[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)
KanadeSukima Suichi
This song is a beautiful ballad that portrays parting with someone dear and the wish to stay connected at heart beyond that farewell.
Released by Sukima Switch in March 2004 as their second single, it features a sentimental sound centered on piano and guitar that truly resonates.
It was used as an insert song for the film “Rough,” the theme song for the drama “Sotsu Uta,” and in 2006 was selected as the ending theme for the final day of “Netto Koshien.” The protagonist’s earnest desire to reach someone through voice and song even when apart mirrors the feelings of junior high school students facing the milestone of graduation.
It’s a track that, while looking back on days with friends, makes you want to cherish those bonds going forward.
Sung as a chorus, it would surely fill the entire venue with warm tears.
[For Middle Schoolers] Recommended Classic Songs to Sing at Graduation (51–60)
Hymn to the EarthSakushi: Oki Atsuo / Sakkyoku: Sato Makoto
It’s a classic choral piece that’s often sung not only as a graduation song but also at choral competitions.
The lyricist, Atsuo Ōki, was a poet active from the Taishō through the Shōwa era, and the composer, Makoto Satō, completed the cantata “Song of the Earth” for mixed chorus and orchestra in 1962.
This work is positioned as its final movement.
With its grand theme praising and expressing gratitude to the earth that has nurtured life, its appeal lies in the moment when many voices merge into one.
It was included on the February 1987 album “Makoto Satō Works II (Song of the Earth / Young Chorus),” which helped it become widely known.
Its powerful resonance perfectly suits the solemn atmosphere of graduation ceremonies! How about singing it with gratitude to your parents who raised you, the teachers who taught you so much, and the friends with whom you spent your time?
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.
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.
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.
Precious thingsSakushi Sakkyoku Yamazaki Tomoko
Here is a song written and composed by Tomoko Yamazaki, a junior high school teacher.
Yamazaki has created many other popular choral pieces, including “Kawaranai Mono” (“Things That Don’t Change”).
This song is popular not only for graduation ceremonies but also as a piece for choral competitions.
Although the lyrics don’t specifically mention graduation, their meaning makes the song well-suited for graduation ceremonies.
Because the melody is easy to remember, I think the performance will be on a different level if everyone unifies their vocal tone and sings while reflecting on the meaning of the lyrics.
To tomorrowTomioka Hiroshi
This is a moving choral piece themed around hope for the future and the spirit of challenge.
It powerfully portrays young people pressing forward, carried by a blue wind, undaunted by headwinds or storms.
Released in 1996, the song has become a staple widely sung at junior high school chorus competitions.
It’s said that Hiroshi Tomioka’s experience as a junior high school teacher is reflected in lyrics and melodies that resonate with students’ hearts.
To all junior high schoolers approaching graduation: if you’re feeling anxious or lonely about the new environment ahead, please give this song a listen.
It’s sure to give you courage!