[Elementary School Chorus Songs] A comprehensive showcase from moving masterpieces to the latest hit tunes!

Green Tiger

N-Con Required Piece 2023, Elementary School Division: “Green Tiger” — Both Parts

A dramatic choral piece that feels like reading a story, “Midori no Tora” (The Green Tiger).

It was chosen as the required piece for the elementary school division of the 90th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition in 2023.

The lyrics were written by novelist Reiko Hiroshima, known for works such as The Mysterious Candy Shop Zenitendō, and the music was composed by Takatsugu Muramatsu, who has scored Studio Ghibli films as well as numerous movies and TV dramas.

The lyrics depict magical journeys to various wondrous places, and singing them will fill you with excitement.

Be sure to listen for the phrases that sound like magic spells, too—they’re a must-hear! Sing with innocent energy, and let yourself feel as if you’re traveling right along with the song.

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On the train

Kobe Municipal Takatori Junior High School Cultural Festival (1985) Chorus, 3rd Year Class 1 – FURUI homeroom – Chorus performance at the cultural festival

If you’re looking to sing a bright choral piece, I recommend “On the Train.” It features a bouncy rhythm and rapid-fire call-and-response between parts.

The lyrics center on a journey by train to the countryside where greenery stretches out.

Imagine the beautiful, majestic nature and try singing as you feel the country breeze.

It’s sure to leave you feeling cheerful and refreshed.

Hymn to the EarthSatō Makoto

Hymn to the Earth (with lyrics)

This heart-stirring masterpiece, with lyrics by Atsuo Oki and music by Makoto Sato, sings praises and gratitude to the earth.

It is a grand piece for choir and orchestra, loved by junior high and high school students across Japan.

Highly popular as a song performed at graduation ceremonies, it is cherished as a symbol of appreciation for nature and human growth.

The lyrics, which express the life force of Mother Earth and deep respect for the blessings we receive from it, are particularly striking.

Like the steadfastness of the earth itself, this song gives you the courage to stand firm and keep moving forward.

spring breeze

[Children's Song] Spring Wind [Minna no Uta]

The piece created by Tetsuzo Wada and Ryohei Hirose features a charming melody that gently wraps the soft arrival of spring, evoking the breath of nature.

While depicting scenes of the spring breeze caressing budding trees, intertwining its song with babbling streams, and frolicking with grasses and flowers, it conveys the hopeful atmosphere of a new season.

Broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” from April 1972, it remained in many listeners’ hearts, accompanied by the clear voices of the Arakawa Tokyo Children’s Choir.

In 2012, it returned to radio for the first time in about 40 years as part of the “Minna no Uta Excavation Project.” It is a perfect song for children starting a new school year and for anyone eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring, and will surely continue to be sung for years to come.

Sing, Bam-Bam!Yamamoto Naozumi

Sing, Bam-Bam!

“Utae Banban” is perfect for expressing the lively energy characteristic of elementary school children.

It was created as the theme song for NHK’s New Year special “Utae Banban,” broadcast in 1970, and was released on CD in 1972.

It has also been included in elementary school music textbooks and remains popular.

The song conveys the idea that opening your mouth wide and singing out with spirit is a very good thing.

With its unique lyrics full of onomatopoeic words, when sung by energetic elementary schoolers, it’s sure to share that energy with everyone listening!

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BelieveLyrics and Composition: Sugimoto Ryūichi

With Lyrics: BELIEVE [Three-Part Female Chorus]

A heartwarming choral piece by Ryuichi Sugimoto that sings of “support and hope for friends.” Its beautiful melodic line is striking, imbued with the warmth of standing by one another and the hope of walking into the future together.

The piece was used in 1998 as the ending theme for NHK’s nature documentary program “Ikimono Chikyū Kikō” (The Living Earth Travelogue), and later gained widespread recognition for its appeal as a choral work, becoming a staple at school events and choral competitions.

It’s a wonderful song that deepens bonds with friends by uniting voices as one—perfect for creating cherished memories with dear friends and companions.

People and PeopleYugeda Kensuke

"Hito to Hito" (Lyrics: Tomohiro Iwai, Music: Kensuke Yugeda, Performance: Toin Gakuen Elementary School) — a choral piece for a music concert

This is a warm piece that sings about the importance of encounters through music.

The fresh melodies woven by Kensuke Yugedate carry a gentle calm while conveying a moving message.

In clear, resonant words, it speaks of the joy born from human connections and the inevitable meaning hidden within chance meetings.

Delivered by the pure voices of the Toin Gakuen Elementary School Choir, the work is also slated to appear in elementary school music textbooks starting in 2024.

Its kind, uplifting message is perfect for children who are about to meet new people in a new environment.

As they take their next step in school life, this wonderful song will give them courage and hope—please give it a listen.