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

On the day of departure…NEW!Kawashima Ai

On the Day of Departure… / Ai Kawashima [Mixed Chorus, 3 Parts]

A beautiful ballad beloved by many as a classic song to sing at graduation ceremonies.

Its clear, pure vocals and warm lyrics that evoke scenes from school life let you feel both the sadness of parting and the hope for the future at the same time.

Written by Ai Kawashima, this piece is also known as the original version of the hit single released during her time with the unit I WiSH, and it was included on a single she released as a solo artist in February 2006.

In later years, it was chosen as the theme song for the film “Tabi no Hajimari,” which closely follows the world of social care, and it is also included on the album “Thank you!” It’s a perfect song to sing with feeling at choir contests or graduation ceremonies while looking back on the precious days spent with friends.

Because we are living beingsNEW!Sakushi Sakkyoku: Nagaya Haruko

N-Con 2024 Junior High School Division, Set Piece 'Because We Are Living Beings' | Kobe City Mixed Chorus

Sung by Ryokuoushoku Shakai, this work is a digital single released in September 2024.

Haruko Nagaya, who wrote and composed the song, delivers a powerful vocal that gently accompanies anxieties about change.

The piece was specially written as the set piece for the Junior High School Division of the 91st NHK National School Music Contest.

It was also broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta and has become popular across generations.

The brilliant arrangement layers the band’s pop sheen with the liberating feel of choral singing.

With lyrics that affirm growth and change as a way of living, it is likely to resonate deeply with high school students who feel the wavering emotions of adolescence.

GiftsNEW!Lyrics: Shiho Ochi / Music: Shiho Ochi, Koichi Tsutaya

Gifts [Iwate University Chorus]

Co-written by Shiho Ochi and Koichi Tsutaya, this is the title track of the single released in October 2018.

It was newly composed as the set piece for the junior high school division of the 85th NHK National School Music Competition and was also featured on NHK’s Minna no Uta.

The song carries a warm message that gently embraces the self-doubt and emotional turbulence of adolescence, encouraging listeners to notice the precious things they already hold within themselves.

It is a piece we especially hope high school students—who often lose confidence by comparing themselves to others—will sing with heartfelt sincerity, as a chance to rediscover the small happinesses of everyday life.

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.”

waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)NEW!Fuji Kaze

“Michita Yuku” by Fujii Kaze OJC 2025 The first and last performance by 100 members: Okayama Prefectural High School Choral Festival: Takahashi General Cultural Hall The performance is still very much a work in progress, but we’d be happy if you could watch over us warmly♪

This song was released in March 2024 as the theme for the film “April, Come She Will.” Crafted by singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze, it resonates with a gentle piano melody and a tender vocal delivery.

It delves deeply into the importance of embracing life’s changes and letting go of attachment, as well as the notion of unconditional love that seeks no return, conveying an introspective and philosophical message.

Its calm tempo and beautiful melody make it perfect for choral arrangements at school culture festivals.

It’s a deeply moving, beautiful ballad recommended for classes that want to sing as one or for events aiming for an emotional finale.

A Song You Sing to YourselfNEW!Sakushi: Elvis Woodstock / Sakkyoku: Oshima Michiru

A Song You Sing to Yourself (N-Con 2017 Set Piece) [Eimei High School Choir & Alumni]

This piece was released in April 2017 and was composed as the required work for the High School Division of the 84th NHK National School Music Competition.

Elvis Woodstock is the pen name of Lily Franky, and together with Michiru Oshima’s evocative, beautiful melodies, the song portrays the struggles and growth of young people.

Arrangements are available for mixed chorus (SATB), treble chorus (SSA), and male chorus (TTB), and the work has remained popular not only for competitions but also for regular concerts.

Perfect for high school students in the midst of their youth to sing while engaging in deep dialogue with themselves, this piece is ideal to be passed down and sung together with friends at graduations and other milestone moments.

Bird, to the skyNEW!sakushi: gekidan hitori / sakkyoku: nobunaga takatomi

N-Con 90 Required Piece “Bird, to the Sky” (High School Division) | Kobe City Mixed Chorus

This work, whose sheet music was released in April 2023 as the set piece for the High School Division of the 90th NHK National School Music Competition, features lyrics by the multi-talented Theater Hitoto (Gekidan Hitori) and music by Nobunaga Takatomi, one of Japan’s leading choral composers.

Imagining the students as birds, it depicts in beautiful harmony the scene of them taking flight from the time they spent together toward their respective futures.

Under the theme of “map,” it delivers the sparkle and poignancy of youth straight to the heart—making it perfect for choral performances at graduations and school festivals.

With the rich layering of voices unique to high schoolers, why not let unforgettable memories resound?