[Elementary School Music] List of Popular and Nostalgic Songs That Have Appeared in Textbooks

COSMOSSakushi sakkyoku: Mimasu

Choral Piece: COSMOS / With Lyrics [High Quality]

This work, which sings of the connection between the universe and humankind, is a song that conveys a deep affection for starry skies and nature.

Along with its beautiful melody, it delivers the message that each of us is a part of the cosmos.

Because it is often performed at choral competitions, many people may have sung it in elementary school.

Still highly popular as a choral piece today, it’s a song you’ll want to listen to while gazing up at the stars.

When you wish to reflect on the mysteries of the universe and nature, be sure to give it a listen.

BELIEVELyrics and Composition: Sugimoto Ryūichi

[Choral Song] Believe / With Lyrics [9/200]

Beloved by many as a choral piece that evokes both nostalgia and hope, this song’s lyrics celebrate the importance of friendship and mutual support, gently embracing the listener’s heart.

Released in 1998 as the ending theme for NHK’s “Ikimono Chikyū Kikō” (The Great Nature), it has since been widely sung at school events and choral competitions.

Filled with warmth that resonates with children and a forward-looking message for the future, this work offers comfort and encouragement.

When you need the courage to overcome difficulties, why not join your voices together and sing it?

puffPeter, Paul & Mary

Puff [Recorder] with Sheet Music

A heartwarming classic that portrays the friendship between a magical dragon and a boy.

Centered on themes of childhood growth and the loss of innocence, it sings of the dragon and the boy’s adventures and farewell.

Its fantastical worldview and beautiful melody move not only children but adults as well.

It was adapted into an animated film in 1978, and a picture book was published in 2007, making it a beloved work across generations.

Many people may remember singing it in elementary school music class or playing it on the recorder.

Try singing it together with your family and bask in a wave of nostalgia.

Born on this planetLyrics and Composition: Sugimoto Ryūichi

[Chorus] Born on This Planet (Mixed Chorus in Three Parts)

A hopeful cheer song that resonates in children’s hearts.

Composed by Ryuichi Sugimoto, this piece captivates with its beautiful depictions of nature and its profound message.

Set to a gentle melody, it celebrates the wonder of living and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams.

Released in 1995 as the theme for a nature documentary program, it later became widely sung as a choral piece in many schools.

It has also drawn attention from the perspectives of environmental issues and peace education, and is broadly used in educational settings.

When your spirit is about to break, singing it together with friends gives you the courage to move forward.

My Ballad

[Chorus] My Ballad (Mixed Choir, Four Parts)

When we hear “ballad,” we tend to picture popular music like pop or rock, but this is a masterpiece in the broader sense of the word.

“My Ballad” is the debut work, released in 1987, of Takao Matsui, a composer known primarily for his many choral pieces.

It has also frequently appeared in the media—for example, when Keiichi Arawi’s popular manga Nichijou was adapted into an anime by Kyoto Animation in 2011, it was used as the opening theme in episode 16, and it was sung as an insert song in episode 3 of the TV drama “Omotesando Koukou Gasshoubu!” released in 2015.

Matsui is not only a composer but also a lyricist, and he wrote the lyrics for “My Ballad” as well.

Its simple, universal message set to a distinctive triplet-based melody is deeply moving.

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Carrying YouInoue Azumi

[Carrying You] Music Recital

This is the well-known ending theme of the 1986 animated film Castle in the Sky.

With lyrics by director Hayao Miyazaki and music composed by Joe Hisaishi, the song features lyrics that evoke grand adventure and hope.

Azumi Inoue’s clear, pure vocals beautifully capture the film’s world.

Released as a single in March 1988, it left a deep impression on many listeners.

It is often included in school music classes and choral competitions and is beloved across generations.

the world of dreamssakushi: furō akiko / sakkyoku: hashimoto shōji

[Chorus] The World of Dreams (Mixed Chorus: Three Parts)

It’s a heartwarming piece themed around friendship, nature, and dreams.

Many people may remember singing it in elementary school.

Its gently flowing melody enhances the emotional depth of the lyrics.

It is widely cherished in educational settings, frequently featured in choir competitions and music classes.

It is commonly performed with piano accompaniment and mixed choir, or women’s choir.

The piece is characterized by a calm yet powerful tone.

It’s also perfect for graduation ceremonies and moments of departure.