[Choral Songs] Recommended for High School Students! A Comprehensive Showcase from Classics to the Newest J‑Pop

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Hata Motohiro - Promise of a Sunflower (choral/chorus version)

A song that’s becoming a new choral standard is “Himawari no Yakusoku” sung by Motohiro Hata.

Since it was a huge hit as the theme song for the animated film “STAND BY ME Doraemon,” many of you may already know it.

Its lyrics, filled with words that evoke a sense of setting off on a journey and feelings of gratitude, make it a popular choice for graduation ceremonies and thank-you gatherings.

On his official website, Hata has called on people to perform the song as a chorus to commemorate special memories with loved ones, and a music video using the submitted footage has been produced and released.

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Hamada Takuya

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A Little Love SongMONGOL800

A Little Love Song (Junior & Youth Chorus “Raw-Ore”)

A youthful punk song by MONGOL800 that sings of honest feelings for someone you love and the small joys of everyday life.

Its gentle melody, filled with thoughts for someone special, and heartwarming lyrics that vow eternal love resonate deeply with listeners through choral performance.

Included on the album “MESSAGE,” it achieved an extraordinary 2.8 million copies sold for an indie release.

It was also used as the ending theme for the TV anime “Teasing Master Takagi-san,” and in 2019 it was released as a film motif work.

Perfect for strengthening bonds with loved ones—whether in choral performances at school festivals and graduation ceremonies, or at weddings and farewell parties.

To the futureKiroro

EMG3-0018 To the Future / Kiroro [Mixed 3-Part Chorus]

This song is captivating for its warm melody and heartfelt lyrics themed around a mother’s message to her child and hope for the future.

It’s also known as a piece that Chiharu Tamashiro composed when she was in her third year of junior high school, after seeing her mother catch a cold and worrying it might be something serious, prompting her to express her gratitude.

Released in June 1998 by the duo Kiroro, the song drew renewed attention in 2020 when Shuzo Matsuoka performed it for P&G’s “Bridge of Thoughts Project” commercial.

Beyond being a staple for school culture festivals and graduation ceremonies, its depiction of the quiet, watchful gaze that nurtures the parent–child bond and growth has also made it a popular choice to dedicate to parents at weddings.

Knock from AfarTsuchida Toyotaka

“Knock from Beyond” NHK School Choir Competition 2020, High School Division, Set Piece (Mixed Four-Part Chorus)

The piece chosen as the required song for the 87th NHK All-Japan School Choir Contest is “Kanata no Knock.” It’s a much-talked-about song for which Naoki Prize–winning author Mizuki Tsujimura made her first attempt at lyric writing, and the lyrics are sprinkled with words that evoke the theme of a “door.” They depict scenes where the protagonist struggles with a door that won’t easily open in order to move on to the next world, as well as the shifts in their state of mind.

It was also selected as the required piece for the 88th NHK All-Japan School Choir Contest in 2021, so as a brand-new choral work, definitely give it a try in practice!

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Hamada Takuya

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Words of FarewellKaientai

[Chorus Version] Words of Farewell

A song by Kaientai that is often sung at graduation ceremonies.

It was used as the theme song for “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3B,” starring Kaientai’s Tetsuya Takeda, and it continues to be covered and loved by many artists today.

The lyrics carry a final message from teachers to the graduates who are about to spread their wings.

Although Mr.

Kinpachi is set in a junior high school, the meaning of the lyrics becomes easier to understand in high school, allowing students to sing it with even more feeling.

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SAKI

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Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Bridge of Glory

A cheering song that delivers hope and courage to those pursuing their dreams.

Its highly relatable lyrics depict tears and hard work that we don’t show in everyday life, and the uneven path of life—leaving a lasting impression.

Released as a single in July 2004, it moved many as NHK’s official theme song for the Athens Olympics.

Perfectly balancing Yuzu’s acoustic charm with a passionate melody, this piece is also ideal for chorus performances at school festivals and graduation ceremonies.

It’s a song that resonates with feelings like “I want to keep looking forward without giving up on my dreams” and “I want to share the emotion with my friends.”

I can hear silence.Sakushi: Sumino Yoru, Sakkyoku: Matsumoto Nozomi

A certain tenor tried singing “I Can Hear Silence (Three-Part Male Chorus Version)” together with his friends!

Silent Sound was composed as the set piece for the 89th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition, High School Division.

The lyrics were written by Yoru Sumino, known for works such as I Want to Eat Your Pancreas, and the music was composed by pianist Nozomi Matsumoto.

It is a grand choral work featuring a supple yet powerful piano timbre.

The unique lyrics themed around “silence” leave a strong impression, and high school students are likely to find points they can relate to.

In addition to a mixed chorus version, there are also versions for treble voices and male voices, so be sure to check them out.

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mutō

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