Ranking of Popular Choral Songs [2026]

Believesakushi:tanikawa shuntarō/sakkyoku:matsushita kō36rank/position

Believe (Lyrics: Shuntaro Tanikawa, Music: Koh Matsushita)

“Shinjiru” (Believe), with lyrics by the poet Shuntaro Tanikawa and music by Ko Matsushita, is a choral piece well worth the challenge for junior high school students.

It was composed as the set piece for the Junior High School Division of the 71st NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

The lyrics, which celebrate believing in yourself and trusting those around you, are perfect for students who, on their way to adulthood, are beginning to experience various uncertainties.

Although the first half unfolds at a relaxed pace, the character shifts dramatically in the middle section, making that transition a difficult point.

The latter half then returns to a similarly calm section like the beginning, so as you sing, be sure to feel the shifts in melody and lyrics that unfold within a single piece.

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Precious thingsYamazaki Tomoko37rank/position

Precious Things (Two-Part Unison)

Tomoko Yamazaki’s original piece “Taisetsu na Mono,” written drawing on her experience as a teacher, is also highly recommended for elementary school graduation ceremonies.

This song, which brings to mind the bonds and memories nurtured in the place of learning, is sure to warm hearts at the moment of a new departure that graduation represents.

Set to a gentle melody, the lyrics express gratitude for friendship and everyday memories.

The song carries a message that what we have learned and the experiences we have gained become the strength to live from here on.

Before the students take their first step toward the future, they will sing this piece together with their cherished classmates, etching their feelings of gratitude deeply in their hearts.

Eyes of the heartSakamoto Kyu38rank/position

Kokoro no Hitomi [Chorus] With Lyrics

Known as one of Kyu Sakamoto’s signature songs, this moving piece portrays love and the bond between two people.

Its gentle melody is memorable, and the lyrics—depicting a wordless connection of hearts and a pure bond that never changes with time—are deeply touching.

It’s also very popular as a choral piece, so please give it a try.

It’s sure to create a powerful sense of emotion.

ultramarineOda Miki39rank/position

Ultramarine (Gunjo)

This song was born in Minamisoma, Fukushima Prefecture, after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Students of Odaka Junior High School and music teacher Miki Oda were involved in its creation, and the CD was released in September 2014.

The lyrics express feelings for friends separated by the disaster and the connection with beautiful nature.

You can feel the emotions of overcoming sorrow and seeking hope.

It is often sung at graduation ceremonies and choral competitions, and has been passed down as an important song that conveys the memory of the disaster and the wish for recovery.

It is sure to resonate in the hearts of elementary school students stepping into a new environment.

COSMOS40rank/position

[Choral Piece] COSMOS / One Singer per Part [Astonishing Quality with a Small Ensemble]

The choral pieces that students sing with all their hearts at junior high school graduation ceremonies have a lasting power that stays with you.

Among them, Cosmos, arranged by Yutaka Tomizawa, is especially recommended.

Written and composed by Mimas and released by Aquamarine in 1999, the song later became a beloved choral number at many schools.

Its beautiful melody arranged in E-flat major and its lyrics that evoke the vast universe impart hope and moving emotion for a new departure at graduation.

Why not sing Cosmos, a heartfelt piece perfectly suited to this milestone?

Country RoadHon’na Yoko41rank/position

058 'Country Road' (from 'Whisper of the Heart') (from the 48th Regular Concert)

It’s a memorable song featuring a simple, nostalgic melody and lyrics that portray the resolve to set out alone toward the future.

Released in June 1995 as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s film “Whisper of the Heart,” it’s captivating for Yoko Honna’s clear, translucent vocals.

The song mirrors the film’s protagonist pursuing her dreams and is sure to gently encourage children standing at the major milestone of graduation.

Since April 2012, it has also been adopted as the station melody at the setting featured in the film, exemplifying how it has been loved for many years.

With a message about tucking away your memories and forging your own path, it’s perfect for graduates about to take flight into a new world.

Holding back tears and facing forward—there’s no doubt it will make for a moving ceremony.

Friend ~Time of Departure~yuzu42rank/position

Yuzu “Friend ~The Time of Departure~”

This is a heartwarming song themed around friendship, parting, and new beginnings.

Its gentle melody and encouraging message resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in September 2013, it was also selected as the set piece for the middle school division of NHK’s National School Music Contest.

In addition, it was broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” earning the love of many people.

Often sung at graduation ceremonies and departure scenes, it gives courage to middle school students who feel uncertain about the future.

Filled with the bonds of friendship and the belief in meeting again, it’s the perfect song for those taking a new step forward.