[For Middle Schoolers] Recommended Classic Songs to Sing at Graduation Ceremonies

At any timeYugeda Kensuke

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

Set to a gentle melody that feels familiar to everyone, Kensuke Yugeda’s song expresses gratitude at the milestone age of ten.

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

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

The piece is included on the album “Dream & Dream: Yume o Tsunagou,” and it has been selected for inclusion in elementary school music textbooks starting in 2024.

Mr.

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

It is a song you’ll want to sing with care when expressing gratitude to important people, such as at a “Half-Coming-of-Age Ceremony” or end-of-year school events.

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 fresh melodies woven by Kensuke Yugedate carry a gentle calm while conveying a moving message.

In clear, resonant words, it speaks of 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 appear in elementary school music textbooks starting in 2024.

Its kind, uplifting message is perfect for children who are about to meet new people in a new environment.

As they take their next step in school life, this wonderful song will give them courage and hope—please give it a listen.

Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46

The Only One Who Knows Is the Graduation Photo by Hinatazaka46

A graduation-themed song with a poignant love story layered over the cherry blossom season leaves a strong impression.

Hinatazaka46’s clear, pure vocals gently embrace memories of the past and feelings that were never confessed.

It’s the group’s 13th single, released in January 2025, with Nao Kosaka serving as center.

The music video, set on a graduation day, was released in December 2024.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to in the season when the arrival of spring brings back nostalgic feelings.

Highly recommended for students approaching graduation and for anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.

everythingAizawa Naoto

Zenbu [Piano Accompaniment Version] – Vocal Ensemble EST

This is an unaccompanied mixed-chorus piece that conveys a message of cherishing everyday emotions.

It is a work in which Naoto Aizawa set music to a poem by manga artist Momoko Sakura, singing that emotions like crying, laughing, getting angry, and feeling joy are all present here and now just as they are.

It was included in the choral collection “Zenbu Koko ni,” published by Ongaku no Tomo Sha in July 2011, and was also used in the TBS drama “Aozora—Omotesando Koko Gasshobu!” The simple yet profound musical style further emphasizes the message of the lyrics.

For graduation ceremonies, the version with moving piano accompaniment is recommended.

It’s a perfect song for junior high school students who may feel anxious about entering a new environment.

Everyone, everyone is shining.Yugeda Kensuke

Everyone, everyone is shining (unison chorus)

Riding on a cherry-blossom-colored breeze, this heartwarming song by Kensuke Yugeda gently sings of the hopeful arrival of spring.

It carries a message of encouragement for children taking their first steps forward, conveying a sense of anticipation for a shining future.

Its melody, expressing both endearing freshness and the courage to walk toward one’s dreams, tenderly nestles against the listener’s heart.

The piece is included on the album “Shiawase ni Naare” and is a beloved song performed at entrance ceremonies and welcome events for new students in elementary schools across Japan.

Since June 2018, it has been passed down in schools nationwide, and through more than 2,000 school concerts, Mr.

Yugeda has delivered it directly to children.

It is a springtime song brimming with joy, one we hope new students, teachers, and families will listen to.

The day called tomorrowYagisawa Kyoji

[Chorus] A Day Called Tomorrow (Three-Part Mixed Choir)

This song weaves a message of becoming stronger and surpassing oneself into lyrics that reflect the voices of exam takers.

Released in 2006, it spread after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake as a symbolic song for recovery support and moved many hearts.

Featuring a warm melody that sings of hope for the future and the preciousness of life, it’s also cherished as a graduation song.

To all middle school students feeling anxious about a new environment, why not listen to this song and take a moment to face yourself? It’s sure to give you courage!

In springKinoshita Makiko

In spring

This choral piece delicately portrays the complex emotions that arise in the heart with the arrival of spring.

Its poetry, which resonates with junior high school students’ feelings, blends with a beautiful melody and has earned widespread affection.

Since its release in 1989, it has been widely sung in school music classes and choral competitions, and in the 2003 NHK National School Music Contest, many schools selected it as their free-choice piece.

The work expresses the exhilaration, anticipation, and unease felt in spring, making it a perfect song for graduation ceremonies that closely accompanies the feelings of graduates as they step into a new environment.

Why not sing it as a piece to color the final moments of junior high school life?