Ranking of Popular Choral Songs [2026]

Flowers will bloom.hana wa saku purojekuto57rank/position

Flowers Will Bloom (Two-Part Chorus)

“Hana wa Saku” (Flowers Will Bloom) was produced as a charity song to support recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake.

The Hana wa Saku Project—formed by celebrities, singers, and athletes from the affected areas—released it in 2012.

Its gentle melody, imbued with warmth, pairs beautifully with the radiant sound of a women’s chorus.

The choral textures that unfold from the main soprano line create a splendid harmony.

Why not sing it with heartfelt emotion, inspired by lyrics that evoke hope for the future?

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mutō

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Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu58rank/position

Friend ~Time to Set Out~ / Yuzu

A graduation song by Yuzu that is often sung in middle school music classes.

Released in 2013, it was selected as the compulsory piece for the Middle School Division of the 80th NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition and was also aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” While it laments parting with friends, it carries the message that you’re bound by strong ties no matter where you are.

At graduation ceremonies or farewell parties, it’s nice to set aside your shyness for a moment, look back on your memories, and sing together through tears.

If you feel the bond with your friends, the sadness of parting should ease a little.

On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai59rank/position

Ai Kawashima / On the Day of Departure (Lyrics)

This is a moving ballad by Ai Kawashima that has been sung by many as a graduation song.

Included on the single “Dear/Tabidachi no Hi ni…” released in February 2006, this piece is the original version of I WiSH’s hit song “Ashita e no Tobira,” for which Kawashima served as the vocalist.

Although it shares the same melody, this work vividly portrays student life leading up to graduation.

The lyrics, which depict nostalgic scenes such as the view from the classroom window and casual conversations with friends, overlap with our own memories and can’t help but bring tears to our eyes.

It’s a timeless classic, perfect not only for those about to graduate but also for anyone wishing to look back on days spent with dear friends.

RPGSEKAI NO OWARI60rank/position

RPG / SEKAI NO OWARI [Mixed Three-Part Choir]

This song unfolds a grand, fantastical world centered on the themes of friendship and adventure.

It portrays the protagonist pressing forward without fear in the face of hardships and trials, and sings of the sights seen along the path ahead and the longing to search for what has been lost.

Released in May 2013 as SEKAI NO OWARI’s fourth major single, it was used as the theme song for the animated film “Crayon Shin-chan: Very Tasty! B-Class Gourmet Survival!!” Its dynamic, marching band–like sound makes it perfect for choral performances at school or cultural festivals.

Please give me wingsMurai Kunihiko61rank/position

Please give me wings - chorus

“Tsubasa wo Kudasai,” composed by Kunihiko Murai, is a masterpiece that sets a powerful longing for freedom to a beautiful melody.

Since its release in 1971, this song has continued to be cherished by people of all ages, and it’s often sung at pivotal moments in life, such as graduation ceremonies.

Its lyrics, which express universal themes, are sure to resonate with your heart.

The simple accompaniment and harmonies make it perfect for choral singing, uniting everyone’s feelings into one.

When you’re feeling lost in life or about to take a new step forward, try recalling this song.

Cherry Blossom Rainhalyosy62rank/position

Sakura Rain [Chorus] with Lyrics

Did you know that among Vocaloid songs, there are pieces that are actually sung as choral works at many schools’ graduation ceremonies? This song, “Sakura no Ame” (Cherry Blossom Rain), was uploaded to Nico Nico Douga by halyosy in 2008.

Since then, it has enjoyed immense popularity as a graduation song and has become a beloved standard.

With cherry blossoms as its theme, the lyrics—pledging to cherish past memories and to meet again in the future—are truly moving.

Some people might think, “A Vocaloid song at a graduation ceremony choir?” but its melody has a very beautiful atmosphere, making it a perfect choice to perform as a choral piece.

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Hane Keisuke

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Smile AgainMari Nakayama63rank/position

Choral Piece “Smile Again”

This is a heartwarming choral piece that gives you the courage to face life’s hardships.

Written and composed by Mari Nakayama, it was released by Ongaku no Tomo Sha in June 1997.

The lyrics depict the feelings of “I feel so small…”—a struggle that resonated with many—and the piece drew attention when it was used in the 2008 film “The Happy Family Plan: A Classroom with a Pig” (Buta ga Ita Kyōshitsu).

Told from children’s perspectives, the lyrics gently convey the importance of self-acceptance.

Sung at graduations, farewell ceremonies, and other moments of new beginnings, it will comfort listeners and give them the courage to look ahead.

It’s a perfect song for an elementary school graduation!