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

footprint(s)Little Glee Monster

[Mixed Chorus, Three Parts] Footprints / Little Glee Monster

Marked by delicate, beautiful harmonies, this song is a ballad that affirms the path we’ve taken and gives us the courage to move forward into the future.

Released by Little Glee Monster in September 2020 as their 16th single, it was written specifically as the set piece for the Junior High School Division of the 87th NHK National School Music Competition.

With lyrics penned by the members themselves, its message—that a day will come when even our worries and inner struggles will hold meaning—is sure to resonate deeply with graduates who have overcome many obstacles.

Also featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” the song gently supports children who, despite their anxieties, are trying to face forward.

It’s a perfect number for a graduation ceremony stage, where friends can raise their voices together and take a new first step.

spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Spring Melancholy

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.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Promise of Sunflowers [from the 25th Owariasahi Children’s Choir Regular Concert]

Written specifically as the theme song for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon,” this piece became one of Motohiro Hata’s signature works.

Released as a single in August 2014, it is also included on the albums “Ao no Kōkei” and “All Time Best Hata Motohiro.” Many listeners were surely moved by lyrics that portray the warmth of someone who stays by your side and bonds that remain unchanged even when apart.

The melody, widely loved as the song for an NTT West commercial and more, is so famous that everyone can hum along.

This song, which makes you realize that the casual moments spent with friends are true treasures, is a perfect choice for graduation ceremonies to say “thank you” to teachers and classmates who have supported you.

Somewhere on this EarthWakamatsu Kan

[Chorus] Somewhere on This Earth (with lyrics)

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.

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Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy

[Mixed Chorus] Monster Flower Song / Vaundy *Part-specific audio available

Singer-songwriter Vaundy, who handles everything from songwriting and composition to video production, enjoys overwhelming support, especially among young people.

Featured on his first album “strobo,” released in May 2020, this track was used in a Maruha Nichiro commercial and drew a huge response when performed on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

Its driving band sound and unforgettable melody seize listeners’ hearts and won’t let go.

Nostalgically recalling memories of carefree times with friends, the lyrics give a gentle push to step toward the future, perfectly matching the bittersweet yet hopeful feelings of graduation season.

If your whole class sings it together, it’s sure to become an unforgettable memory.

DepartureFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Departure”

For those looking for the perfect song for a graduation ceremony, here’s a signature track by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS.

It features a powerful message that encourages you to take a step toward the future, paired with a melody that truly resonates.

Released in March 2008, it peaked at No.

10 on the Oricon charts.

It was also used as the theme song for the film “Bokutachi to Chuzaisan no 700-nichi Sensō” (The 700 Days’ War: Us and the Constable).

This popular song offers comfort to those feeling anxious about a new environment or facing farewells with cherished friends.

Loved by many as a heartwarming anthem of support, it gives you the courage to move forward while staying true to yourself.

Last SongOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Last Song [Studio Live Session]

The melody is striking, gently wrapping both the sadness of parting and the hope that lies beyond.

This song by Official HIGE DANDism captures the fleeting nature of passing time and gratitude toward someone precious, resonating deeply with listeners.

Even while carrying the loneliness of joyful days coming to an end, it conveys a warm message that makes you want to say “see you” with a smile in the end.

Sung on the special day of a graduation ceremony as you look back on the irreplaceable moments spent with friends and teachers, it will surely fill the whole venue with emotion.

It will gently encourage the children as they each set off on their own paths.