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

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE powerfully sings of the struggles and hopes of youth in this song, released in January 2025.

Created as the theme for NHK General’s special program “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18 Festival,” it featured a performance with 1,000 eighteen-year-olds that drew widespread acclaim.

Centered on the importance of living authentically as yourself, the piece delicately portrays the feelings of those weighed down by others’ expectations and social pressure.

Its message—keep moving forward by staying true to yourself and listening to your inner voice—is sure to resonate deeply with graduates taking their first steps toward a new chapter.

Blending an emotional melody with an energetic sound, this song offers courage for the future while looking back on days spent with friends.

KanadeSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

This song is a beautiful ballad that portrays parting with someone dear and the wish to stay connected at heart beyond that farewell.

Released by Sukima Switch in March 2004 as their second single, it features a sentimental sound centered on piano and guitar that truly resonates.

It was used as an insert song for the film “Rough,” the theme song for the drama “Sotsu Uta,” and in 2006 was selected as the ending theme for the final day of “Netto Koshien.” The protagonist’s earnest desire to reach someone through voice and song even when apart mirrors the feelings of junior high school students facing the milestone of graduation.

It’s a track that, while looking back on days with friends, makes you want to cherish those bonds going forward.

Sung as a chorus, it would surely fill the entire venue with warm tears.

CorrectRADWIMPS

Chorus 'Seikai' / RADWIMPS / 18 Festival / (Mixed Chorus, 3 Parts) Entire (All) - With Full Lyrics - For Part Practice Covered by Singer micah

As a song suitable for students’ graduation ceremonies, RADWIMPS’ “Seikai” (Correct Answer) is also recommended.

First performed on the music documentary program “18-Fes,” this piece featured the artist singing together with 18-year-olds and moved viewers’ hearts.

Why not recreate that emotion at your graduation ceremony? The compelling lyrics resonate with the graduates’ experiences and will deliver a heartfelt message.

Choral sheet music is available on the official website, making preparations smooth.

RADWIMPS’ music is a wonderful choice to warmly send off students as they embark on a new journey.

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE

Michi (Road); EXILE (Ashikaga Children’s Choir)

It’s an essential, classic ballad for graduation season, where the sadness of parting and hope for the future intertwine.

With lyrics that resonate—filled with memories of special places and gratitude to those who supported you—it gives you the courage to take a new step.

Released in February 2007 as EXILE’s 23rd single, it’s also a commemorative work that achieved the 1,000th No.

1 in Oricon chart history.

It was used in commercials such as for “music.jp.” This release also includes a choral version, and it’s a standard often sung at actual graduation ceremonies.

Sung while reaffirming bonds with friends, it’s a song that will be deeply etched in children’s memories.

About meMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Me (Chorus Version) by Kanagawa Prefectural Shonan High School Choir

A song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE used as the support anthem for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

With lyrics themed around a “hymn to life,” it highlights the importance of self-acceptance and growth.

While acknowledging the reality that effort and loneliness don’t always pay off, it delivers a heartwarming message that still gives you the courage to move forward.

Released in January 2019, the track is known as a grand rock ballad incorporating marching band elements.

From November 2022, an orchestral arrangement was featured in Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Calorie Mate exam-season support commercial series, resonating with many listeners.

It’s a perfect song for graduation ceremonies and for anyone about to take a new step.

Best FriendKiroro

Kiroro ｢Best Friend｣ Official Music Video

This is the 10th single by Kiroro, a female duo from Okinawa, released in June 2001.

Chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Churasan and performed at the 52nd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, it has been loved across generations.

Written by vocalist Chiharu Tamashiro as a thank-you to pianist Ayano Kinjo, the song resonates with heartfelt emotions born from the two sharing joys and hardships since their high school days.

In 2016, it was also used as the ending theme for the Japanese-dubbed version of the film The Good Dinosaur.

With lyrics expressing gratitude to a friend who stays by your side, it’s perfect for graduation season.

Singing it at a graduation ceremony while reflecting on days spent with cherished friends is sure to stir emotions tied to those memories.

Season of BeginningsNEW!Makihara Noriyuki × Hanaregumi

Season of Beginnings

This is the piece I want you to hear in that season when you slip into a new uniform and your heart is a mix of anticipation and nerves.

It’s the first collaborative work by Noriyuki Makihara and Hanaregumi, released in April 2025, which began streaming after an exclusive one-month airplay on FM COCOLO.

Sparked by their appearance together on a radio program, the song weaves in sounds of folk instruments like the charango to evoke spring’s curious sense of uplift.

Its appeal lies in how it gently stays close not only to celebration and brightness, but also to the unease and inner restlessness that come with changes in our surroundings.

As you embark on your new junior high school life, if you ever feel lost or find yourself about to pause, their harmonies will surely offer a quiet hand at your back.