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_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1east | ChessboardOfisharu Higedan Dism | play_arrow | A moving song whose lyrics about advancing while unsure resonate with the heart. |
| 2east | DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE | play_arrow | A song that sings of youth's struggles and hopes |
| 3east | Because we are living beingsRyokushokushakai | play_arrow | A Heart’s Song Embracing the Anxiety of Change |
| 4east | ReplayDISH/ | play_arrow | Irreversible Time and the Hope of Youth |
| 5east | Because I want to be by your side.SHISHAMO | play_arrow | Beloved songs, pure feelings, and hearts that stay close |
| 6east | GiftsSuperfly | play_arrow | A heartwarming song that makes you realize your potential |
| 7east | We againSG | play_arrow | “We, Once More,” a moving song that celebrates springtime departures |
| 8east | skyBE:FIRST | play_arrow | A message of hope for the required piece in the school music competition |
| 9east | The happiest treasuresutopuri | play_arrow | Stopri’s latest song sings about graduation memories. |
| 10east | Live in the present.Saucy Dog | play_arrow | A song of courage that looks ahead, coloring graduation |
| 11east | Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro | play_arrow | A moving song that's perfect for a graduation ceremony |
| 12east | cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro | play_arrow | Naotaro Moriyama’s famous song that depicts parting and reunion with the cherry blossoms. |
| 13east | Best FriendKiroro | play_arrow | A famous song by Kiroro from Okinawa that sings about friendship |
| 14east | Petals, heralding the beginningsakura shimeji | play_arrow | A heartwarming song that gently embraces the feelings of graduation |
| 15east | Melancholy Cherry Blossomsatarayo | play_arrow | A moving, heart-touching song befitting a graduation ceremony |
| 16east | paper airplanesuis from Yorushika × Evan Call | play_arrow | A message song that conveys my feelings in a letter |
| 17east | Kitearashi | play_arrow | A cheer for a colleague embarking on a new chapter |
| 18east | spring sunlightKanapu × Kujira | play_arrow | The graduation song “Shun’yō” is a track that resonates with the heart. |
| 19east | graduation ceremonySARD UNDERGROUND | play_arrow | SARD UNDERGROUND’s graduation song |
| 20east | About meMrs. GREEN APPLE | play_arrow | Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s “Boku no Koto” is an anthem that resonates with youth. |
| 21east | Goodbye, thank you.chanyu i | play_arrow | Graduation song for high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic |
| 22east | Country RoadHon’na Yoko | ![]() | The Appeal of Studio Ghibli’s Graduation Songs |
| 23east | the world of dreamssakushi: furō akiko / sakkyoku: hashimoto shōji | play_arrow | A graduation song that sings of natural scenery and feelings for friends |
| 24east | spring songamasaki annainin | play_arrow | An encouraging support song that gives you a push on the back, “Haru no Uta” (Song of Spring) |
| 25east | Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu | play_arrow | A graduation song singing of gratitude for friendship and bonds |
| 26east | Just a little longer until graduationGLAY | play_arrow | A bittersweet farewell before graduation and a song of memories |
| 27east | Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro | play_arrow | A classic song that portrays the bonds and warmth of friendship |
| 28east | CorrectRADWIMPS | ![]() | A youthful song filled with the feelings of an 18-year-old |
| 29east | YELLikimonogakari | play_arrow | A moving song befitting a graduation ceremony |
| 30east | MiracleGReeeeN | play_arrow | GReeeeN’s classic hit “Kiseki,” a song of youth |
| 31east | Bridge of Gloryyuzu | play_arrow | Yuzu’s “Eikou no Kakehashi” is a moving song for graduation ceremonies. |
| 32east | road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE | ![]() | A memorable graduation song, a masterpiece that depicts parting and bonds |
| 33east | A bouquet for meAdo | play_arrow | A song that encourages you and helps you take a new step forward |
| 34east | EverlastingSixTONES | play_arrow | An emotional ballad from Idemitsu’s commercial, for life’s milestones |
| 35east | C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK | play_arrow | Bonds and resolve with companions heading toward our dreams |
| 36east | Best friendSnow Man | play_arrow | A heartwarming song filled with gratitude for friendship |
| 37east | rainbowMoriyama Naotaro | play_arrow | A graduation chorus song that depicts parting and new encounters |
| 38east | I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu | play_arrow | The charm of Spitz: healing the heart with uplifting songs |
| 39east | On the Day of Departure | play_arrow | The graduation song 'Tabidachi no Hi ni' is popular. |
| 40east | Letter ~To You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki | play_arrow | A song of letters to my 15-year-old self and my adult self |
| 41east | globeYonezu Kenshi | play_arrow | Kenshi Yonezu to produce the theme song for a Hayao Miyazaki film |
| 42east | Promise ~promises~EXILE | play_arrow | A moving ballad of parting and reunion, bound by a strong bond |
| 43east | DreamerJO1 | play_arrow | An anthem cheering on those who chase their dreams, the courage to move forward |
| 44east | Joined handsMINAMI | play_arrow | A coming-of-age ballad that holds hands and heads toward the future |
| 45east | Embrace the presentsatō moka | play_arrow | A wistful song that embraces the present at graduation |
| 46east | COSMOSMimas | play_arrow | An inspiring graduation song in harmony with the universe |
| 47east | Believe in your dreamsTokunaga Hideaki | play_arrow | Hidetaka Tokunaga’s moving graduation song |
| 48east | footprint(s)Little Glee Monster | play_arrow | A song of courage to face forward and move into the future |
| 49east | The Last ChimeSakushi: Yamamoto Emiko / Sakkyoku: Wakamatsu Kan | play_arrow | A classic graduation song, memories woven into the melody |
| 50east | The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP | play_arrow | The one and only flower in the world, a popular classic song |
| 51east | March 9Remioromen | play_arrow | 'Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana' is a graduation song. |
| 52east | Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS | play_arrow | A moving masterpiece that portrays gratitude and bonds at graduation |
| 53east | While shining…Tokunaga Hideaki | play_arrow | Hideto Tokunaga’s classic song “Kagayaki Nagara” sings of youth. |
| 54east | On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai | play_arrow | Ai Kawashima’s graduation song is a memory of my youth. |
| 55east | I’m glad I met you.Inoue Sonoko | play_arrow | A graduation song that sings of everyday treasures |
| 56east | Song of SpringFujihara Sakura | play_arrow | A moving song that expresses hope and farewell in a spring melody |
| 57east | GarnetOku Hanako | play_arrow | A timeless, heart-stirring classic that sings of youthful memories |
| 58east | To the futureKiroro | play_arrow | A heartfelt graduation song expressing gratitude to my mother |
| 59east | proofflumpool | play_arrow | A classic filled with the emotions of youth, cherished across generations. |
| 60east | spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE | play_arrow | A heartwarming song that expresses feelings before graduation |
| 61east | Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster | play_arrow | An inspiring message song for those who strive hard |
| 62east | Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi | play_arrow | Yumi Matsutoya’s spring song echoes at the graduation ceremony. |
| 63east | far; distant; by farGReeeeN | play_arrow | GReeeeN’s famous song that expresses gratitude and determination toward graduation |
| 64east | Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri | play_arrow | Yuri’s graduation song “Sakura-bare” is moving and heartwarming. |
| 65east | The Last ChimeComposition: Wakamatsu Kan ・ Lyrics: Emiko Yamamoto | play_arrow | Classic choral songs that move people at graduation ceremonies |
| 66east | presentSEKAI NO OWARI | play_arrow | SEKAI NO OWARI's school music assignment piece |
| 67east | Futabaaimyon | play_arrow | A song of growth and hope for the future, for the start of a new journey |
| 68east | Song of LifeSakushi: Miyabi / Sakkyoku: Muramatsu Takatsugu | play_arrow | A heartwarming song that conveys the preciousness of life and gratitude |
| 69east | Thank youikimonogakari | play_arrow | A fitting song for graduation: Ikimonogakari’s classic hit “Arigatou.” |
| 70east | Last SongOfisharu Higedan Dism | play_arrow | A song of farewell and gratitude that resonates with the heart |
| 71east | Born on this planetsakushi sakkyoku sugimoto ryuuichi | play_arrow | A graduation song that encourages a step toward your dreams |
| 72east | If I turn around…Janne Da Arc | play_arrow | Mayo Okamoto’s uplifting song “TOMORROW” is popular. |
| 73east | Please give me wingsakai tori | play_arrow | Give me wings, the famous song by Red Bird |
| 74east | Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone | play_arrow | Mone Kamishiraishi sings Naotaro Moriyama’s new song, “Song of Hope.” |
| 75east | Unchanging ThingsYamazaki Tomoko | play_arrow | A bittersweet memory of youth, H2O’s classic song |
| 76east | GraduationKobukuro | play_arrow | Kobukuro’s graduation song paints feelings and the future |
| 77east | Sakura (2019)Moriyama Naotaro | play_arrow | A beloved classic as a graduation song |
| 78east | Tomorrowsakushi sakkyoku sugimoto ryuuichi | play_arrow | An inspiring support song sung at graduation ceremonies |
| 79east | To You — A Message for Your Departure | play_arrow | A powerful and beautiful song for graduates |
| 80east | Cherry blossom seasonEXILE ATSUSHI | play_arrow | A bittersweet song that sings about memories of a graduation ceremony |
| 81east | cherry blossomKobukuro | play_arrow | A moving song that portrays heartbreak and farewell through cherry blossom imagery |
| 82east | Cherry Blossom Rainhalyosy | play_arrow | Vocaloid song “Sakura no Ame” sung at graduation ceremonies |
| 83east | Sky-blue DaysSHISHAMO | play_arrow | A moving song that colors the day of graduation |
| 84east | COSMOSAkuamarin | An inspiring choral piece with a space theme | |
| 85east | BELIEVESugimoto Ryuichi | play_arrow | A classic graduation song, imbued with hope for the future |
| 86east | Let’s search for TomorrowLyrics by Hori Tōru · Music by Ōsawa Tetsunori | play_arrow | An uplifting choral song that looks toward tomorrow and gives you a push forward |
| 87east | Song of FledgingSakushi Murano Shirō, Sakkyoku Iwakawa Saburō | play_arrow | A song of hope setting out from the nest of learning |
| 88east | TOMORROWMayo Okamoto | play_arrow | Classic graduation songs with heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melodies |
| 89east | secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE | play_arrow | An inspiring graduation song that captures the essence of youth |
| 90east | My friend — from here on out, forever…Ketsumeishi | play_arrow | Look back on memories with a friendship song for graduation season |
| 91east | Let’s soar into tomorrowLyricist: Takao Matsui ・ Composer: Takao Matsui | play_arrow | A classic graduation song, offering hope and encouragement for the future |
| 92east | Time TravelerHashimoto Yoshiji | play_arrow | Time Traveler, a moving song that colors graduation |
| 93east | Album of MemoriesSakushi Mashiko Toshi • Sakkyoku Honda Tetsumaro | play_arrow | A heartwarming graduation song that sings of memories of the four seasons |
| 94east | Sakuraayaka | play_arrow | A bittersweet yet hopeful graduation song, 'Sakura' |
| 95east | bondYamazaki Tomoko | play_arrow | The graduation song “Kizuna” is a beautiful piece about friendship and memories. |
| 96east | Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako | play_arrow | An anthem that cheers on the courage to never give up on your dreams |
| 97east | Full of memoriesH₂O | play_arrow | In the spring of graduation, songs of departure encourage the heart. |
| 98east | Let’s search for Tomorrow | play_arrow | A graduation song that sings of hope and courage for the future |
| 99east | 1096Cody Rī (Ri) | play_arrow | A graduation song that depicts 1,096 days of youth |
| 100east | Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai | play_arrow | A song that accompanies hearts of farewell and gratitude in the season of graduation |
| 101east | Cherry Blossom MoonSakurazaka46 | play_arrow | A heart-resonating song by Sakurazaka46 that colors a new beginning |
| 102east | Young wings arekikuyoshihiro・Hirayoshi Takeshu | play_arrow | A choral piece expressing the feelings of junior high school students |
| 103east | GIVE ME FIVE!AKB48 | play_arrow | A moving song that sings of the bonds and memories of youth |
| 104east | Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi | play_arrow | A heartwarming graduation song by Kenshi Yonezu and Masaki Suda |
| 105east | HarukaYOASOBI | play_arrow | An inspiring story of a mug and a girl |
| 106east | Hymn to the EarthSakkyoku: Satō Makoto / Sakushi: Ōki Atsuo | play_arrow | An inspiring choral piece filled with gratitude to the earth |
| 107east | Graduation PhotoArai Yumi | play_arrow | A timeless graduation song, moving. |
| 108east | spring skySuzuki Suzuki | play_arrow | A graduation ballad, a classic that captures the emotions of youth |
| 109east | ultramarineSakushi: Fukushima-ken Minamisoma Shiritsu Odaka Chūgakkō Heisei 24-nendo Sotsugyōsei / Sakkyoku: Oda Miki | play_arrow | A song of hope by graduates overcoming the earthquake disaster |
| 110east | stepsGReeeeN | play_arrow | To the graduates: move forward with courage. |
| 111east | Thank you. Goodbye.Nakai Kiichi, Yoshida Naoko | play_arrow | Thanking friends and memories in a graduation song |
| 112east | Close your eyesArai Yumi | play_arrow | A song of the island born from a high school student's wish |
| 113east | south wind | play_arrow | A heartwarming, moving song suitable for a graduation ceremony |
| 114east | Light of Fireflies | play_arrow | A moving song based on a Scottish folk melody |
| 115east | Go beyond | play_arrow | A deeply moving, heart-stirring song perfect for graduation ceremonies |
| 116east | Graduation song, friends’ song19 | play_arrow | A song that cheers on the anxiety and courage of graduation |
| 117east | storyAI | play_arrow | An inspiring AI ballad with a strong, message-driven theme. |
| 118east | graduationClariS | play_arrow | Sing memories and farewells in a beautiful harmony |
| 119east | Let’s go together.GReeeeN | play_arrow | GReeeeN’s graduation song is upbeat and moving. |
| 120east | BelieveMay J. | play_arrow | A song of hope and bonds, perfect for graduation ceremonies |
| 121east | FriendKetsumeishi | play_arrow | A classic song that portrays the friendship of companions walking different paths |
| 122east | Goodbye, graduation.haji→ | play_arrow | A motivational song that sings about the feelings of parting and graduation |
| 123east | Somewhere on this EarthSakushi Miura Keiko • Sakkyoku Wakamatsu Kan | play_arrow | The Charm and Beauty of Memorable Choral Songs |
| 124east | Precious thingsSakushi Sakkyoku Yamazaki Tomoko | play_arrow | Friendships of youth are treasures engraved in the heart. |
| 125east | graduation albumGakuen Seikatsu-bu | play_arrow | An inspiring song about memories of school life |
| 126east | GraduationOzaki Yutaka | play_arrow | A classic that sings of youthful turmoil and the courage to move forward: “Graduation” |
| 127east | Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46 | play_arrow | Singing of the bittersweet feeling of graduation and of love in the season of cherry blossoms |
| 128east | Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru | play_arrow | A song that portrays memories from school days and the bonds of friendship |
| 129east | Kadode no Ippo (feat. CHICO CARLITO)ASOBOiSM | play_arrow | A moving song that supports a new departure |
| 130east | Gift SongCHiCO with HoneyWorks | play_arrow | Sing of gratitude for graduation and a resolve for a new life |
| 131east | graduation songerica | play_arrow | A timeless song that gently colors the emotion of graduation |
| 132east | YellKobukuro | play_arrow | An inspiring graduation song that gives hope in spring |
| 133east | era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki | play_arrow | Miyuki Nakajima’s “Stars on the Ground,” a classic beloved by many |
| 134east | The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46 | play_arrow | A moving song that portrays parting and hope for moving forward |
| 135east | On the Day of DepartureGasshou Kyoku | play_arrow | “Tabidachi no Hi ni” is a moving graduation song. |
| 136east | BelieveSugimoto Ryuichi | play_arrow | A song of hope and courage, a graduation song loved by many |
| 137east | Sakura MelodyMakihara Noriyuki | play_arrow | A heartwarming song that sings of the changing seasons |
| 138east | JourneyFuji Kaze | play_arrow | A moving song that sings of proof of friendship and bonds |
| 139east | Goodbye, my friend.Sakata Hiroo, Kurosawa Yoshinori | play_arrow | Graduation song: a heartwarming farewell and a melody of hope |
| 140east | Song of DepartureObara Akio | play_arrow | A graduation song that sings about elementary school memories |
| 141east | COSMOS | play_arrow | The classic song that inspires emotion at graduation ceremonies, 'COSMOS' |
| 142east | Somewhere on this Earth | play_arrow | A classic graduation song, a timeless piece that delivers heartfelt emotion |
| 143east | Until graduationBoku ga mitakatta aozora | play_arrow | A moving song that portrays the bittersweetness of graduation and youth |
| 144east | Even though spring is almost hereKumaki Anri | play_arrow | Anri Kumaki’s graduation song: portraying spring scenes and the heart |
| 145east | Words of FarewellKaientai | play_arrow | The classic graduation song “Okuru Kotoba” is moving. |
| 146east | 365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48 | play_arrow | Paper Airplane is a timeless classic loved across generations. |
| 147east | We Look Up to You with Respect | play_arrow | A representative graduation song, the beautiful resonance of the Japanese language |


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