[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 masterpieces (81–90)
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.
In springKinoshita Makiko
The lyrics of Shuntaro Tanikawa—poet and picture-book author—deeply touch the heart.
His celebrated piece “In Spring,” often sung at graduation ceremonies, is gentle and tender, yet conveys a sense of strength.
The music is by Makiko Kinoshita.
Its melody and lyrics, brimming with the vibrant breath of spring, are perfect for young people about to leap into the future.
Graduates are full of both anxiety and expectation, with a touch of restlessness as well.
It seems to capture their state of mind.
That restlessness becomes energy.
Reaching the hearts of those setting out for new ground, it is a fitting song for graduation ceremonies.
Words of FarewellKaientai
It was Kaientai’s 16th single, released in November 1979.
The song served as the theme for the first season of the TV drama “Mr.
Kinpachi in Class 3B,” starring Kaientai’s Tetsuya Takeda himself.
Along with the drama’s success, the song became a huge hit, and at graduation ceremonies in 1980 it was sung at many elementary, junior high, and high schools.
The fact that it’s still a staple at graduation ceremonies is remarkable in the ever-volatile music industry.
I think both the lyrics and the melody are perfectly suited to the occasion of a graduation ceremony—gentle, tinged with nostalgia, and somehow encouraging.
I remember that at my own elementary school graduation, the moment this song started playing, tears began to stream down my face.
Graduation PhotoArai Yumi
As the seasons change and we welcome a time of new journeys, here’s a perfect song for graduation ceremonies! Released in 1975, “Sotsugyo Shashin” (Graduation Photo) is a beloved song by Yumi Arai that has stood the test of time.
It sings of the bittersweet feelings of youth—like wanting to express your feelings to someone special during graduation season, and the nostalgia everyone experiences.
With its simple structure and beautiful melody line, it’s highly recommended as a song to sing at elementary school graduation ceremonies.
And it’s the kind of wonderful song that, when you suddenly remember it 10 or 20 years later, lets you look back and think, “That’s how I felt back then.”
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.
In conclusion
Have you found the song you want to sing at the elementary school graduation ceremony? Every one of these pieces is a classic that will heighten the emotion of the moment.
As a class, as a grade, and with everyone in the venue, let’s welcome an unforgettable graduation moment together with choral songs that resonate deep in the heart.