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

JourneyFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Tabiji (Official Video)

In March 2021, Fujii Kaze performed this number as a piano-and-vocal piece on TV Asahi’s “Hodo Station” for graduating students across the country, and it became a big talking point.

Written as the theme song for the drama “Nijiiro Karte,” the piece features a soulful arrangement and the warm tone of a Wurlitzer.

Comparing life to a long journey, it conveys feelings for companions who continue learning together while forgiving the mistakes of youth.

The message—that it’s precisely because things end that we can cherish each day—is sure to resonate with junior high school students facing the milestone of graduation.

The lyrics, which give you the courage to step into the future even as you look back on the past, are perfect for a graduation ceremony celebrating a new beginning.

Singing it while remembering the time spent with classmates will make it an unforgettable, moving memory.

bondYamazaki Tomoko

"Kizuna" Chorus Song / Mixed Choir in Three Parts / Full Ensemble (All) - With Full Lyrics - For Part Practice - Covered by Singer micah

Beloved as a classic graduation song, this choral piece by Tomoko Yamazaki features lyrics that evoke everyday moments spent with friends—like the cherry blossom season or the walk home at dusk.

It reminds us that the times we laughed together and sometimes struggled are irreplaceable treasures.

Even when we are apart, our hearts remain deeply connected—an encouraging message that turns the sadness of parting into hope.

Included in a collection published in July 2010, the piece was originally composed as a commemorative work for a choral seminar.

Characterized by simple yet beautiful harmonies, it continues to be sung in various arrangements, such as three-part mixed chorus and two-part equal voices.

It’s a perfect song for graduation ceremonies or farewell gatherings, bringing a class together to sing as one.

I’m glad I met you.Inoue Sonoko

Sonoko Inoue “I’m Glad I Met You” BOMBER-E LIVE

A number by Sonoko Inoue that makes you realize those ordinary days were irreplaceable treasures.

It’s included on her first album, “Hello,” released in March 2016, and drew attention as the theme song for the drama “Sakura Saku” and in a KKBOX commercial.

The lyrics capture the genuine feelings of Inoue herself, then a third-year high school student, and they move you not only with a sense of loneliness but also with gratitude for the people you met and a forward-looking message.

The warm yet refreshing sound woven by piano and strings beautifully colors graduation ceremonies where tears and smiles mingle.

It’s the perfect song to sing when you want to convey overflowing thanks to friends as you each head down different paths.

IchibanboshiSnow Man

Snow Man “Ichibanboshi” Rec Video

A cheering song that gently gives you a push while staying close to your weakness and doubt.

Included on the regular edition of Snow Man’s sixth single, “Brother Beat,” released in March 2022, this track quietly makes its presence felt with a message that seeps into the heart, even as the title song drew attention as the theme for the film Osomatsu-san.

It acknowledges that there are nights when you can’t even accept words of encouragement, that you don’t have to reject the version of yourself who ends up in tears, and it carefully scoops up such delicate emotions, ultimately arriving at the warmth of “you’re not alone”—a progression that resonates deeply.

The choral feel of the nine voices overlapping is also perfect for graduation scenes, where you can truly sense the bonds with your companions.

It’s a song that gently stays by the side of those who are anxious about a new environment or feel like things aren’t going well even though they want to do their best.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Promise of Sunflowers [from the 25th Owariasahi Children’s Choir Regular Concert]

Written as the theme song for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon,” this piece became one of Motohiro Hata’s signature works.

Released as a single in August 2014, it is also included on the albums “Ao no Koukei” and “All Time Best Hata Motohiro.” Many listeners were undoubtedly moved by its lyrics, which portray the warmth of those who stay by our side and the unchanging bonds that endure even when we’re apart.

Widely loved as well for its use in NTT West’s commercials, the melody is so well-known that anyone can hum along.

This song, which reminds us that the ordinary moments spent with friends are priceless, is the perfect choice for a graduation ceremony to say “thank you” to teachers and peers who have supported you.

Unchanging Thingssakushi: yamazaki tomoko / sakkyoku: yamazaki tomoko

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

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.

GarnetOku Hanako

Hanako Oku / Garnet (Solo Performance) [Music Video]

A moving ballad that brings to mind scene after scene from student days—the sprinting figures on the field, casual after-school conversations, lines of handwriting in a notebook.

Released in 2006 as Hanako Oku’s fourth single, it reached a wide audience as the theme song for director Mamoru Hosoda’s animated film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.

It’s a celebrated classic that also won the Heisei Anime Song Award for Best Film Theme.

In simple words, it conveys both the ache of time slipping away and gratitude for the encounters that made one stronger.

Even if we are separated, those days will never fade.

That message resonates deeply, making it a perfect song for the milestone of a graduation ceremony.

It’s a piece we especially hope junior high school students will sing as they engrave memories with friends in their hearts and take their first steps forward.