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

The choral performances that move people at events like school festivals and graduation ceremonies.

In this article, we’ve gathered choral pieces recommended for high school students, as well as popular songs that have been arranged for choir.

We’ll introduce a wide range of music across genres—from classic pieces you find in textbooks to the latest J-pop.

In high school, there are often situations where students discuss and choose the repertoire together.

Even for the latest hit songs, you’ll often find published choral arrangements if you look, so don’t feel constrained by the idea that you must choose from a “choral anthology.” Be sure to consider a variety of songs.

[Choral Songs] Recommended for High School Students! A Complete Introduction from Classics to the Newest J-POP (131–140)

threadNakajima Miyuki

A gem of a masterpiece by Miyuki Nakajima that beautifully depicts encounters and bonds between people.

The lyrics liken the chance and fated meetings in life to “threads,” deeply moving listeners’ hearts.

Released in October 1992 as a track on the album EAST ASIA, it was later selected as the theme song for a TBS drama in 1998.

Bank Band’s 2004 cover brought the song to a wider audience.

In 2020, it was adapted into a film starring Masaki Suda and Nana Komatsu.

It is also a work that can weave a splendid harmony in women’s chorus.

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See?Sakushi: Itou Keiji/Sakki: Matsushita Kou

This is a heartwarming choral piece born as part of the “Sing NIPPON Project,” which was launched to support recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Created through a collaboration between Keiji Ito and Ko Matsushita and released in July 2011, the work gently sings of the harmony of nature and the bonds between people.

Its friendly melody brings listeners comfort and hope, and its structure makes it easy to perform even for school class choirs.

The vocal range is not very wide, making it a practical choice for choral competitions as well.

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Oyashirazu Ko ShirazuSakushi: Yamamoto Kazuo / Sakkyoku: Iwakawa Saburou

This work, created by poet Kazuo Yamamoto and composer Saburō Iwakawa, is a mixed chorus piece themed on a tragic legend from Oyashirazu in Niigata Prefecture.

It was also included on the compilation album “Kokoro no Harmony 2008: Best Collection,” released in January 2008, and it continues to enjoy enduring popularity.

The profound lyrics, depicting harsh natural scenery and a mother-and-child tragedy, resonate deeply alongside the dramatic melody.

As a piece that demands expressive power and carries a high level of difficulty, it’s perfect as a free-choice selection for upper-grade students to perform at choir competitions or school festivals.

Highly recommended for those who want to convey a story dramatically through layered voices!

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Wasted wishesAKB48

[MV full] Negai-goto no Mochigusare / AKB48 [Official]
Wasted wishesAKB48

Negaigoto no Mochigusare is a song by the popular idol group AKB48.

This song was selected as the required piece for the junior high school division of the 2017 NHK All-Japan School Chorus Contest.

There is also a mixed three-part choral version, so be sure to check it out.

Saitō Ayumu
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Futabaaimyon

If you’re looking for a cheer song for all the students spending their adolescent years, “Futaba” is perfect.

Released in 2022 by singer-songwriter Aimyon, who soothes listeners’ hearts with songs themed around “love,” it was performed together with current high school students on NHK’s “Aimyon 18-sai Matsuri.” The track features a warm band sound reminiscent of folk and pop.

Its heartfelt lyrics, evoking school life, are sure to resonate.

Try singing this genre-transcending favorite with your classmates or club members.

mutō
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Become a flowerLyrics: Ikuya Sashida ・ jam / Composition: Ikuya Sashida ・ Toshiyuki Mori

This is a ballad characterized by a gentle, translucent melody and the warm timbre of the piano.

Released in June 2012, it was chosen as the theme song for the NHK BS Premium period drama “Hidamari no Ki.” It also drew attention when figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu used it for his exhibition program.

The piece shines in women’s chorus as well, where its delicate harmonies and graceful melody highlight the soft beauty of female voices.

It’s an ideal choice for groups looking to take on choral singing.

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced many choral pieces that will vividly etch a page of your youth. On the special stage that is high school, when voices carrying everyone’s feelings overlap, a magical, heart-trembling moment arrives. Let those unforgettable harmonies resound in your heart!