Ranking of Popular Choral Songs [2026]

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE50rank/position

EXILE / Michi (Short Ver.)

This is a ballad that makes you want to express gratitude to the friends who stood by your side when you’re at a crossroads in life.

Released by EXILE in February 2007 as their 23rd single, the song warmly reflects on the days spent walking together, with themes of graduation and new departures.

It reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and became the 1,000th song in Oricon history to top the chart, marking a milestone.

It was featured in MTI’s “music.jp” commercial and selected by the National Karaoke Business Association as a recommended song for the graduation season, resonating with many listeners.

First included on the album “EXILE EVOLUTION,” it was later featured on releases such as “EXILE BALLAD BEST.” Loved as a staple performed at graduation ceremonies, a choral version was also produced.

When you and your dear friends begin to walk separate paths, it gives you the courage to move forward while holding your memories close.

Even when you’re apart, your hearts remain connected.

It’s a song that makes you feel exactly that.

HikariSakushi: Seto Saori / Sakkyoku: Matsushita Kou51rank/position

[Choral Piece] Hikari (Light) / Mixed Three-Part Chorus [With Lyrics]

Hikari captivates with a grand worldview that feels like watching a scene from a musical.

It was created using a poem selected as an outstanding work for the 70th anniversary of the NHK National School Music Competition.

Both the lyrics and the melody depict light gradually emerging from total darkness.

Two major points are how to portray this sense of transition and how to develop a solid understanding of 6/8 time in order to sing the meter and rhythms accurately.

With that foundation, try singing while fully immersing yourself in the world of the piece!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

WINDING ROADAyaka × Kobukuro52rank/position

WINDING ROAD (Mixed Chorus, 4 Parts)

A collaboration song by Ayaka and Kobukuro.

It’s a lively call-and-response piece and is often performed as a choral number.

Because the shuffle rhythm is challenging not only for the singers but also for the accompanying piano, it can be considered a song suited for high school students.

It’s a number that gives you a push, saying, “There’s always light at the end of any road, so keep moving forward!” The key to performing this piece is for both male and female singers to sing with rich expression and a sense of joy.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

HEART BEATYOASOBI53rank/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.

If I put it into wordsGosuperāzu54rank/position

If I put it into words

Gospellers’ “Kotoba ni Sureba” evokes a future that continues brightly without end.

Released in 2007 as a double A-side single alongside “It Still Matters—Ai wa Nemuranai,” this song was produced as the set piece for the high school division of the 2007 NHK National School Music Competition.

Its beautiful melody has a wide key range, with the soprano parts in particular demanding quite high notes—one of the challenging aspects.

Moreover, despite its driving melodic momentum, it isn’t enough to simply sing with power; a high level of expressive skill is also required.

While there are many difficult points, it’s a song that delivers a strong sense of accomplishment when you see it through to the end.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

Let’s search for tomorrowSakushi: Hori Tetsu sakushi, sakkyoku: Osawa Tetsunori55rank/position

Let’s search for tomorrow ﾚｯﾂ ｻｰﾁ ﾌｫｰ ﾄｩﾓﾛｰ

One of the choral standards, “Let’s Search for Tomorrow.” It’s a bright choral piece filled with hope and dreams for tomorrow.

The melody jumps up in the chorus, so try singing with the image of your voice stretching upward.

With many repeated phrases and an easy-to-follow rhythm, it’s also recommended for those who aren’t confident singers.

It’s a piece that evokes a sense of anticipation for the future to come.

JourneyFuji Kaze56rank/position

Fujii Kaze – Tabiji (Official Video)

In March 2021, Fujii Kaze performed this number as a piano-and-vocal piece on TV Asahi’s “Hodo Station” for graduating students across the country, and it became a big talking point.

Written as the theme song for the drama “Nijiiro Karte,” the piece features a soulful arrangement and the warm tone of a Wurlitzer.

Comparing life to a long journey, it conveys feelings for companions who continue learning together while forgiving the mistakes of youth.

The message—that it’s precisely because things end that we can cherish each day—is sure to resonate with junior high school students facing the milestone of graduation.

The lyrics, which give you the courage to step into the future even as you look back on the past, are perfect for a graduation ceremony celebrating a new beginning.

Singing it while remembering the time spent with classmates will make it an unforgettable, moving memory.