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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 Complete Introduction from Classics to the Newest J‑Pop (31–40)

RPGSEKAI NO OWARI

RPG / SEKAI NO OWARI [Mixed Three-Part Choir]

RPGSEKAI NO OWARI

This song unfolds a grand, fantastical world centered on the themes of friendship and adventure.

It portrays the protagonist pressing forward without fear in the face of hardships and trials, and sings of the sights seen along the path ahead and the longing to search for what has been lost.

Released in May 2013 as SEKAI NO OWARI’s fourth major single, it was used as the theme song for the animated film “Crayon Shin-chan: Very Tasty! B-Class Gourmet Survival!!” Its dynamic, marching band–like sound makes it perfect for choral performances at school or cultural festivals.

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Ballad of the MonstersTōkairin Osamu

Ballad of the Kaiju [Chorus] With Lyrics

Ballad of the MonstersTōkairin Osamu

This is a fast-paced choral piece characterized by its distinctive, lively rhythm.

Its atmosphere is quite different from more relaxed choral works, so it likely left a strong impression on many listeners.

With its highly challenging, rhythmic piano accompaniment and the spirited final shout of “Yah!”, it’s a popular piece packed with elements that excite both listeners and performers.

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Unchanging Thingssakushi: yamazaki tomoko / sakkyoku: yamazaki tomoko

The Unchanging Things [Chorus] / With Lyrics / Singing Practice / Graduation Song #Chorus #ClassChorus #GraduationSong #ChorusContest

Unchanging Thingssakushi: yamazaki tomoko / sakkyoku: yamazaki tomoko

The bonds nurtured during our days at school will never fade, even when we are apart.

This work is a choral piece that carefully weaves together those unchanging feelings.

The lyrics and music are by Tomoko Yamazaki, who has created many beloved songs such as “Taisetsu na Mono” and “Te no Hira o Kazashite.” It was newly written for the collection “Tomoko Yamazaki ~Original Songs~ (Mixed Voices),” published by Ongaku no Tomo Sha in July 2010.

While holding the sorrow of parting, it portrays the resolve to look ahead and take a step forward, set to a sincere and beautiful melody.

Both mixed choir and equal-voice choir versions are available, making it easy to choose according to the size and composition of your school.

Sung at graduations, farewell ceremonies, and other moments of parting from those dear to you, it will etch gratitude for the time spent together—and the bonds that will remain unchanged—into your hearts.

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pupilŌhara Sakurako

Sakurako Ohara – Hitomi (Music Video Short ver.)

pupilŌhara Sakurako

This song by Sakurako Ohara, a singer-songwriter hugely popular with the younger generation, was chosen as the support song for the 93rd All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

It’s a gentle, ballad-like piece that’s also very popular as a choral number.

The lyrics were created after observing high school students aiming for the championship, and they capture a sense of youth that resonates with any high schooler.

With its relaxed tempo, it also seems easy to arrange for choir.

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Wandering peopleSakushi: Ishikura Kozaburou, Sakkyoku: Roberuto Shūman

[Choral Piece] The Wandering People / Mixed Chorus in Four Parts [With Lyrics]

Wandering peopleSakushi: Ishikura Kozaburou, Sakkyoku: Roberuto Shūman

The German art song “The Gypsy Life” (“Zigeunerleben”).

It was composed in 1840 by Robert Schumann, a leading figure of the Romantic era.

Although it seems to be sung less frequently in recent years, it has long been familiar as a choral piece in junior high school competitions.

The brisk, galloping tempo contrasted with the more relaxed melody creates a pleasing ebb and flow.

It would be nice to sing it while delving into the lyrics by Kozaburo Ishikura, considered a masterful translation.

Scored for mixed chorus in four parts, it is quite challenging, but singing it is sure to lift your spirits.

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[Choral Songs] Recommended for High School Students! A Comprehensive Introduction from Classics to the Newest J-POP (41–50)

OrangeSMAP

Chorus Contest “Orange” by SMAP

OrangeSMAP

When it comes to SMAP’s hidden gems, isn’t it Orange, the track included on the B-side of their 2000 single Lion Heart? It’s their most famous coupling track, beloved by fans for years.

Perhaps thanks to lyrics that evoke farewells and graduation, it’s also popular as a choral piece and is sometimes performed as a set piece in choir competitions.

Layering voices over the heartrending chorus melody is sure to fill the venue with emotion so powerful it’ll bring tears to your eyes.

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WINDING ROADAyaka × Kobukuro

WINDING ROAD (Mixed Chorus, 4 Parts)

WINDING ROADAyaka × Kobukuro

A collaboration song by Ayaka and Kobukuro.

It’s a lively call-and-response piece and is often performed as a choral number.

Because the shuffle rhythm is challenging not only for the singers but also for the accompanying piano, it can be considered a song suited for high school students.

It’s a number that gives you a push, saying, “There’s always light at the end of any road, so keep moving forward!” The key to performing this piece is for both male and female singers to sing with rich expression and a sense of joy.

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