A wonderful classic

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

Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
With the motto “Learn the basics and enjoy putting them into practice,” I worked as a vocal coach specializing in Western music. As a teen, I questioned the idea that “Western music equals English,” and started listening to songs from around the world. Today, I devour music from over 80 countries and run a personal blog introducing tracks. I often listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. I’ll keep updating articles daily to find the one perfect song you’re looking for!
Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

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!

[For Middle Schoolers] Recommended Classic Songs to Sing at Graduation (91–100)

Cherry blossom seasonATSUSHI

Choral Piece “Season of Cherry Blossoms”

Cherry blossom seasonATSUSHI

Set in the season when cherry blossoms dance, this song beautifully captures the mix of hope and anxiety that accompanies a new beginning.

Written by EXILE ATSUSHI as he reflects on his own junior high school days, the lyrics resonate with students facing graduation.

Broadcast on “Minna no Uta” starting in August 2014, the piece moved many viewers with its gentle melody woven by piano and strings, layered with ATSUSHI’s emotionally rich vocals that strike deep in the listener’s heart.

As a song that accompanies life’s milestones—such as graduation and school entrance ceremonies—it is sure to remain beloved by many for years to come.

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Smile ~You Are Not Alone~shiori

EME-C3147 Smile ~You're Not Alone~ Booklet [Mixed Three-Part Chorus]

Smile ~You Are Not Alone~shiori

This warm song gently supports the hearts of graduating students whose chests are full as they prepare to part from family and friends.

Shiori’s gentle voice speaks to each person, saying, “It’s okay—you’re not alone.” Released in May 2012, the song was also used in a Studio Alice commercial.

The “Hana no Shiori” initiative, which involved visiting schools nationwide and singing together with over 20,000 students, drew attention as a message aiming for a society without bullying.

For junior high school students feeling anxious about new environments, listening to this song will surely help them realize that there are people who support them and feel reassured: “I’m not alone.”

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GIVE ME FIVE!AKB48

[MV full] GIVE ME FIVE! / AKB48 [Official]

GIVE ME FIVE!AKB48

AKB48 is the girls’ group that created a new standard in the idol scene.

Their 25th major single, “GIVE ME FIVE!”, whose title means a high-five in English, became a hot topic for featuring the members playing instruments instead of dancing.

It’s great arranged for choir, but for junior high students, it might be even more fun to liven up the stage as a band.

With the catchphrase “When we’ve cried enough for a lifetime, let’s high-five!”, it’s a perfect number to brighten up a graduation ceremony.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata / Aogeba Aozora Music Video

Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro

A gentle melody and warm vocals that soothe an anxious heart make this the perfect song for a time of departure.

Delivered through Motohiro Hata’s distinctive singing, the lyrics let you savor the meaning of goodbye.

It’s not just a farewell song—it’s an uplifting track that offers hope and courage for the future.

Released as a digital single in March 2019, it was written for the SoftBank music project TV commercial “Graduation.” Even in moments of lonely parting, this song will help you face a new beginning with a positive outlook.

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COSMOS

[Choral Piece] COSMOS / One Singer per Part [Astonishing Quality with a Small Ensemble]

COSMOS

A memorable piece featuring a beautiful melody and lyrics that evoke a vast universe.

Released by Aquamarine in 1999, the song was later arranged as a choral work by Hiroshi Tomizawa and has since become beloved at many schools.

Its gentle melody in E-flat major brings hope and deep emotion for the new departure that graduation represents.

Singing it together with classmates will surely create lasting memories.

Junior high school students, why not express both the joy of graduation and the sadness of parting through this work?

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