[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] Choral pieces to sing at elementary school graduation ceremonies. A moving collection of classics (21–30)
To You — A Message for Your DepartureSakushi Sakkyoku: Tsutsui Masako
“To You — A Message for Your Departure” is a song gifted by Masako Tsutsui, an elementary school teacher, to her graduating students, and it is also known as a classic graduation song.
It carries a message for students who are ending their school life—full of both joyful and difficult moments—and standing at the threshold of a new beginning.
The song features a powerful yet beautiful piano melody and suits singing that makes use of the wide vocal range of mixed voices.
By singing clearly and with a strong voice, you can deliver an even more convincing performance.
We againSG
A graduation song filled with memories and warmth that’s drawing attention is the work of SG.
Looking back on the carefree days, its gentle melody wraps around the feelings of parting and what comes after, warming the heart.
The lyrics, full of strength to move forward and hope for reunion, soothe many people as a piece that stands beside them at important milestones in life.
Since November 2024, it has also been featured in Calorie Mate’s exam-season support commercial, adding a new charm through a wind ensemble arrangement.
This piece was produced with the cooperation of the Hanazono Tokuei High School Wind Ensemble, and the music created together with the students delivers a moving resonance that crosses generations.
It is a fitting song to gently push you forward at graduations, farewell gatherings, and moments of parting with someone important.
On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai
Ai Kawashima is a singer-songwriter who was formerly the vocalist of I WiSH and has continued to work as a solo artist.
Her signature song “Tabidachi no Hi ni…” is widely loved as a graduation song.
Sharing the same melody as “Ashita e no Tobira,” which she released during her I WiSH days, this piece is actually the original version of that song.
Its lyrics capture various moments from enrollment to graduation that many facing graduation can easily picture.
The gentle melody not only brings tears of emotion but also a sense of pride.
It’s easy to understand and sing even for elementary school students, so be sure to give it a try!
Best friendSnow Man
A heartwarming song that straightforwardly expresses gratitude to an irreplaceable best friend.
Included on the regular edition of the single “Dangerholic,” released in September 2023, this track is a friendship song sung by Snow Man.
When you’re worn out by daily life and hurt by the words around you, it conveys a heartfelt “thank you” to the friend who stayed by your side without saying a word.
The structure, in which the nine members take turns singing like a relay, communicates a strong bond and gentle warmth.
If everyone sings it together on the milestone day of graduation, holding past memories close, it will surely become an unforgettable treasure for a lifetime.
Unchanging ThingsYamazaki Tomoko
A graduation song created by lyricist and composer Tomoko Yamazaki, known for writing many choral pieces such as “Taisetsu na Mono” and “Te no Hira wo Kazashite.” While the song is beautiful, its simple melody makes it easy even for elementary school students to sing.
It conveys, in clear language, a powerful message: although it’s sad to part from friends with whom we’ve spent the long six years together, we will keep moving forward into the future.
The song ends by expressing gratitude to friends, as well as to the teachers and family who watched over our school life.
Somewhere on this EarthWakamatsu Kan
This is a song that’s actually sung at many elementary schools as part of their graduation ceremonies.
Released in 1998 as a choral piece, it’s a standard often covered in music classes as well.
Its grand, beautifully flowing melody and interwoven harmonies are wonderful, making it a perfect fit for the solemn and moving atmosphere of a graduation.
The lyrics, written in familiar, accessible language, convey hope that even after graduation, when everyone goes their separate ways, they will remain connected—making it a highly recommended choice for elementary school students to sing.
spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE
This song delicately portrays the transience of youth and the emotions of adolescence.
It’s said that Motoki Omori, the vocalist of Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, wrote it the day after his high school graduation ceremony.
It’s a perfect track to listen to during graduation season.
The song was tied in as the theme for Suntory’s “Craft Boss” commercial and became widely loved.
In March 2024, it surpassed 100 million cumulative streams on the Billboard JAPAN charts.
Why not give it a listen this spring, a season that evokes farewells and growth? Its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody are sure to color your memories.