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

Time to Depart ~Asian Dream Song~sakushi: dorian suke kawa / sakkyoku: hisaishi jō

[Choral] Tabi-dachi no Toki ~Asian Dream Song~ / With Lyrics [High Quality Audio]

It is a gem of a choral work imbued with a message of hope and courage.

The melody, with its nostalgic sound based on the yo-nuki (pentatonic) scale, is beautifully balanced with a modern arrangement, evoking a sense of timeless beauty.

In September 1997, Kazufumi Miyazawa performed this piece as the theme song for the Nagano Winter Paralympics, and an instrumental version is included on the album “Piano Stories II.” Frequently performed at graduation ceremonies and choral competitions, the song is ideal for class- or grade-level ensembles, with scores available for a variety of voicings, including mixed three-part and four-part chorus.

riversakushi: hirai tamiko / sakkyoku: ishigeta fuyuki

River (Mixed Chorus) – Fuyuki Ishigeta

This is a gentle piece that overlays the quiet scene of a flowing river with the transience of life.

Created in 1985, it expresses the cycle of nature and the preciousness of life through its flowing melody and moving lyrics.

In addition to being included in junior high school music textbooks, it is performed at events such as choral competitions and graduation ceremonies.

Because it challenges expressive ability, it’s an ideal selection for choral competitions where not only pitch accuracy and technique but also understanding of the piece are evaluated.

ChessboardOfisharu Higedan Dism

N-Con 90 Required Piece “Chessboard” (Junior High School Division) | Kobe City Mixed Chorus

This song likens life to a chessboard, portraying the journey of finding one’s path while interweaving happiness and sorrow.

It suggests that chance encounters and everyday choices are essential in shaping the future, and it centers on the theme of growing by overcoming challenges and hardships.

Written as a commissioned piece for the 90th NHK National School Music Competition, it’s a poppy, melodic track characteristic of Official HIGE DANDism.

Let’s sing this song together with your friends—a piece that will give a push to junior high school students who are about to face important decisions!

skySKY-HI

SKY-HI / Sora (BE:FIRST) -Professional Karaoke-

A choral piece that gently embraces the various anxieties and conflicts of adolescence.

Its grand melody evokes a boundless sky, while its warm lyrics resonate with and support the worries of young people.

Written by SKY-HI—who is also highly acclaimed as an idol producer—the song was selected as the set piece for the Junior High School Division of the 92nd NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

The lyrics, which portray the determination to move forward despite unstable emotions, are sure to encourage junior high school students devoted to their studies and sports.

A Billion Light-Years of Solitudesakushi: tanikawa shuntarō / sakkyoku: kinoshita makiko

Two Billion Light-Years of Solitude (Music: Makiko Kinoshita / Poetry: Shuntaro Tanikawa) - Mixed Chorus Collection “Beyond the Horizon” - Nihon University Chorus

A choral piece by Makiko Kinoshita themed around the vastness of the universe and human solitude.

Marked by frequent key changes and syncopated rhythms, it expresses the smallness of humanity within the boundless cosmos.

Since its 1992 premiere, it has remained beloved by a wide audience—from middle and high school choirs to general music enthusiasts.

It is available in several voicings—mixed three-part, treble choir, and male chorus—each with its own distinct appeal.

With lyrics based on a poem by Shuntaro Tanikawa, the work carries profound philosophical themes that resonate deeply with listeners.

It’s a perfect piece for moments when people want to unite their hearts in song, such as at choral competitions or graduation ceremonies.

spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Spring Melancholy (Chorus ver.) by Waseda Jitsugyo School Music Club, Chorus Section

This song feels like a page from youth, delicately weaving together a range of emotions—sadness, wistfulness, joy, and more.

Infused with the genuine feelings the members of Mrs.

GREEN APPLE had when they graduated high school, it was released in February 2018 and featured in a Suntory “Craft Boss” commercial.

Portraying the complex emotions of parting and growing up—experiences everyone goes through—alongside a beautiful melody, it’s a perfect pick for middle schoolers.

Especially during graduation season, when joy and loneliness intermingle, it will bring a warm light to those who struggle to fully express their true, honest feelings.

About meMrs. GREEN APPLE

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An irresistibly sing-along, grand rock ballad! Featured as the fight song for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament and as the CalorieMate commercial song supporting test-takers, this track was released in October 2019 and is characterized by its striking sound that incorporates elements of a marching band.

With the theme of a “hymn to life,” it portrays growth through effort and setbacks, conveying the beauty of pursuing your dreams in your own way.

The expansive vocals and the majestic sound that supports the moving lyrics are truly captivating.

Sing it with friends, and you’ll feel ready to face tomorrow with more energy and positivity.