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

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked for 10 years as a kindergarten teacher and for 7 years as an after-school childcare instructor, then took a post as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I also engaged in activities that shared Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational play, working with many children. Afterwards, through freelance writing, planning, and editing work at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and conveying ideas. Leveraging the perspective cultivated in educational settings and my experience as an editor, I aim to deliver practical information—focusing on fields related to music and children—that values both input and output. Hobbies include instruments, singing, handcrafts, toys, drawing, traditional play, the outdoors, books, DIY, and crafts. Special skill: spinning-top tricks.
Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

Choral performances are showcased at various school events, such as choir competitions and graduation ceremonies.

Why not take on a slightly challenging piece and surprise your audience during this special opportunity to sing together as a class or grade?

In this article, we introduce difficult choral pieces suitable for junior high school students.

Because of the higher level of difficulty, this lineup is especially recommended for 9th graders and choir club members.

Of course, 7th and 8th graders are welcome to try, too!

There are many challenging aspects—like achieving beautiful harmony and keeping precise rhythm—but with solid practice, you can deliver a wonderful, resonant performance.

[For Junior High School Choir] Carefully Selected Difficult Popular Works & Standard Songs (41–50)

The Named LeafIinuma Nobuyoshi

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

The Named LeafIinuma Nobuyoshi

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.

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I can hear silence.Sakushi: Sumino Yoru / Sakkyoku: Matsumoto Nozomi

Hearing Silence [Conductor Cam] Conductor: Naoto Aizawa / 89th (2022) NHK National School Music Competition, High School Division — Set Piece

I can hear silence.Sakushi: Sumino Yoru / Sakkyoku: Matsumoto Nozomi

A gem of a choral piece by Nozomi Matsumoto that listens to the voice of the heart in the midst of silence.

Its delicate harmonies and richly expressive melody beautifully convey feelings beyond words.

Chosen as the set piece for the High School Division of the 89th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition, it deeply moved many students.

The work is available in several versions, including mixed chorus (SATB) and three-part women’s chorus.

Sung together at important occasions such as choral competitions or graduation ceremonies, it is sure to create a moving stage that resonates in the hearts of listeners.

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March 9Remioromen

Remioromen – March 9

March 9Remioromen

A song marked by lyrics full of kindness and a memorable melody.

Created to celebrate a member’s friend’s wedding, it gently portrays moments that evoke the changing seasons and feelings of gratitude toward loved ones.

The transition from a calm tone to a soaring chorus showcases Remioromen’s signature delicacy of expression.

Released in March 2004, the song drew wide attention as an insert track in the Fuji TV drama “1 Litre of Tears.” It’s a moving piece often performed at important gatherings—such as choirs and graduation ceremonies—where people come together.

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Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Hata Motohiro - Promise of a Sunflower (choral/chorus version)

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Hata Motohiro’s song, written specifically as the theme for a 3DCG animated film, is a moving piece that sings of an unending bond of love.

The gentle tones of the acoustic guitar and his clear, transparent vocals softly embrace the heart.

Released as a single in August 2014, it reached No.

4 on the Oricon Daily Ranking and earned a million-download certification for the single track, capturing the hearts of many.

Perfectly in harmony with the movie’s theme, this work resonates across time as a classic, making it ideal for choral performance.

It’s highly recommended for school events and gatherings where you want to deepen the bonds among friends.

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Wasted wishesAKB48

[MV full] Negai-goto no Mochigusare / AKB48 [Official]

Wasted wishesAKB48

A track notable for its unusual 6/8 time signature and a mysterious melody reminiscent of Russian folk songs.

AKB48’s expressive harmonies pair perfectly with the original choreography, which evokes a wizard manipulating dolls.

Released in May 2017, the piece was broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” and was also selected as the required song for the Junior High School Division of the 84th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

Its appeal as a choral work is fully brought out, making it a song you’ll want to perform in school music classes and choir competitions.

Recommended as a piece that invites singers to reflect together on the meaning of making dreams and wishes come true.

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BelieveLyrics and Composition: Sugimoto Ryūichi

[Choral Song] Believe — Tokyo Tama Boys and Girls Choir

Believe Composer/Lyricist: Sugimoto Ryūichi

This is a choral piece filled with a warm, embracing melody and deep affection.

Ryuichi Sugimoto infused the song with themes of friendship, mutual support, and hope for the future.

Overflowing with a gentle desire to stand by someone who needs encouragement, this work was released in 1998 as the ending theme for NHK’s “Ikimono Chikyū Kikō” (A Journey of Life on Earth).

Its warm lyrics and harmonies are perfect for choir competitions that aim to deepen classroom bonds or for memorable graduation ceremonies.

Sung together with friends, it becomes a piece that resonates even more deeply.

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As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE

EME-C3138 Again and Again / DREAMS COME TRUE [Mixed Chorus, 3 Parts]

As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE

An inspiring anthem by DREAMS COME TRUE that celebrates the strength to rise again and again.

Released in February 2005 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Emergency Room 24 Hours (Season 3),” the track reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

With its warm melody that empathizes with those striving to overcome setbacks and its grand arrangement, the song leaves a lasting impression.

It is also included on the album “THE LOVE ROCKS” and is beloved across generations.

A heartwarming piece that gently teaches the importance of believing in yourself and continuing to move forward when faced with difficulties—perfect for a choral performance at a school festival or as a closing number for a class presentation.

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