[Graduation Songs] Choral pieces perfect for singing at elementary school graduation ceremonies: A collection of moving classics

Best friendSnow Man

The official lyric video for “Best Friend” from the 9th single “Dangerholic” is now streaming! #SnowMan #BestFriend #Dangerholic #Sunotube

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.

We againSG

Us, Again – SG (Official Lyric Video)

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.

Precious thingsYamazaki Tomoko

Precious Things (Two-Part Unison)

Tomoko Yamazaki’s choral piece has become a graduation staple that warms the hearts of many.

This moving work evokes nights spent counting the stars and days when the wind was blowing.

Published by Kyoiku Geijutsu Sha in 2006, it is often sung at junior high school graduations and choral competitions.

Set to a gentle melody, the song expresses gratitude for friendship and for everyday memories.

Its lyrics, which seem to offer words of encouragement when you feel like giving up, truly resonate.

Filled with thanks to a “you” far away, it conveys the importance of those who taught us we are not alone.

It’s also perfect for elementary school graduations, and listening to it at the start of a new journey is sure to warm your heart.

On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai

Ai Kawashima / On the Day of Departure (Lyrics)

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!

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Unchanging ThingsYamazaki Tomoko

[Chorus Song] The Unchanging Things / With Lyrics [63/200]

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.

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My friend—now and forever…Ketsumeishi

Friend(s), from here on and forever... / Ketsumeishi

On graduation day, taking a moment to look back on the memories and bonds you’ve shared with friends is truly irreplaceable.

Released in April 2016, this song by Ketsumeishi is a perfect friendship anthem for just such a scene.

Written as the theme song for the animated film “Crayon Shin-chan: Fast Asleep! The Great Assault on the Dreaming World,” it resonates with vows to remain friends for decades to come and a message of supporting each other in tough times.

From its piano intro that builds with strings to a chorus that surges with feeling, the arrangement creates a sense of uplift worthy of a new beginning.

Even children anxious about parting ways will, upon hearing this song, find their feelings transform into a firm belief that “we’ll always be together from here on out.”

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48

[MV full] 365 Nichi no Kamihikōki / AKB48 [Official]

An AKB48 number included as a coupling track on their 42nd single, “Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby,” released in December 2015 as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Asa ga Kita.

It’s a memorable piece featuring a warm, acoustic guitar–based sound and a gentle, easy-to-hum melody.

The lyrics use a paper airplane as a metaphor to convey the message that “everyone’s life can be different” and “it’s okay to move at your own pace.” Even when things don’t go well, it gently encourages you to try again tomorrow, making it a perfect fit for children graduating.

A mixed three-part choral arrangement was also performed at the NHK National School Music Contest, and the song has since become a beloved staple for school events and graduation ceremonies.