoya’s spring song echoes at the graduation ceremony.
63eastfar; distant; by farGReeeeN
far; distant; by farGReeeeNplay_arrow
GReeeeN’s famous song that expresses gratitude and determination toward graduation
64eastSakura Clear SkiesYuuri
Sakura Clear SkiesYuuriplay_arrow
Yuri’s graduation song “Sakura-bare” is moving and heartwarming.
65eastThe Last ChimeComposition: Wakamatsu Kan ・ Lyrics: Emiko Yamamoto
The Last Chime Composition: Wakamatsu Kan ・ Lyrics: Emiko Yamamotoplay_arrow
Classic choral songs that move people at graduation ceremonies
66eastpresentSEKAI NO OWARI
presentSEKAI NO OWARIplay_arrow
SEKAI NO OWARI's school music assignment piece
67eastFutabaaimyon
Futabaaimyonplay_arrow
A song of growth and hope for the future, for the start of a new journey
68eastSong of LifeSakushi: Miyabi / Sakkyoku: Muramatsu Takatsugu
Song of LifeSakushi: Miyabi / Sakkyoku: Muramatsu Takatsuguplay_arrow
A heartwarming song that conveys the preciousness of life and gratitude
69eastThank youikimonogakari
Thank youikimonogakariplay_arrow
A fitting song for graduation: Ikimonogakari’s classic hit “Arigatou.”
70eastLast SongOfisharu Higedan Dism
Last SongOfisharu Higedan Dismplay_arrow
A song of farewell and gratitude that resonates with the heart
71eastBorn on this planetsakushi sakkyoku sugimoto ryuuichi
Born on this planetsakushi sakkyoku sugimoto ryuuichiplay_arrow
A graduation song that encourages a step toward your dreams
72eastIf I turn around…Janne Da Arc
If I turn around…Janne Da Arcplay_arrow
Mayo Okamoto’s uplifting song “TOMORROW” is popular.
73eastPlease give me wingsakai tori
Please give me wingsakai toriplay_arrow
Give me wings, the famous song by Red Bird
74eastNostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone
Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Moneplay_arrow
Mone Kamishiraishi sings Naotaro Moriyama’s new song, “Song of Hope.”
75eastUnchanging ThingsYamazaki Tomoko
Unchanging ThingsYamazaki Tomokoplay_arrow
A bittersweet memory of youth, H2O’s classic song
76eastGraduationKobukuro
GraduationKobukuroplay_arrow
Kobukuro’s graduation song paints feelings and the future
77eastSakura (2019)Moriyama Naotaro
Sakura (2019)Moriyama Naotaroplay_arrow
A beloved classic as a graduation song
78eastTomorrowsakushi sakkyoku sugimoto ryuuichi
Tomorrowsakushi sakkyoku sugimoto ryuuichiplay_arrow
An inspiring support song sung at graduation ceremonies
79eastTo You — A Message for Your Departure
To You — A Message for Your Departureplay_arrow
A powerful and beautiful song for graduates
80eastCherry blossom seasonEXILE ATSUSHI
Cherry blossom seasonEXILE ATSUSHIplay_arrow
A bittersweet song that sings about memories of a graduation ceremony
81eastcherry blossomKobukuro
cherry blossomKobukuroplay_arrow
A moving song that portrays heartbreak and farewell through cherry blossom imagery
82eastCherry Blossom Rainhalyosy
Cherry Blossom Rainhalyosyplay_arrow
Vocaloid song “Sakura no Ame” sung at graduation ceremonies
83eastSky-blue DaysSHISHAMO
Sky-blue DaysSHISHAMOplay_arrow
A moving song that colors the day of graduation
84eastCOSMOSAkuamarin
COSMOSAkuamarin
An inspiring choral piece with a space theme
85eastBELIEVESugimoto Ryuichi
BELIEVESugimoto Ryuichiplay_arrow
A classic graduation song, imbued with hope for the future
86eastLet’s search for TomorrowLyrics by Hori Tōru · Music by Ōsawa Tetsunori
Let's search for TomorrowSakushi Hori Tōru・Sakkyoku Ōsawa Tetsunoriplay_arrow
An uplifting choral song that looks toward tomorrow and gives you a push forward
87eastSong of FledgingSakushi Murano Shirō, Sakkyoku Iwakawa Saburō
Song of FledgingSakushi Murano Shirō, Sakkyoku Iwakawa Saburōplay_arrow
A song of hope setting out from the nest of learning
88eastTOMORROWMayo Okamoto
TOMORROW Mayuo Okamotoplay_arrow
Classic graduation songs with heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melodies
89eastsecret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE
secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONEplay_arrow
An inspiring graduation song that captures the essence of youth
90eastMy friend — from here on out, forever…Ketsumeishi
My friend — from here on out, forever...Ketsumeishiplay_arrow
Look back on memories with a friendship song for graduation season
91eastLet’s soar into tomorrowLyricist: Takao Matsui ・ Composer: Takao Matsui
Let’s soar into tomorrow Matsui Takao, lyrics · Matsui Takao, compositionplay_arrow
A classic graduation song, offering hope and encouragement for the future
92eastTime TravelerHashimoto Yoshiji
Time TravelerHashimoto Yoshijiplay_arrow
Time Traveler, a moving song that colors graduation
93eastAlbum of MemoriesSakushi Mashiko Toshi • Sakkyoku Honda Tetsumaro
Album of MemoriesSakushi Mashiko Toshi • Sakkyoku Honda Tetsumaroplay_arrow
A heartwarming graduation song that sings of memories of the four seasons
94eastSakuraayaka
Sakuraayakaplay_arrow
A bittersweet yet hopeful graduation song, 'Sakura'
95eastbondYamazaki Tomoko
bondYamazaki Tomokoplay_arrow
The graduation song “Kizuna” is a beautiful piece about friendship and memories.
96eastDon’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako
Don't give up on your dreamsOkamura Takakoplay_arrow
An anthem that cheers on the courage to never give up on your dreams
97eastFull of memoriesH₂O
Full of memoriesH₂Oplay_arrow
In the spring of graduation, songs of departure encourage the heart.
98eastLet’s search for Tomorrow
Let's search for Tomorrowplay_arrow
A graduation song that sings of hope and courage for the future
99east1096Cody Rī (Ri)
1096Cody Rī (Ri)play_arrow
A graduation song that depicts 1,096 days of youth
100eastHomeward Road in MarchHirai Dai
Homeward Road in MarchHirai Daiplay_arrow
A song that accompanies hearts of farewell and gratitude in the season of graduation
101eastCherry Blossom MoonSakurazaka46
Cherry Blossom MoonSakurazaka46play_arrow
A heart-resonating song by Sakurazaka46 that colors a new beginning
102eastYoung wings arekikuyoshihiro・Hirayoshi Takeshu
Young wings arekikuyoshihiro・Hirayoshi Takeshuplay_arrow
A choral piece expressing the feelings of junior high school students
103eastGIVE ME FIVE!AKB48
GIVE ME FIVE!AKB48play_arrow
A moving song that sings of the bonds and memories of youth
104eastGray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi
Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshiplay_arrow
A heartwarming graduation song by Kenshi Yonezu and Masaki Suda
105eastHarukaYOASOBI
HarukaYOASOBIplay_arrow
An inspiring story of a mug and a girl
106eastHymn to the EarthSakkyoku: Satō Makoto / Sakushi: Ōki Atsuo
Hymn to the EarthSakkyoku: Satō Makoto / Sakushi: Ōki Atsuoplay_arrow
An inspiring choral piece filled with gratitude to the earth
107eastGraduation PhotoArai Yumi
Graduation PhotoArai Yumiplay_arrow
A timeless graduation song, moving.
108eastspring skySuzuki Suzuki
spring skySuzuki Suzukiplay_arrow
A graduation ballad, a classic that captures the emotions of youth
109eastultramarineSakushi: Fukushima-ken Minamisoma Shiritsu Odaka Chūgakkō Heisei 24-nendo Sotsugyōsei / Sakkyoku: Oda Miki
ultramarineSakushi: Fukushima-ken Minamisoma Shiritsu Odaka Chūgakkō Heisei 24-nendo Sotsugyōsei / Sakkyoku: Oda Mikiplay_arrow
A song of hope by graduates overcoming the earthquake disaster
110eaststepsGReeeeN
stepsGReeeeNplay_arrow
To the graduates: move forward with courage.
111eastThank you. Goodbye.Nakai Kiichi, Yoshida Naoko
Thank you. Goodbye.Nakai Kiichi, Yoshida Naokoplay_arrow
Thanking friends and memories in a graduation song
112eastClose your eyesArai Yumi
Close your eyesArai Yumiplay_arrow
A song of the island born from a high school student's wish
113eastsouth wind
south windplay_arrow
A heartwarming, moving song suitable for a graduation ceremony
114eastLight of Fireflies
Light of Firefliesplay_arrow
A moving song based on a Scottish folk melody
115eastGo beyond
Go beyondplay_arrow
A deeply moving, heart-stirring song perfect for graduation ceremonies
116eastGraduation song, friends’ song19
Graduation song, friends' song19play_arrow
A song that cheers on the anxiety and courage of graduation
117eaststoryAI
storyAIplay_arrow
An inspiring AI ballad with a strong, message-driven theme.
118eastgraduationClariS
graduationClariSplay_arrow
Sing memories and farewells in a beautiful harmony
119eastLet’s go together.GReeeeN
Let's go together.GReeeeNplay_arrow
GReeeeN’s graduation song is upbeat and moving.
120eastBelieveMay J.
BelieveMay J.play_arrow
A song of hope and bonds, perfect for graduation ceremonies
121eastFriendKetsumeishi
FriendKetsumeishiplay_arrow
A classic song that portrays the friendship of companions walking different paths
122eastGoodbye, graduation.haji→
Goodbye, graduation.haji→play_arrow
A motivational song that sings about the feelings of parting and graduation
123eastSomewhere on this EarthSakushi Miura Keiko • Sakkyoku Wakamatsu Kan
Somewhere on this EarthSakushi Miura Keiko • Sakkyoku Wakamatsu Kanplay_arrow
The Charm and Beauty of Memorable Choral Songs
124eastPrecious thingsSakushi Sakkyoku Yamazaki Tomoko
Precious thingsSakushi Sakkyoku Yamazaki Tomokoplay_arrow
Friendships of youth are treasures engraved in the heart.
125eastgraduation albumGakuen Seikatsu-bu
graduation albumGakuen Seikatsu-buplay_arrow
An inspiring song about memories of school life
126eastGraduationOzaki Yutaka
GraduationOzaki Yutakaplay_arrow
A classic that sings of youthful turmoil and the courage to move forward: “Graduation”
127eastOnly the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46
Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46play_arrow
Singing of the bittersweet feeling of graduation and of love in the season of cherry blossoms
128eastBecause we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru
Because we're friends.Ochiai Wataruplay_arrow
A song that portrays memories from school days and the bonds of friendship
129eastKadode no Ippo (feat. CHICO CARLITO)ASOBOiSM
Kadode no Ippo (feat. CHICO CARLITO)ASOBOiSMplay_arrow
A moving song that supports a new departure
130eastGift SongCHiCO with HoneyWorks
Gift SongCHiCO with HoneyWorksplay_arrow
Sing of gratitude for graduation and a resolve for a new life
131eastgraduation songerica
graduation songericaplay_arrow
A timeless song that gently colors the emotion of graduation
132eastYellKobukuro
YellKobukuroplay_arrow
An inspiring graduation song that gives hope in spring
133eastera; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki
era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyukiplay_arrow
Miyuki Nakajima’s “Stars on the Ground,” a classic beloved by many
134eastThe meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46
The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46play_arrow
A moving song that portrays parting and hope for moving forward
135eastOn the Day of DepartureGasshou Kyoku
On the Day of DepartureGasshou Kyokuplay_arrow
“Tabidachi no Hi ni” is a moving graduation song.
136eastBelieveSugimoto Ryuichi
BelieveSugimoto Ryuichiplay_arrow
A song of hope and courage, a graduation song loved by many
137eastSakura MelodyMakihara Noriyuki
Sakura MelodyMakihara Noriyukiplay_arrow
A heartwarming song that sings of the changing seasons
138eastJourneyFuji Kaze
JourneyFuji Kazeplay_arrow
A moving song that sings of proof of friendship and bonds
139eastGoodbye, my friend.Sakata Hiroo, Kurosawa Yoshinori
Goodbye, my friend.Sakata Hiroo, Kurosawa Yoshinoriplay_arrow
Graduation song: a heartwarming farewell and a melody of hope
140eastSong of DepartureObara Akio
Song of DepartureObara Akioplay_arrow
A graduation song that sings about elementary school memories
141eastCOSMOS
COSMOSplay_arrow
The classic song that inspires emotion at graduation ceremonies, 'COSMOS'
142eastSomewhere on this Earth
Somewhere on this Earthplay_arrow
A classic graduation song, a timeless piece that delivers heartfelt emotion
143eastUntil graduationBoku ga mitakatta aozora
Until graduationBoku ga mitakatta aozoraplay_arrow
A moving song that portrays the bittersweetness of graduation and youth
144eastEven though spring is almost hereKumaki Anri
Even though spring is almost hereKumaki Anriplay_arrow
Anri Kumaki’s graduation song: portraying spring scenes and the heart
145eastWords of FarewellKaientai
Words of FarewellKaientaiplay_arrow
The classic graduation song “Okuru Kotoba” is moving.
146east365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48
365 Days' Paper AirplaneAKB48play_arrow
Paper Airplane is a timeless classic loved across generations.
147eastWe Look Up to You with Respect
We Look Up to You with Respectplay_arrow
A representative graduation song, the beautiful resonance of the Japanese language