Ranking of Popular Choral Songs [2026]

HEART BEATYOASOBI71rank/position

YOASOBI「HEART BEAT」Official Music Video

Many songs by the musical duo YOASOBI resonate deeply with their narrative-rich lyrics and melodies.

Created as the theme song for NHK’s “18 Festival,” this piece is a moving track that portrays the heartbeat and growth of young people.

It prompts listeners to reexamine their own identities and gives them the courage to take a step toward the future.

Infused with the feelings of a thousand eighteen-year-olds, this song will surely make for a powerful, moving stage when sung in chorus.

Its heartfelt voices will envelop the entire venue.

Cherry Blossom RainHatsune Miku72rank/position

“Sakura no Ame” Music Video / Sakura Rain MV

Its warm melody, filled with gratitude for the days spent together, the sorrow of parting, and hope for the future, vividly evokes the scene of cherry blossoms dancing in the air.

Released on Niconico in 2008, this piece has been sung at junior high and high school graduation ceremonies across Japan and is beloved as a choral work.

It was also included in the PlayStation game “Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA F 2nd,” captivating many fans alongside footage of school uniforms.

It is a perfect song for occasions like graduation ceremonies and choral competitions, where you want to unite hearts with your companions and convey your feelings.

AldebaranAI73rank/position

[Female Three-Part Choir] Aldebaran / ensemble LEMON

A grand piece that symbolizes cosmic expanses and hope.

Released in November 2021, it drew attention as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Come Come Everybody, and it was also performed at the 72nd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in December of the same year.

It was included on the album DREAM, released in February 2022, and has captivated the hearts of many.

Carried by a warm melody, let its gentle vocals convey the precious feelings that sleep in your heart.

Sing with sincerity, and there’s no doubt it will unite everyone in the group as one.

presentSEKAI NO OWARI74rank/position

[Choral Song] Present / Mixed Chorus in Three Parts [With Lyrics]

This is a song by SEKAI NO OWARI, written as the set piece for the middle school division of the 82nd NHK All-Japan School Music Competition in 2015.

The lyrics, written by member Saori, depict feelings from youth, such as the difficulty of being honest.

If you’re performing it on a big stage like a school festival, it might be fun to go all out with a band accompaniment or add percussion and drums.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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riversakushi: hirai tamiko / sakkyoku: ishigeta fuyuki75rank/position

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.

Time Travelersakushi: Fukada Junko, sakkyoku: Hashimoto Shōji76rank/position

Time Traveler

“Toki no Tabibito” (Traveler Through Time) is a three-part mixed chorus piece released in 1990, with lyrics by Junko Fukada and music by Shōji Hashimoto.

It’s well known as a staple for middle and high school choral competitions.

The melody passes between parts, giving each section a spotlight, and the character of the music changes along the way, which may make it a bit challenging for middle school students.

That said, it’s very rewarding, and if you can master it, it’s a piece that can aim for top prizes in competitions.

If you’re undecided about your selection for a choir contest, why not try singing “Toki no Tabibito”?

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Hamada Takuya

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Blue in the classroomHoshimachi Suisei77rank/position

[MV] A Classroom in Blue / Suisei Hoshimachi (hololive × HoneyWorks) [#HoloHani Original]

This song celebrates memories from school days and the bonds between friends.

Suisei Hoshimachi’s clear, crystalline vocals beautifully capture both the brilliance of youth and the bittersweetness of parting.

It was included on the Hololive × HoneyWorks collaboration album “Horohani-gaoka High School,” released in February 2024.

With lyrics that bring back memories of graduation ceremonies and school festivals, it will resonate not only with junior high students but also with adults attending graduations.

It’s a track that gives you the courage to take the next step on a new path.