[For Middle Schoolers] Recommended Classic Songs to Sing at Graduation Ceremonies
Have you already decided on the song to sing at the junior high school graduation ceremony?
When you graduate from junior high, it’s common for classmates to go their separate ways.
While reaching this milestone brings joy, many students also feel the sadness of parting from friends they spent every day with, as well as anxiety about entering a new environment.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of graduation songs that resonate with those pre-graduation feelings, including timeless staples and popular tracks.
Use it as a reference to help choose music that will brighten your graduation ceremony!
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[For Middle Schoolers] Recommended Classic Songs to Sing at Graduation (81–90)
Best FriendKiroro
Released in 2001 and used as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Churasan,” this piece was written by vocalist Tamashiro as an expression of daily gratitude to pianist Kinjo.
While it isn’t a choral work, it could make a fitting graduation song that resonates with junior high school students.
The combination of piano and voice suits the piece well, so having all the graduates sing it with piano accompaniment would look and sound excellent.
Because it’s a familiar song, it’s also recommended when there isn’t much time for practice.
Yui (written with the character for “knot” or “tie”)miwa
A song that colors the departure of junior high school students.
Miwa’s warm vocals light a beacon of hope in the hearts of the graduates.
Released in October 2016, this piece was written specifically as the required song for the Junior High School Division of the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.
Its theme is the wonder of taking on challenges together with friends as you reach for big dreams.
It was also featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” and Miwa performed it at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s perfect for junior high students who, at graduation, are bittersweetly parting from friends while feeling anxious about new surroundings.
This is a song that helps you reaffirm your bonds with your peers and gives you the courage to take a step into the future.
Just the way you areSakkyoku: Matsui Takao
The alto part may feel a bit difficult, but when the two parts fit together perfectly, the beauty of the melody is truly characteristic of Takao Matsui.
Also, there are sections in unison, so I think it’s easy to sing.
The accompaniment is simple as well, so it might be nice to have students handle both conducting and accompaniment.
Lingering Snowiruka
Singer-songwriter Iruka made her debut in 1970 as a member of the Shrieks and continues to be active today as a solo artist.
Her third single, “Nagori Yuki,” became a massive hit and a song everyone knows, but did you know it’s actually a cover of a track by Kaguya-hime, the legendary folk band? The lyrics paint scenes of the transition from winter to spring, making it a perfect fit for graduation season.
Even now, countless artists continue to cover it, and it stands as a representative number of spring in Japan.
Words of FarewellKaientai
Okuru Kotoba, the classic hit sung by Kaientai led by Tetsuya Takeda, is a staple that continues to be performed during graduation season.
It’s also well-known for the many cover versions by various musicians, such as a jazzy take by singer-songwriter Ohashi Trio and a rock version by FLOW.
Find the version you love—the one that perfectly matches how you feel right now.
