[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 School Students] Recommended Classic Songs to Sing at Graduation (41–50)
365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48
This AKB48 song was created as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Asa ga Kita.” Some of you may have listened to it every morning.
Because it’s well-known and widely loved, it’s a song that parents are likely to enjoy, too.
The melody is very simple and easy to remember, and as a choral piece it’s on the easier side, making it a good choice to start on even around graduation season when time is limited.
Sing this song and imagine yourself taking off like a paper airplane.
Eyes of the heartSakamoto Kyu
This song was the late Kyu Sakamoto’s final work, released in 1985.
The lyrics were written by Toyohisa Araki and the music composed by Takashi Miki.
Songs created by this duo and sung by Teresa Teng were big hits at the time—this piece comes from that golden partnership.
There’s a story behind how this song became a choral piece: just before Kyu Sakamoto passed away, a middle school music teacher happened to hear the song on his radio program, was deeply moved by it, created a choral arrangement, and that version gradually spread.
Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro
A song that was a huge hit in 2003.
The lyrics depict the cherry blossom season, and the fleeting worldview of the song is enough to bring tears to your eyes.
While the atmosphere of the music is reflective, the lyrics are positive and powerful, making it a song that evokes reunion and a bright future.
Singing it together will surely make you feel even more encouraged.
Just as it has continued to be sung in different forms—like the 2019 version—it will no doubt keep resonating in your heart even after graduation.
Thank youikimonogakari
This is Ikimonogakari’s 18th single, written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Gegege no Nyobo.
Released in May 2010, it won an Excellence Award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards.
The lyrics, which tenderly portray the love nurtured in everyday life and gratitude toward those dear to us, resonate deeply.
The warmth conveyed by holding hands and the hope for a shared future are expressed through a gentle melody that warmly embraces listeners.
In the 2013 school year, it was included as a choral piece in high school music textbooks, and it has also become a popular staple for graduation ceremonies.
It may feel a bit embarrassing to put into words, but this song is perfect for conveying thanks to the teachers, friends, and family who have supported you.
Why not sing it to express your honest feelings along with your memories of junior high school life?
RPGSEKAI NO OWARI
With its rhythmic performance and irresistibly catchy pop melody, “RPG” is a song that sends everyone off into graduation with a bright spirit.
Released by SEKAI NO OWARI in 2013, it was featured as the theme song for the film “Crayon Shin-chan: Very Tasty! B-class Gourmet Survival!!”.
The lyrics evoke a sense of adventure, bringing back memories of school life and offering a chance to appreciate your friends.
As you embark on a new journey, this song reminds you that you’re no longer alone—and gives you the courage to take your first steps.
proofflumpool
A flumpool song created in 2011 as the set piece for the 78th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition, junior high school division.
While it’s a choral work, it’s packed with pop elements, making it a song that junior high students can enjoy singing.
The first pressing came in a deluxe edition that included sheet music for mixed three-part chorus.
The lyrics depict the emotionally sensitive years of youth, making it easy to sing with a sense of authenticity.
The choral version is set in a higher key than the original, resulting in a clear, transparent sound.
BelieveMay J.
Believing, a song that evokes anticipation for a new future, is perfect for graduation ceremonies.
May J., known for songs like Let It Go from the film Frozen, covered it in 2014, beautifully recreating the original’s warmth and grand sense of scale.
Its lyrics, which help you cherish the days spent with friends and look ahead with hope for tomorrow, gently encourage graduates as they take their next steps.
Moreover, this song, which reminds you that you can help one another through whatever comes and that you’re never alone even when you’re apart, is highly recommended for graduation day.