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

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Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

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 Comprehensive Introduction from Classics to the Newest J‑Pop (21–30)

Mela!Ryokushokushakai

"Mela!" (Ryokuoushoku Shakai) Osaka University Mixed Chorus Freund Chor 64th Regular Concert (2021)

Mela!Ryokushokushakai

“Mela!” is a powerful song by the four-member co-ed band Ryokuoushoku Shakai.

In July 2022, it became the band’s first track to surpass 200 million streams.

Since it spread explosively in popularity, many people have likely heard it at least once.

Choosing this well-known song for a choral piece should make it easy for everyone to practice.

Also, the recurring “la-la-la” sections lend themselves well to mixed-gender harmonies and arrangement.

Be sure to come up with a unique and wonderful arrangement of your own!

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sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI

[Sazanka / SEKAI NO OWARI] Mixed Chorus

sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI

This is the song used during NHK’s broadcasts of the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics and Paralympics.

It was created with the hope of turning into song the stories of people chasing their dreams and those watching over them by their side.

In this context, “classmates” are both the dream-chasers and the supporters.

It’s a song that classmates—who cheer each other on and help each other grow—can sing together.

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HEART BEATYOASOBI

YOASOBI「HEART BEAT」Official Music Video

HEART BEATYOASOBI

Many songs by the musical duo YOASOBI resonate deeply with their narrative-rich lyrics and melodies.

Created as the theme song for NHK’s “18 Festival,” this piece is a moving track that portrays the heartbeat and growth of young people.

It prompts listeners to reexamine their own identities and gives them the courage to take a step toward the future.

Infused with the feelings of a thousand eighteen-year-olds, this song will surely make for a powerful, moving stage when sung in chorus.

Its heartfelt voices will envelop the entire venue.

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Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE

Que Sera Sera / Mrs. GREEN APPLE

Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE

A song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE that has garnered support from a wide range of listeners, especially young people.

The track centers on a strong determination to face the hardships and challenges of everyday life, reminding us of the importance of maintaining a positive attitude.

Released on April 25, 2023, it drew attention as the theme song for the drama “Sunday Night Probably…”.

It’s especially recommended when you want to sing something with a bright, uplifting vibe.

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ultramarineYOASOBI

This is “Gunjō,” which was scheduled to be performed at the 2021 Chorus Festival. Okayama Joto High School Choir♪

ultramarineYOASOBI

When it comes to songs that can draw out the full passion of high school students, “Gunjō” stands out.

Released in 2020 by YOASOBI, a music duo especially popular among Gen Z, it’s an up-tempo track featuring a beautifully piano-driven sound that unfolds dynamically.

With lyrics and melodies that gently embrace worries and anxieties, it’s sure to boost students’ motivation for choral performance.

Highly recommended for those seeking a J-pop number that’s perfect for mixed choir.

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Flower of loveaimyon

[Theme song of the NHK morning drama “Ranman”] Flower of Love / Aimyon

Flower of loveaimyon

This song by Aimyon, a hugely popular singer-songwriter in the J-POP scene, was chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Ranman.

Its melody gently embraces feelings of bittersweet love and thoughts for someone precious, conveying the strength to face forward beyond sorrow and resonating with listeners’ hearts.

If performed as a choral piece, it’s a song where everyone can unite their hearts and sing of the hope that will let flowers bloom in the future.

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Eyes of the heartSakamoto Kyu

Kokoro no Hitomi [Chorus] With Lyrics

Eyes of the heartSakamoto Kyu

Known as one of Kyu Sakamoto’s signature songs, this moving piece portrays love and the bond between two people.

Its gentle melody is memorable, and the lyrics—depicting a wordless connection of hearts and a pure bond that never changes with time—are deeply touching.

It’s also very popular as a choral piece, so please give it a try.

It’s sure to create a powerful sense of emotion.

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