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

ultramarineSakushi: Minamisōma Shiritsu Ogataka Chūgakkō Heisei Nijūyon Nendo Sotsugyōsei / Oda Miki / Sakkyoku: Nobunaga Takutomi

Gunjou [Mixed Chorus, Four-Part Version]

A moving choral piece that unites the hearts of students separated by the Great East Japan Earthquake.

This gem was created by the 2012–2013 graduating class of Odaka Junior High School in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture, together with composer Takafumi Nobunaga.

The work powerfully yet poignantly gives voice to the feelings of students who were forced to live in evacuation.

In August 2013, a CD and score were released by Panamusica, and in August 2014 it was featured on Nippon TV’s “24-Hour Television,” where an inspiring joint performance by Kanjani Eight and the students was showcased.

Centered on themes of recovery from the disaster and the bonds that connect us, this song expresses hope for the future and is perfect for choral performances at school and cultural festivals.

It’s an ideal piece for bringing hearts together across classes and grades, sharing precious feelings through song.

Castle in the Sky LaputaHisaishi Joe

Joe Hisaishi Budokan Concert – Castle in the Sky: Carrying You (HD)

This is “Carrying You,” the theme song from Studio Ghibli’s Castle in the Sky (Laputa).

The song was created by adding a chorus to the in-film soundtrack piece “Sheeta and Pazu,” with Isao Takahata and Joe Hisaishi organizing Miyazaki Hayao’s notes into the final lyrics.

Although it’s from an anime, its mature atmosphere and vocal difficulty make it feel more fitting for singers around high school age.

Some people may have even played it on the recorder or other instruments in elementary or middle school music classes.

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SAKI

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I am watching myself.Iwasaki Taisei

N-Con 2019 High School Division “I Am Watching Myself” Mixed Chorus (with Lyrics)

This is the set piece for the high school division of the 86th NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition.

The composer is Taisei Iwasaki, known for scoring numerous dramas and films.

The lyrics were written by Genki Kawamura, who has produced many movies.

The piece is quite challenging, featuring rap-like sections, parts that include laughter, and dramatic rises and falls in the musical flow.

The lyrics, which express the haze and inner conflict felt by teenagers of high school age, are also noteworthy.

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SAKI

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AldebaranAI

Aldebaran / AI [Mixed Chorus in 3 Parts]

The song I’d like high school students—who are just beginning to climb the steps into adulthood—to sing in chorus is “Aldebaran.” It was released in 2021 by AI, an R&B singer who moves freely between Japanese and English, and it was chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Come Come Everybody.” Singer-songwriter Naotaro Moriyama wrote both the lyrics and the music, resulting in a melodious piece that suits choral performance.

I recommend a three-part mixed chorus arrangement that gives each section a moment to shine.

How about showcasing the beautiful timbre along with the voices of high school students?

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mutō

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Lapis-Lazuli EarthMatsuda Seiko

[Choral Piece] Lapis-Colored Earth / Mixed Three-Part Chorus [With Lyrics]

Often featured as an incredibly moving, tear-jerking song, this piece was released by Seiko Matsuda in 1986.

It’s a gentle ballad whose grand worldview and tender lyrics resonate deeply.

While it’s known as a standard choral piece for junior high school students, its relatively mature feel makes it well-suited for high school graduation scenes.

Its straightforward, beautiful harmonies can further bring out the song’s appeal, and its message—like a blessing for the future—will sink into the hearts of those setting out on their next journey.

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KEI

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Hymn to the EarthSakushi: Oki Atsuo / Sakkyoku: Sato Makoto

[Choral Piece] Hymn to the Earth / With Lyrics [2/200]

It’s a classic choral piece that’s often sung not only as a graduation song but also at choral competitions.

The lyricist, Atsuo Ōki, was a poet active from the Taishō through the Shōwa era, and the composer, Makoto Satō, completed the cantata “Song of the Earth” for mixed chorus and orchestra in 1962.

This work is positioned as its final movement.

With its grand theme praising and expressing gratitude to the earth that has nurtured life, its appeal lies in the moment when many voices merge into one.

It was included on the February 1987 album “Makoto Satō Works II (Song of the Earth / Young Chorus),” which helped it become widely known.

Its powerful resonance perfectly suits the solemn atmosphere of graduation ceremonies! How about singing it with gratitude to your parents who raised you, the teachers who taught you so much, and the friends with whom you spent your time?

rainbowSuda Masaki

“Niji” (Rainbow), three-part mixed chorus — Osaka Toin High School Wind Ensemble

Niji (Rainbow), sung by Masaki Suda and chosen as the theme song for the film STAND BY ME Doraemon 2, is a wedding song that conveys heartfelt feelings to a loved one.

It’s a popular track that reached No.

2 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

The melody of Niji has just the right amount of movement—not too intricate—making it easy to sing in chorus, and the chorus section, with many repeated notes, is especially uplifting.

There are choral arrangement scores available, so give it a try!

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Hamada Takuya

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