Ranking of Popular Choral Songs [2026]

BelieveSugimoto Ryuichi8rank/position

Everyone! Congratulations on your graduation! Tried singing BELIEVE covered by Gachapin [Graduation Song] [Chorus Piece]

Composed and written by Ryuichi Sugimoto, this song is beloved by many as a standard performed at graduation ceremonies and other occasions.

With lyrics themed around hope and conviction for the future, it offers comfort and courage to listeners.

Released in 1998 as the ending theme for the NHK program “Ikimono Chikyu Kikou” (A Journey of Life on Earth), it was performed by Angels Harmony.

The piece has been widely embraced—covered by various artists and even included in textbooks.

It’s a song we hope those taking a new step forward or facing difficulties will listen to.

proofflumpool9rank/position

flumpool “Proof” Music Video (Full Chorus ver.)

This is a heartwarming song themed around parting with friends and embarking on new journeys.

Released in September 2011, it was created as the required piece for the junior high school division of the NHK National School Music Competition that year.

It is also included on flumpool’s third original album, “experience.” The song was performed on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, where it captured the hearts of many.

With lyrics that sing of hope for the future and bonds between friends, it especially resonates with students.

It is a song that many facing changes such as graduation or advancing to a new school can deeply relate to.

While expressing the loneliness of parting with friends, it also conveys a mutual respect for each other’s dreams, making it a piece that offers comfort to listeners.

See?Sakushi: Itou Keiji/Sakki: Matsushita Kou10rank/position

“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.

ChessboardOfisharu Higedan Dism11rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Chessboard [Official Video]

This song moves listeners with lyrics that depict taking hesitant steps forward, one by one.

Its beautiful harmonies and the characteristically dramatic development of Official HIGE DANDism blend seamlessly, making it a deeply moving track.

Included on the single “Chessboard / Nichijou” released in September 2023, it was also selected as the required piece for the Junior High School Division of the 90th NHK National School Music Competition and featured on NHK’s Minna no Uta.

It’s highly recommended not only for students facing the major milestone of graduation, but for anyone celebrating a new beginning.

Bridge of Gloryyuzu12rank/position

"Glorious Bridge" - Hata Children's Choir

Among the many graduation songs out there, this one stands out for its powerful message that truly resonates.

The lyrics about the unseen tears and steady effort that have shaped who we are today mirror the graduates reflecting on their six years of school life, bringing a lump to the throat.

Released in July 2004 as Yuzu’s 21st single, it served as the official theme song for NHK’s Athens Olympics broadcasts, moving people across Japan.

This grand ballad, which gives us the courage to face the future after overcoming hardships, feels perfect for ceremonies celebrating a new beginning.

It’s a song you’ll want to sing as you head toward a hope-filled tomorrow, expressing gratitude to teachers and parents along the way.

March 9Remioromen13rank/position

Remioromen – March 9

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.

COSMOSMimas14rank/position

Choral Piece: COSMOS / With Lyrics [High Quality]

This work captivates with lyrics that overlay the vast universe with one’s own existence, evoking a gentle, warming light.

It’s a single released by the music duo Aquamarine in April 1999, marking their major-label debut.

Also known as the theme song for “Star Week,” it is included on the album TALES OF STARS.

Written and composed by Mimasu, the song was later arranged by Yutaka Tomizawa into a choral piece and has since become a graduation staple beloved by schools across Japan.

Many people likely recall singing it in unison with friends as they set out from the classroom into the wider world.

It’s a classic that you’ll want to listen to in spring, at the start of new beginnings, while gazing up at the night sky.