[For Junior High School Chorus] A Curated Selection of Challenging Popular Works and Classic Songs

refrainNobunaga Taketomi

Refrain (Mixed Chorus Collection “Isobars”)

Loved by many schools and choirs as a choral piece that honestly expresses the feelings of adolescents, this work beautifully blends Wakako Kaku’s fresh poetry with Takafumi Nobunaga’s approachable melodies, delicately portraying the “here and now” of children’s emotions.

Released in September 2016, it is arranged for three-part equal voices with piano accompaniment, making it accessible for singers from beginners to experienced.

The lyrics convey the importance of the time spent singing with friends, hearts united—perfect for class or grade-level performances such as choral competitions and graduation ceremonies.

Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu

Friend ~Time to Set Out~ / Yuzu

A graduation song by Yuzu that is often sung in middle school music classes.

Released in 2013, it was selected as the compulsory piece for the Middle School Division of the 80th NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition and was also aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” While it laments parting with friends, it carries the message that you’re bound by strong ties no matter where you are.

At graduation ceremonies or farewell parties, it’s nice to set aside your shyness for a moment, look back on your memories, and sing together through tears.

If you feel the bond with your friends, the sadness of parting should ease a little.

Wild horseIwakawa Saburō

[Choral Song] Wild Horses / Three-Part Mixed Chorus [With Lyrics]

A classic piece for choir competitions that children eagerly practice.

It features poetry depicting wild horses and a dynamic musical style.

Composed by Saburō Iwakawa, born in 1923, this work expresses the power of nature and the courage of horses.

With lyrics by Chieko Nakamura, it vividly portrays horses galloping through a storm.

Widely loved in educational settings and a popular challenge for many junior high school students, the piece includes many difficult aspects—such as achieving beautiful harmony and maintaining rhythm—but if everyone works together and practices, they will surely be able to deliver a wonderful performance.

See?Sakushi: Itou Keiji/Sakki: Matsushita Kou

“See?” Hata Boys & Girls Choir “Horane”

This is a heartwarming choral piece born as part of the “Sing NIPPON Project,” which was launched to support recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Created through a collaboration between Keiji Ito and Ko Matsushita and released in July 2011, the work gently sings of the harmony of nature and the bonds between people.

Its friendly melody brings listeners comfort and hope, and its structure makes it easy to perform even for school class choirs.

The vocal range is not very wide, making it a practical choice for choral competitions as well.

One Morningsakushi:kataoka akira/sakkyoku:hirayoshi kishū

One Morning

One Morning was released in 1978 as the set piece for the NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition, high school division.

With lyrics by Akira Kataoka and music by Takekuni Hirayoshi, the piece was created around the theme of “friendship.” Since its debut, it has been known as a highly challenging work, with difficult rises and falls in the melody and nuanced control of dynamics.

The section that begins with the male voices feels calm, but once the female voices enter, the piece surges with excitement.

The chorus is the highlight; it sounds most effective when you shape the ebb and flow carefully and adjust dynamics according to each part.

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skySakushi: SKY-HI / Sakkyoku: UTA, LOAR, SKY-HI

[NHK School Choir Contest 2025 Junior High Division Set Piece] Sora [Mixed Three-Part Chorus]

A song by SKY-HI released in 2025 as the compulsory piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition, Junior High School Division.

Featuring a warm, piano-driven melody and lyrics that convey a message to today’s youth who grapple with anxiety and inner conflict, this piece leaves a strong impression.

Arranged for choir by Masanori Kato, it is structured to be easy for middle school students to sing.

It’s an encouraging anthem that gives listeners the courage to move forward with their friends—without hiding their vulnerabilities or worries, and while embracing their true selves.

Be sure to check out the BE:FIRST version as well, which offers a different vibe.

The Named LeafIinuma Nobuyoshi

[Choral Piece] The Named Leaves / Mixed Three-Part Chorus [With Lyrics]

The choral piece composed by Nobuyoshi Iinuma is based on a poem by Kazue Shinkawa.

Its lyrics, which contrast poplar leaves with human beings, emphasize the importance of individuality and uniqueness.

Published by Kyoiku Geijutsu Sha in June 1986, the work has been widely performed in junior high school choral competitions.

With a gentle yet powerful character, its delicate melody matches the content of the poem.

It is often used in school music education and choral contests, and is especially recommended for ninth graders and choir members.

The lyrics carry a profound social message that will resonate deeply with listeners.