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[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!

[For Middle Schoolers] Recommended Classic Songs to Sing at Graduation (21–30)

CorrectRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – The Answer [Official Live Video from “ANTI ANTI GENERATION TOUR 2019”]
CorrectRADWIMPS

How about a heart-gripping, emotional number that truly resonates with the younger generation? It’s a song by the rock band RADWIMPS, included on their ninth album, ANTI ANTI GENERATION, released in 2018.

The track was written specifically for the event “RADWIMPS 18-sai,” which was planned for audiences aged 17 to 19.

The lyrics capture experiences and feelings that just about every junior and senior high school student goes through, making it highly relatable.

By the time you’ve listened—or sung—it through, you’ll likely feel inspired to live true to yourself.

Letter ~Dear You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki

Angela Aki “Letter ~Dear You, Fifteen~” Official Music Video (HD)
Letter ~Dear You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki

Since it’s a song themed around being 15, it’s perfect for ninth graders.

It’s one of singer-songwriter Angela Aki’s signature tracks, released in 2008 as her eighth single.

Beyond her vocals, the beautiful piano tones are truly cleansing.

The lyrics depict writing a letter about one’s current worries to one’s future self—and the future self writing back.

It’s a masterpiece that middle schoolers, who are on the verge of becoming adults and moving toward the future, should definitely listen to.

On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai

Ai Kawashima / On the Day of Departure (Lyrics)
On the day of departure...Kawashima Ai

In fact, some of you may have sung this at your graduation ceremony in elementary school or in your first or second year of junior high.

It’s a song by Ai Kawashima, a singer-songwriter from Fukuoka Prefecture, released in 2006 as her eighth single.

It is the original version of “Ashita e no Tobira,” the debut single she released during her time as a member of the music duo I WiSH, which became a huge hit.

The gentle melody line matches her soft singing voice, creating a calming feel.

Try singing it with conviction, letting your emotions ride on the music.

YELLikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “YELL” Music Video
YELLikimonogakari

“Goodbye” may be sad, but it isn’t something unhappy; it’s a word of encouragement to keep moving toward your own dreams—so teaches this moving message song.

It’s a track by Ikimono-gakari, the music group known for hits like “Arigatou” and “Blue Bird,” released in 2009 as their 15th single.

Unlike the transition from elementary to junior high school, junior high graduation often means a higher chance of being separated from your classmates.

Try singing it while thinking of friends who are going on to different schools.

On the Day of Departure

[Chorus Song] On the Day of Departure / With Lyrics / Singing Practice / Graduation Song #chorus #classchorus #graduationsong #choruscontest
On the Day of Departure

For many people, this is the song that immediately comes to mind for graduation ceremonies.

Born in 1991 at a junior high school in Saitama Prefecture, the song’s reputation spread over time through features in music magazines and use in TV commercials, and it has now become one of the quintessential graduation songs.

It has also been released as a single by famous artists on multiple occasions.

With lyrics that express hope for the future in straightforward words and a melody that makes you feel like you could fly anywhere, it’s full of charm.

cherry blossomKobukuro

Both the lyrics, the melody, and the vocals seem to seep deep into your heart.

This work is by the musical duo Kobukuro, known for their beautiful choral work and straightforward musicality, and it was released in 2005 as their 12th single.

It became a big hit after being chosen as the theme song for the drama “Ns’ Aoi.” The song says that although parting from someone is painful, by thinking of that person, the feeling of love begins to grow within you.

Graduation really is a sad event, isn’t it? But that’s exactly why it helps us take another step toward adulthood.

Try singing it while truly feeling the meaning of the lyrics.

HarukaYOASOBI

Haruka / YOASOBI [Mixed 3-Part Chorus] With Sheet Music (Arranged by Tae Hirai)
HarukaYOASOBI

When it comes to songs befitting a graduation ceremony that celebrates a new beginning, YOASOBI’s “Haruka” comes to mind.

The song features a dynamic melody and ikura’s sparkling vocals that leave a strong impression.

And when you listen to the lyrics, you’ll surely picture someone dear to you.

After the ups and downs of school life, you carry your memories in your heart and step toward the future—this is a song that lets you share that feeling.

If the whole class sings it out powerfully together, it will become a wonderful page in your memories.