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

Best FriendNishino Kana

Kana Nishino 'Best Friend (short ver.)'

It’s a graduation song I want to send to my irreplaceable, beloved friends.

Released in 2010 as Kana Nishino’s ninth single, it’s a ballad created with the concept of “friendship.” The straightforward, heartfelt lyrics expressing gratitude are perfect for graduation scenes.

It might feel awkward to say “thank you” face-to-face to the friends you could confide in about things you couldn’t tell your parents or teachers, but with this song, it feels possible to convey those feelings.

It would be wonderful to sing it together with the friends who were with you through the tough times and the happy times.

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hiyori

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Let’s search for TomorrowLyrics by Hori Tōru · Music by Ōsawa Tetsunori

Let’s search for Tomorrow

Composed in 1989, this choral piece was written for junior high school students, with lyrics by Toru Hori and music by Toshinori Osawa.

Since “Toru Hori” is a pen name of Toshinori Osawa, the song was in fact created solely by Osawa.

It’s a staple at middle school choral competitions, and its forward-looking lyrics and moving finale make it perfect for graduation ceremonies as well.

Loved continuously from its creation to the present day, it’s the kind of song that may soon be sung by parents and children together across generations.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Song of FledgingSakushi Murano Shirō, Sakkyoku Iwakawa Saburō

[Graduation Song] “Sudachi no Uta” (Song of Leaving the Nest), mixed chorus; lyrics: Shiro Murano, music: Saburo Iwagawa #GraduationSong

This is a classic song for graduation ceremonies, depicted from the perspective of students setting off to new places.

The piano accompaniment, which evokes both the sadness of parting and the resolve to move forward, also leaves a striking impression.

In the scene of departure that is graduation, the lyrics express gratitude toward those with whom time has been shared, while reflecting on the memories up to that point.

It also portrays the wish that each person’s path ahead will be filled with happiness, conveying a powerful sense of hope.

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kappamaki

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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.

south wind

South Wind Choir (with lyrics)

As a choral piece suitable for a junior high school graduation ceremony, I recommend Hiroshi Tomioka’s “Minamikaze” (“South Wind”).

Its lyrics resonate with the feelings of middle school students, and the melody, which inspires hope for the future, will create unforgettable moments for the graduates.

Drawing on Mr.

Tomioka’s own experience as a teacher, this piece gently supports students as they take their first steps toward adulthood, watching over them warmly and encouraging them—truly a perfect song for a graduation ceremony.