[Graduation Songs] Choral pieces perfect for singing at elementary school graduation ceremonies: A collection of moving classics
There are so many songs you might want to sing at a graduation ceremony—classic choir pieces, memorable songs you sang often in school—that it can be hard to choose.
In this article, we’ll introduce recommended songs for elementary school graduation ceremonies, focusing on choral works and popular J-POP graduation songs.
We’ve carefully selected pieces that perfectly fit the moment of leaving the familiar world of elementary school and taking a new step forward.
As you look back on your memories, choose wonderful songs that will color the children’s send-off!
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[Graduation Songs] Choir pieces to sing at elementary school graduation ceremonies: A collection of moving classics (71–80)
threadBank Band
Ito by Miyuki Nakajima is loved and sung across generations.
It’s also popular as a song to gift at weddings, making it perfect for celebrating life’s milestones and new beginnings.
Many artists have covered it, but Bank Band’s version—sung by Kazutoshi Sakurai, the vocalist of Mr.
Children—reveals a different facet through his captivating voice.
It’s a song you’ll likely recall at future turning points in life, becoming a powerful ally along the way.
The day called tomorrowYagisawa Kyoji
The song “Asu to Iu Hi ga” (“The Day Called Tomorrow”) was born as a choral piece in 2006, with composer Kyoji Yagisawa setting music to a poem by poet Yoko Yamamoto.
It was composed for the 30th National Convention of the All Japan Choral Education Research Association, and since then it has been performed as both a graduation song and a choral work.
It has also been sung and released as a single by artists Masafumi Akikawa and Rimi Natsukawa.
Conveying the wonder of living each day as a human being, it’s a forward-looking piece that remains in the heart as a memorable graduation song.
Light of Firefliesshouka
Familiar as a choral piece at celebrations such as graduation ceremonies and New Year’s events, as well as closing-time background music in stores, this song is based on the Scottish folk tune “Auld Lang Syne,” with Japanese lyrics added, and has become established as a song that laments parting.
Because the lyrics use archaic language, the meaning can be hard to grasp, but many people likely remember it just from the sound of the words, since it’s heard so often.
The content evokes memories of beautiful hometown scenery and time spent with friends there, so it might be nice to sing it while picturing those memories.
[Graduation Songs] Choir pieces to sing at elementary school graduation ceremonies. A collection of moving masterpieces (81–90)
Sakuraayaka
Released in 2018 as her first graduation-themed song, this track created a big buzz.
The serene, beautiful piano accompaniment and Ayaka’s rich, resonant vocals make it a truly exquisite piece.
The lyrics portray the loneliness and bittersweet feelings of graduation, which I think directly resonate with what graduates themselves are experiencing.
With its calm, understated atmosphere, the song carries a slightly mature vibe—perfect for showcasing a more grown-up side.
Goodbye, my friend.Sakushi: Sakata Hiroo / Sakkyoku: Kurosawa Yoshinori
This piece is cherished as a heartwarming song for graduation season.
It gently sings of the sadness of parting and the hope for new beginnings.
Its lyrics—expressing gratitude to one’s school, farewells to friends, and expectations for the future—deeply resonate with listeners.
Since its release in 1979, it has often been sung at elementary school graduation ceremonies and is loved across generations.
It’s a recommended song for everyone to sing together at graduations and in moments of making memories.
cherry blossomFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
Released in 2009 as FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ 10th single.
It also drew attention for featuring Yoshimi Tokui of Tutorial on the cover.
The song was used as the final theme for Nippon TV’s Yokohama International Women’s Ekiden, and its lyrics, which vividly express the mixed feelings of anticipation and anxiety that come with graduation, make it a moving track.
pupilŌhara Sakurako
Hitomi by Sakurako Ohara, a singer known for her expansive, refreshing vocals, is a standout track.
Produced by Seiji Kameda, it was released in 2015 as her second single.
The song also served as the theme for the 93rd All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
It’s a perfect number for looking back on cherished memories—listening to the lyrics, you’ll likely find yourself thinking, “That’s exactly how I feel,” as various moments come flooding back.