Ranking of Popular Choral Songs [2026]

Country RoadHon’na Yoko50rank/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.

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB4851rank/position

[MV full] 365 Nichi no Kamihikōki / AKB48 [Official]

An AKB48 number included as a coupling track on their 42nd single, “Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby,” released in December 2015 as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Asa ga Kita.

It’s a memorable piece featuring a warm, acoustic guitar–based sound and a gentle, easy-to-hum melody.

The lyrics use a paper airplane as a metaphor to convey the message that “everyone’s life can be different” and “it’s okay to move at your own pace.” Even when things don’t go well, it gently encourages you to try again tomorrow, making it a perfect fit for children graduating.

A mixed three-part choral arrangement was also performed at the NHK National School Music Contest, and the song has since become a beloved staple for school events and graduation ceremonies.

Eyes of the heartSakamoto Kyu52rank/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.

On the Day of Departure53rank/position

On the Day of Departure

“Tabidachi no Hi ni,” born from the collaboration between the principal and the music teacher of Chichibu Municipal Kagemori Junior High School.

Hiromi Sakamoto’s delicate melody and Noboru Kojima’s deeply moving lyrics create a harmony that stirs the heart.

As a celebrated song that has brought tears to many graduation ceremonies, it will surely resonate with children as well.

Filled with a wonderful message as a cheer for the future, it is perfect for elementary school students about to graduate.

The sight of them singing their hearts out toward the vast sky will become an unforgettable memory.

Letter ~To You, Fifteen~Anjura Aki54rank/position

Angela Aki “Letter ~Dear You, Fifteen~” Official Music Video (HD)

When it comes to songs that resonate during graduation season, this work by Angela Aki stands out.

Framed as a letter to her 15-year-old self, it delivers a powerful message of encouragement to young people grappling with the pains and anxieties of youth.

Accompanied by gentle piano tones, her warm vocals sink deeply into the heart.

Released in September 2008, it was also selected as the set piece for NHK’s All-Japan School Music Competition.

In addition, it was featured in commercials for Japan Post Group and Kansai Electric Power, capturing the hearts of many.

It’s a song that gives you the courage to believe in yourself when graduating or taking a new step in life.

Even when facing difficulties, it will give you the strength to keep moving forward without losing hope.

KanadeSukima Suichi55rank/position

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

This song is a beautiful ballad that portrays parting with someone dear and the wish to stay connected at heart beyond that farewell.

Released by Sukima Switch in March 2004 as their second single, it features a sentimental sound centered on piano and guitar that truly resonates.

It was used as an insert song for the film “Rough,” the theme song for the drama “Sotsu Uta,” and in 2006 was selected as the ending theme for the final day of “Netto Koshien.” The protagonist’s earnest desire to reach someone through voice and song even when apart mirrors the feelings of junior high school students facing the milestone of graduation.

It’s a track that, while looking back on days with friends, makes you want to cherish those bonds going forward.

Sung as a chorus, it would surely fill the entire venue with warm tears.

Ballad of the MonstersTōkairin Osamu56rank/position

Ballad of the Kaiju [Chorus] With Lyrics

It’s an old song that was introduced in the form of a chorus performance on the NHK music program “Stage 101” in 1972.

It’s a piece that brings to mind tokusatsu films from that era, like Ultraman.

Since it was originally composed with a chorus in mind, it fits beautifully when arranged for choir.

The piano accompaniment has a funky vibe, so it might be nice to give it a slightly playful, high-spirited finish.

The shout at the end has a youthful feel, which is great.

The original track is cool too, so give it a listen.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem