Ranking of Popular Choral Songs [2026]

skySakushi: SKY-HI / Sakkyoku: UTA, LOAR, SKY-HI15rank/position

[NHK School Choir Contest 2025 Junior High Division Set Piece] Sora [Mixed Three-Part Chorus]

A song by SKY-HI released in 2025 as the compulsory piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition, Junior High School Division.

Featuring a warm, piano-driven melody and lyrics that convey a message to today’s youth who grapple with anxiety and inner conflict, this piece leaves a strong impression.

Arranged for choir by Masanori Kato, it is structured to be easy for middle school students to sing.

It’s an encouraging anthem that gives listeners the courage to move forward with their friends—without hiding their vulnerabilities or worries, and while embracing their true selves.

Be sure to check out the BE:FIRST version as well, which offers a different vibe.

Unchanging ThingsYamazaki Tomoko16rank/position

Chorus of Unchanging Things

Tomoko Yamazaki’s “Kawaranai Mono” (“Things That Don’t Change”) is a highly recommended choral piece that resonates with middle school students.

It’s perfect for farewells such as graduation and teacher reassignment ceremonies, with a simple, beautiful melody that deeply touches the heart.

The lyrics celebrate bonds with irreplaceable friends, family, and beloved teachers, and while looking back on school days, they also convey a hopeful sense of taking flight toward the future.

Released in February 2011, the song features the appeal of a beautiful three-part harmony.

Though set at a relaxed tempo, its dynamic contrasts give the piece structure and shape, resulting in a moving song that truly speaks to listeners.

I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu17rank/position

I Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky / Spitz [Mixed 3-Part Chorus]

A Spitz song that delicately portrays dreams, hopes, and the inherent instability of youth.

Its lyrics capture the pain of being misunderstood and the miracle felt upon meeting a loved one.

Released in April 1994, the song was later chosen as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Hakusen Nagashi” starting in January 1996, earning Spitz their first No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

It went on to become a million-seller and one of the band’s signature tracks.

The message—of overcoming hardship through pure feelings and bonds with someone precious—gently encourages elementary schoolers taking their first steps into a new environment.

14-fourteen-Sakushi Sakkyoku: Yugeda Kensuke18rank/position

[Featured in textbooks from 2025] Junior High School 2nd-year chorus piece “14–fourteen–” for the Coming-of-Age Pledge Ceremony and grade-level chorus

This choral piece is filled with kindness that closely attends to the feelings of junior high school students.

It carefully depicts the anxieties, hopes, and growth of students turning 14 at the height of adolescence.

Along with its warm, heartfelt melody, the work carries a message that resonates with junior high schoolers.

It was included in 2020 in Education Art Co.’s music textbook for fourth-grade elementary students and has earned high praise in educational settings.

Ideal for moments when you want to sing as one—such as choir competitions and graduation ceremonies—this piece is perfect for deepening class bonds.

YELLikimonogakari19rank/position

[Chorus] YELL (Mixed Choir in Three Parts)

A song by Ikimonogakari that captured the hearts of young people as an anthem encouraging the courage to reflect on your past self and take a step forward.

It offers a warm message that stands by anyone facing anxiety or doubts on the path to their dreams and gives them a gentle push toward a new beginning.

After its release in September 2009, it drew major attention, including earning the group their first No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

It’s a song you’ll want to sing on special days spent with friends—at graduation ceremonies, school events, and the culminating stages of club activities.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro20rank/position

Promise of Sunflowers [from the 25th Owariasahi Children’s Choir Regular Concert]

Written as the theme song for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon,” this piece became one of Motohiro Hata’s signature works.

Released as a single in August 2014, it is also included on the albums “Ao no Koukei” and “All Time Best Hata Motohiro.” Many listeners were undoubtedly moved by its lyrics, which portray the warmth of those who stay by our side and the unchanging bonds that endure even when we’re apart.

Widely loved as well for its use in NTT West’s commercials, the melody is so well-known that anyone can hum along.

This song, which reminds us that the ordinary moments spent with friends are priceless, is the perfect choice for a graduation ceremony to say “thank you” to teachers and peers who have supported you.

ChessboardFujiwara Satoshi21rank/position

Satoshi Fujiwara (Official HIGE DANDism) / Chessboard

“Chessboard” is a song that celebrates the diversity of life and the importance of the choices we make within it.

Released in August 2023, the track was written and composed by Satoshi Fujihara of Official HIGE DANDism and was selected as the set piece for the Junior High School Division of the 90th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

In a world like a checkered pattern where happiness and sorrow intersect, the song asks what role we are to play.

Its message—that both failure and success are all preparation for the future, and that a day will come when past events will take on color—will resonate deeply with the hearts of junior high and high school students living in the coming era.