Ranking of Popular Choral Songs [2026]

rainbowMoriyama Naotaro22rank/position

Niji (Naotaro Moriyama)

This is a choral piece written specifically as the set work for the Junior High School Division of the 2006 NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

Naotaro Moriyama and Omodaka Takashi handled the lyrics and composition, creating it with the intent of delivering it to junior high school students across the country.

The lyrics, which symbolically depict a fleeting scene after the rain, view parting not only as a loss but also as something paired with encounters and new beginnings.

The warm, folk-based melody is designed so that singers can savor the words and align their breathing, and it’s also appealing in how, when performed as a chorus, each part can support the others to easily create a resonant sound.

The piece was included in the first-press limited edition of the album “Kazamachi Kousaten,” released in November 2006, and a newly recorded version was later featured on the 15th-anniversary best-of collection “Daikessakusent” in 2016.

It’s a perfect song for junior high school students standing at the milestone of graduation, singing as they reflect on their days so far and take a step toward the future.

MiracleGReeeeN23rank/position

[Chorus Version] GReeeeN - Kiseki

GReeeeN is a four-man group shrouded in mystery.

Their song “Kiseki” features a catchy melody and a gradually building structure, making it perfect for choral performance.

The title carries a double meaning: “kiseki” as the “tracks” or “footsteps” of the journey you’ve shared together, and “kiseki” as the “miracle” of everyone meeting by chance.

In either sense, it’s an ideal theme to sing with classmates who have spent their school days together.

With its simple, easy-to-remember melody, this song can be a real help even when there isn’t much time to practice!

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The Bell of PeaceNakasato Yukihiro24rank/position

Yukihiro Nakazato / Bell of Peace (HEIWA)

“The Bell of HEIWA” is a song that emphasizes the importance of passing down the spirit of our predecessors—who sought to protect peace without taking up arms—so that we never forget the tragedies of war and the sacrifices that came with them.

Carrying a strong, optimistic message along with a wish for peace, it has moved many people.

Released in 2000, it is a signature song by Yukihiro Nakazato, and later, thanks to an arrangement by Tetsuya Shiraishi, it became widely loved as a choral piece.

It’s a staple often performed at choral competitions and is highly recommended for high school students.

Mela!Ryokushokushakai25rank/position

"Mela!" (Ryokuoushoku Shakai) Osaka University Mixed Chorus Freund Chor 64th Regular Concert (2021)

“Mela!” is a powerful song by the four-member co-ed band Ryokuoushoku Shakai.

In July 2022, it became the band’s first track to surpass 200 million streams.

Since it spread explosively in popularity, many people have likely heard it at least once.

Choosing this well-known song for a choral piece should make it easy for everyone to practice.

Also, the recurring “la-la-la” sections lend themselves well to mixed-gender harmonies and arrangement.

Be sure to come up with a unique and wonderful arrangement of your own!

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Yuuki

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Letter ~Dear You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki26rank/position

[Chorus] Letter ~Dear You at Fifteen~ (Mixed Choir, Three Parts)

A classic graduation song whose lyrics depict letters sent from a 15-year-old to their future self, and from their future self back to their 15-year-old self.

Upon its release in September 2008, it became a hot topic when it was chosen as the set piece for the middle school division of NHK’s National School Music Competition that same year.

This song, which offers encouragement and stands by the many worries one faces in their teens, takes on a different resonance when you listen to it later in life.

While it’s a gently paced, mid-tempo piece, it gradually builds in the latter half, so try to be mindful of expressive contrasts between calm and intensity.

Precious thingssakushi sakkyoku: Yamazaki Tomoko27rank/position

“The Important Things” sung with a University of the Arts–trained vocalist #choir #chorusCompetition

A choral piece by Tomoko Yamazaki, warmly cherished in educational settings for its gentle message about the importance of friendship and companionship.

It depicts, with a beautiful melody, a young man looking back on his past and coming to realize the bonds with his friends and his feelings of gratitude.

Published by Ongaku Geijutsu-sha in 2006, the work was also used as an insert song in the film “School-Live!” and deeply moved many listeners.

It is included in junior high school music textbooks and has now become a standard piece for choral contests and school events.

This masterpiece is often sung at memorable occasions such as graduation ceremonies and school festivals.

Hymn to the EarthSatō Makoto28rank/position

Hymn to the Earth (with lyrics)

This heart-stirring masterpiece, with lyrics by Atsuo Oki and music by Makoto Sato, sings praises and gratitude to the earth.

It is a grand piece for choir and orchestra, loved by junior high and high school students across Japan.

Highly popular as a song performed at graduation ceremonies, it is cherished as a symbol of appreciation for nature and human growth.

The lyrics, which express the life force of Mother Earth and deep respect for the blessings we receive from it, are particularly striking.

Like the steadfastness of the earth itself, this song gives you the courage to stand firm and keep moving forward.