[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 you’ll want to sing at elementary school graduation ceremonies: A collection of moving classics (41–50)
365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48
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.
Cherry Blossom Rainabuzōbu fiito. hatsune miku
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.
Song of FledgingSakushi: Murano Shirō / Sakkyoku: Iwakawa Saburō
Composed in 1965, this song is a staple graduation tune that’s still sung at many elementary schools today.
Rather than a calm, subdued feel, it has a moderately lively vibe that brings a smile to your face.
Its simple, straightforward melody line is distinctive, and with a comfortable mid-tempo that makes it easy to keep the beat, it’s widely loved as a very singable song.
The lyrics, which depict taking flight toward the future, are another highlight—an undeniably moving piece that resonates with many people.
sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI
Sazanka, a classic graduation song by SEKAI NO OWARI, features memorable lyrics that feel directed at a friend who’s feeling down—or even at your future self when you’re feeling low.
With a simple, catchy melody characteristic of J-POP, it’s an easy song to sing.
While it has that J-POP flavor, it’s also a rare track that carries a touch of a children’s song.
Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster
For those who want to celebrate their graduation with the lively spirit of an elementary school student, we recommend Little Glee Monster’s “Seishun Photograph”! It’s a song overflowing with hope, encouraging you to carry on living brightly and energetically, alongside photos capturing countless memories from the past six years.
The lyrics are written in simple, easy-to-sing words that even elementary school kids can easily picture.
While many graduation songs tend to be somber tearjerkers, wouldn’t it be nice to graduate with smiles and energy with a song like this?
hometownarashi
This song was chosen as the set piece for the NHK National School Music Competition, elementary division.
It’s a perfect song for departures, singing about a hometown you can always return to.
Perhaps some classes even sang it as a chorus while in school.
Please be sure to sing it as a choral piece as one of your treasured memories.
far; distant; by farGReeeeN
We often hear GReeeeN’s songs in many different situations, but this track has undoubtedly become a staple graduation song, especially during the graduation season.
The song Haruka was the theme song for the smash-hit film ROOKIES: Graduation.
Many people were moved to tears by the lyrics that tie into the film’s story.
It’s a song I recommend for truly feeling the moment of graduation, with lyrics that capture the inner conflicts of taking a step toward becoming an adult—finally understanding the feelings of one’s parents that couldn’t be accepted in childhood.
