[Choral Music] Recommended for Middle Schoolers! A Collection of Moving Choral Works & Choral Arrangements

Beyond the tearsNEW!Sakushi: Kaze Kōji / Sakkyoku: Nakamura Hachidai

Hisamatsu Junior High School Chorus ~Beyond the Tears~

It’s a song of hope carrying the message: rather than crying and regretting, let’s keep moving forward while looking toward tomorrow.

Released as a single in November 1969, it was sung by the music group Sing-Out! as their debut track.

From 1970, it became a beloved staple of NHK’s music program “Stage 101,” and it has remained a long-cherished classic.

The song’s open, bright character—like flying straight through the sky—is striking.

It’s perfect for student choir competitions and school festivals, overflowing with possibilities for the future.

Friend ~Time to Depart~NEW!yuzu

Choral Piece “Friend ~Time of Departure~” (Mixed Choir, Three Parts) Entire (All) -With Full Lyrics- For Part Practice Covered by Singer micah

A warm message song that depicts gratitude to friends and an unshakable bond even when you’re apart.

It was created by Yuzu, a folk duo with immense popularity.

Originally written after the earthquake to encourage tour staff, it was later reworked around the theme of setting out on a journey.

Released as a single in September 2013, it was later included on albums such as “Shinsekai.” It was chosen as the set piece for the Junior High School Division of the 80th NHK National School Music Competition and was also broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” It’s recommended for graduation ceremonies, to be sung together while sharing feelings as you express your thoughts to your cherished friends.

Smile AgainNEW!Mari Nakayama

Smile Again (Chorus).MP4

A warm choral piece that gently gives you a push and lifts your spirits when you feel small and lose confidence.

It was created by Mari Nakayama, a lyricist and composer known for many songs widely loved in elementary schools.

With a kind presence that stays close to hearts that have grown downcast and forgotten how to smile, it carries a wonderful message encouraging you to face forward once again.

Released to the world as part of a choral collection published in June 1997, this piece has long been cherished as a go-to repertoire sung at school assemblies and events.

Try singing it together as a class, uniting your hearts at important milestones of school life—such as graduation ceremonies or staff transfer farewells.

skySakushi: SKY-HI / Sakkyoku: UTA, LOAR, SKY-HI

[NHK School Choir Contest 2025 Junior High Division Set Piece] Sora [Mixed Three-Part Chorus]

A song by SKY-HI released in 2025 as the compulsory piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition, Junior High School Division.

Featuring a warm, piano-driven melody and lyrics that convey a message to today’s youth who grapple with anxiety and inner conflict, this piece leaves a strong impression.

Arranged for choir by Masanori Kato, it is structured to be easy for middle school students to sing.

It’s an encouraging anthem that gives listeners the courage to move forward with their friends—without hiding their vulnerabilities or worries, and while embracing their true selves.

Be sure to check out the BE:FIRST version as well, which offers a different vibe.

14-fourteen-Sakushi Sakkyoku: Yugeda Kensuke

[Featured in textbooks from 2025] Junior High School 2nd-year chorus piece “14–fourteen–” for the Coming-of-Age Pledge Ceremony and grade-level chorus

This choral piece is filled with kindness that closely attends to the feelings of junior high school students.

It carefully depicts the anxieties, hopes, and growth of students turning 14 at the height of adolescence.

Along with its warm, heartfelt melody, the work carries a message that resonates with junior high schoolers.

It was included in 2020 in Education Art Co.’s music textbook for fourth-grade elementary students and has earned high praise in educational settings.

Ideal for moments when you want to sing as one—such as choir competitions and graduation ceremonies—this piece is perfect for deepening class bonds.

CorrectRADWIMPS

2023-03-09 3rd-year grade chorus “Seikai”

A song created for NHK’s “18 Festival 2018” that feels destined to become a staple choral piece for future junior high students.

You can watch the program on NHK’s official YouTube channel.

It’s impossible not to be moved by the scenes where 1,000 teenagers—each bringing their own thoughts and feelings—and the three members of RADWIMPS come together as one to sing and shed tears.

The lyrics, which portray young people taking one step at a time while grappling with the worries and hazy feelings unique to adolescence, are highly relatable.

With a chorus that shines in the refrain, it’s a beautiful anthem of youth.

See?Sakushi: Itou Keiji/Sakki: Matsushita Kou

“See?” Hata Boys & Girls Choir “Horane”

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.