[Graduation Songs] Choral pieces perfect for singing at elementary school graduation ceremonies: A collection of moving classics
There are so many songs you’d love to sing at a graduation ceremony—classic choir pieces, songs you sang often during your school years—that it’s hard to choose just one, isn’t it? In this article, we introduce recommended songs for elementary school graduation ceremonies, focusing on choral works and popular J-pop graduation songs.
We’ve carefully selected pieces that are perfect for the moment of graduating—leaving behind the familiar elementary school and taking a new step forward.
As you look back on your memories, choose wonderful songs to brighten 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)
my graduationSPEED
SPEED’s “my graduation” has become a standard number that colors scenes of graduation and farewell.
Some of you may even have memories of singing this song.
SPEED is a four-member Japanese dance-vocal group that began their career in 1995.
“my graduation” is their sixth single.
Although the title includes the word “graduation,” the lyrics don’t actually use explicitly graduation-like terms.
With its slow tempo and soaring vocals, it’s a comfortable listen and is in fact often sung at graduation ceremonies.
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.
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)
Thank you, goodbye.minna no uta
“Arigatou Sayonara,” a song that fills you with gratitude for teachers, friends, and parents, is a warm and perfect choice for graduation ceremonies.
Sung by Kiichi Nakai and broadcast on Minna no Uta in 1985, it has long been beloved as a graduation staple.
When everyone sings it on the day of departure, it brings back memories of seasons gone by and the desks of the school where you learned, and it fills you with hope for a new future.
Why not sing this song as a way to express thanks and say goodbye, and to take that first step toward what lies ahead?
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.
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.
The wind is blowing.ikimonogakari
Released in 2012, this is one of Ikimonogakari’s signature songs.
Its lyrics about bonds and connections between people make it perfect for graduation.
The A and B melodies, which evoke meetings and farewells, let students sing while reflecting on their school lives so far.
The chorus isn’t too high in key, so it’s easy to sing as a mixed-gender choir.
With a chorus that urges everyone to move forward with hope, it’s a song that will bring tears to students, parents, and teachers alike.
It’s a graduation song that gives courage to both those who sing it and those who listen.
