[For junior high students] Choral songs you’ll want to sing at your middle school graduation ceremony. Songs that touch the heart.

Light of Fireflies

Ayaka Hirahara – Auld Lang Syne ~ Hotaru no Hikari

This is a grand yet warm song often heard in various settings, such as at graduation ceremonies, year-end chorus performances, and as background music at closing time.

Based on the Scottish folk tune “Auld Lang Syne,” it has Japanese lyrics that reflect on the passage of time.

Because its message is strong, it lends itself to many approaches—singing with piano accompaniment, layering only voices, and more.

It’s a piece you may want to express with the feeling of carefully tracing the time and memories you’ve shared with your friends.

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SAKURAikimonogakari

SAKURA – Ikimonogakari (Full)

A heartwarming song that gently portrays the season when cherry blossoms dance in the air.

Its fresh, springlike melody blends with the clear, transparent voice of Kiyoe Yoshioka from Ikimono-gakari, resonating deeply with the listener.

While carefully depicting the scenes of a season marked by meetings and partings, it serves as an encouraging anthem that gives you the courage to take your next step.

Released in March 2006 as their major-label debut, it was also used in an NTT East Japan commercial.

It has often been broadcast to coincide with school graduation season and continues to be cherished as a song of memories.

It’s recommended for those experiencing the farewells of spring, wanting to look ahead and move forward, or about to take a new step.

At any timeYugeda Kensuke

[Lyrics Video] Donnatokimo (Alto) — Vocals: Oita City Matsuoka Elementary School Music Club

A song by Kensuke Yugeda that expresses gratitude at the milestone age of ten, set to a gentle melody that feels familiar to everyone.

It warmly conveys treasured memories with friends and heartfelt thanks to family and teachers.

The tender, embracing tune resonates deeply with listeners and invites empathy.

This piece is included on the album “Dream & Dream: Let’s Connect Our Dreams,” and starting in 2024 it has been selected for inclusion in elementary school music textbooks.

Yugeda, who holds school concerts nationwide, has performed over 2,000 times and continues composing with children in mind.

It’s a song you’ll want to sing with all your heart when expressing thanks to important people—at events like the “Halfway to Adulthood Ceremony” (celebrating turning ten) or end-of-year grade activities.

People and PeopleYugeda Kensuke

"Hito to Hito" (Lyrics: Tomohiro Iwai, Music: Kensuke Yugeda, Performance: Toin Gakuen Elementary School) — a choral piece for a music concert

This is a warm piece that sings about the importance of encounters through music.

The refreshing melody woven by Kensuke Yugeda is wrapped in gentle calm while carrying an inspiring message.

It expresses, in straightforward and deeply resonant words, the joy born from human connections and the inevitable meaning hidden within chance meetings.

Delivered by the pure voices of the Toin Gakuen Elementary School Choir, the work is also slated to be included in elementary school music textbooks starting in 2024.

Its kind, uplifting message is perfect for children who are about to experience new encounters in a fresh environment.

Before taking a new step in school life, be sure to listen to this wonderful song that offers courage and hope.

Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46

The Only One Who Knows Is the Graduation Photo by Hinatazaka46

A song by Hinatazaka46 themed around graduation.

It gently sings of the bittersweet feelings of the cherry blossom season and the love that went unspoken.

Memories and regrets sealed in graduation photos resonate deeply, intertwined with clear, transparent vocals.

Set for release on January 29, 2025, the track features Nao Kosaka as center and will be available in five editions: limited first-press versions and a regular edition.

It was premiered at their Tokyo Dome concert on December 26, 2024.

It’s a recommended listen not only for students entering graduation season, but also for anyone who wants to reflect on past loves.

Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata / Aogeba Aozora Music Video

This piece beautifully portrays graduation as a milestone in life.

Motohiro Hata’s clear, translucent vocals capture both the sorrow of parting and the hope of a new beginning in full.

Released in March 2019, it garnered attention as the theme song for a SoftBank TV commercial.

While cherishing past memories, this work gives you the courage to take a step toward the future.

It’s a song we hope those embarking on a new chapter this spring will listen to.

Its heartfelt melody and lyrics will surely give you a gentle push forward.

Graduation PhotoArai Yumi

Graduation Photograph / Sotsugyou Shashin (2022 Ｍix)

A masterpiece woven from a gentle, heart‑tendering voice and lyrics that gracefully depict nostalgia for days gone by.

Featured on the album “COBALT HOUR,” released by Yumi Arai in June 1975, this song delicately expresses life and change after graduation.

It lyrically and richly spins memories of a cherished person who lives on forever in the realm of reminiscence.

It was also chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s drama “Sotu Uta” and the film “Watch with Me.” A heartwarming anthem of encouragement to listen to in times of sorrow or when standing at a crossroads in life.