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

RPGSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI「RPG」

Released in 2013 as SEKAI NO OWARI’s fourth major single.

It was selected as the theme song for the film Crayon Shin-chan: Very Tasty! B-Class Gourmet Survival!!.

This upbeat song by Sekaowa, hugely popular among children, features a marching-like rhythm and empowering lyrics that give you courage and strength.

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Eikou no Kakehashi – Yuzu (Full)

Not only a graduation song, Yuzu’s “Eikou no Kakehashi” is sung at all kinds of school events.

Its catchy lyrics resonate with everyone, making it a song that people from elementary school students to adults can relate to together.

It’s easy to sing, but there are some challenging parts too, so it seems great for karaoke practice as well.

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Ryo

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Country RoadHon’na Yoko

058 'Country Road' (from 'Whisper of the Heart') (from the 48th Regular Concert)

It’s a memorable song featuring a simple, nostalgic melody and lyrics that portray the resolve to set out alone toward the future.

Released in June 1995 as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s film “Whisper of the Heart,” it’s captivating for Yoko Honna’s clear, translucent vocals.

The song mirrors the film’s protagonist pursuing her dreams and is sure to gently encourage children standing at the major milestone of graduation.

Since April 2012, it has also been adopted as the station melody at the setting featured in the film, exemplifying how it has been loved for many years.

With a message about tucking away your memories and forging your own path, it’s perfect for graduates about to take flight into a new world.

Holding back tears and facing forward—there’s no doubt it will make for a moving ceremony.

Futabaaimyon

Aimyon – Futaba [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This song features lyrics that resonate deeply, using budding plants as a motif for the future to depict the bittersweetness and hope that come with growth.

The message—marveling at how our hearts and bodies grow without us even noticing, and affirming the farewell to our past selves—feels perfect for the milestone of graduation.

Written by Aimyon in March 2022 as the theme song for NHK’s “Aimyon 18 Festival,” it’s also included on her album Falling into My Eyes Record.

Created together with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation, the piece carries episodes that are sure to give listeners the courage to leap into the unknown.

How about choosing it as a song to gift children graduating from elementary school and moving on to new environments, or as background music for a send-off?

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE

EXILE / Road

EXILE’s 23rd single “Michi (Road),” released in 2007.

While EXILE is often associated with love songs, this track is themed around graduation and new departures.

A staple among graduation songs, it’s also frequently performed as a choral piece, making it a perfect recommendation for graduations or farewell gatherings.

Its poignant lyrics leave a strong impression, and when you look back on your elementary school days, this song will likely play in your mind as the background music.

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utatane

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Song of SpringFujihara Sakura

Sakura Fujiwara – Spring Song (Lyric Video) – 360 Reality Audio

This is a captivating song with a melody that evokes gentle spring sunshine and a smoky voice that stays close to the heart.

While holding anxieties about an unseen tomorrow, the lyrics strive to take a strong step forward, offering a gentle push to graduates setting off into new environments.

Included on the single released in March 2017 and chosen as the theme song for the latter part of the film March Comes in Like a Lion, this piece moved many to tears in theaters.

The original classic by Spitz has been reimagined with Sakura Fujiwara’s uniquely warm expression.

Overlapping with the image of children overcoming the sorrow of parting and taking flight with hope, it seems perfect for creating a moving graduation ceremony.

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.