[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.

Everyone, everyone is shining.Yugeda Kensuke

Everyone, everyone is shining (unison chorus)

Riding on a cherry-blossom-colored breeze, this heartwarming song by Kensuke Yugeda gently sings of the hopeful arrival of spring.

It carries a message of encouragement for children taking their first steps forward, conveying a sense of anticipation for a shining future.

Its melody, expressing both endearing freshness and the courage to walk toward one’s dreams, tenderly nestles against the listener’s heart.

The piece is included on the album “Shiawase ni Naare” and is a beloved song performed at entrance ceremonies and welcome events for new students in elementary schools across Japan.

Since June 2018, it has been passed down in schools nationwide, and through more than 2,000 school concerts, Mr.

Yugeda has delivered it directly to children.

It is a springtime song brimming with joy, one we hope new students, teachers, and families will listen to.

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.”

HarukaYOASOBI

Haruka / YOASOBI [Mixed 3-Part Chorus] With Sheet Music (Arranged by Tae Hirai)

Released digitally in December 2020, this work by YOASOBI—known for their unique style of turning novels into music—was created based on Osamu Suzuki’s novel “Tsuki-Ouji” (Moon Prince).

The story is told from the perspective of a single mug, quietly watching over the growth of the girl who owns it.

The lyrics express deep gratitude toward the presence that was always closest, through both joyful days and difficult times—feelings that are sure to resonate with children at their graduation ceremonies.

It’s a fitting number for a new beginning, when you want to convey thanks to those who have supported you.

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.

To the wide worldHashimoto Yoshiji

To the Wide World / Himawari Kids

For an elementary school graduation song, if it’s to be sung at the ceremony, a choral piece is recommended.

This song, “Into the Wide World,” which is actually performed at graduation ceremonies, is perfect for celebrating a new departure.

While the lyrics don’t explicitly use words like “graduation” or “farewell,” they strongly evoke the image of taking a new step forward, making it a song that will surely move you when sung at a graduation.

Even if you sing it only once in your life, it will likely remain in your heart forever.

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utatane

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Cherry Blossom Rainabuzōbu fiito. hatsune miku

With lyrics: Hatsune Miku - Sakura no Ame - PV

A collaboration number between the acoustic band absorb and Hatsune Miku.

After its release in 2008, the song inspired a novel adaptation in 2012 and a film adaptation in 2016 starring Maika Yamamoto.

It also reflects absorb member Haruyoshi Mori’s yearning for his own youthful days.

While songs sung by Hatsune Miku may seem challenging, this one features a gentle melody easy enough for elementary school children to sing, and the lyrics are written with imagery that’s easy to visualize.

It’s a track that captures colorful memories of the past and a sense of hope for the future.

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SAKI

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