[Entrance Ceremony Songs] A Selection of Classic and Popular Tunes That Capture Elementary Schoolers’ Hearts!

Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Que Sera Sera” Official Music Video

An anthem brimming with kindness and the will to live has been born.

This song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE is a warm piece that gently nudges those taking a new step forward.

With a refreshing melody and a comfortable rhythm, it sings of self-esteem and the courage to take on challenges.

While acknowledging the hardships and anxieties of life, it conveys—with deep affection—the importance of keeping your eyes ahead and continuing to move forward.

Released in April 2023 as the theme song for the TV drama “Even If It’s Sunday Night…,” the song went on to win the Japan Record Award that same year.

It is a heartwarming track that stands beside first graders starting elementary school and everyone who gives their all to live each day.

Hello with a handshake

Hello with a Handshake [Children’s Song] Lyrics: Michio Mado / Music: Shigeru Watanabe

In kindergartens and nursery schools, there’s time set aside to enjoy hand-play games, and I think the new first graders used to play them often too.

So how about deepening interaction at the entrance ceremony with a short hand-play song? “Hello with a Handshake” is a short song, but since its theme is handshakes, it’s perfect for helping people who are meeting for the first time connect! Even among new first graders, there probably aren’t many chances to talk on the first day, so singing this song and shaking hands might ease their nerves a bit and even help them start making friends.

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sasashina

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To the Sun in the Palm of Your Hand

Hands to the Sun — Vocals: AI Kiritan (with lyrics)

It’s a classic children’s song brimming with the joy and hope of living.

Through the sight of blood glowing red when sunlight shines through a hand, it gently conveys the preciousness of life.

Earthworms, dragonflies, frogs, and other creatures make appearances, and the warm melody teaches the wonder of living together.

The lyrics, imbued with Takashi Yanase’s deep sentiments, harmonize beautifully with the bright tune crafted by Tak Izumi.

First broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962, it was performed by the Boys Jacks on the 1965 Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It later appeared in elementary school music textbooks and has continued to be cherished by many.

It’s a perfect cheer song for children swelling with hope as they take a new step forward.

Friendship Hymn

Friendship Hymn

This is a song for which Hiroo Sakata, known for children’s songs like “Sacchan” and “The Hungry Song,” wrote lyrics to a melody familiar as the original tune for various parody songs such as “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “John Brown’s Body,” and “Bingo.” With lyrics celebrating friendship and love for humanity, it’s perfect for an entrance ceremony where new friends are made.

Yosutakyarī pamyu pamyu

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu – Easta (Kyary Pamyu Pamyu – Yoshita) Official Music Video

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s 14th single, “Iisuta,” was released in 2017.

You might wonder how to read it, but it’s pronounced “Ii-suta.” It’s a play on words combining “Easter,” a festival gradually gaining popularity in Japan, and “ii start” (a good start).

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has many cute songs that are easy for little kids to enjoy, and this one fits perfectly—it’s great for children starting elementary school.

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utatane

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The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP

The Only Flower in the World – SMAP

On entrance ceremony day, you’re nervous because you’re surrounded by people you’ve never met, right? “The Only Flower in the World” helps ease that anxiety.

This national hit by the idol group SMAP was released in 2003 and was used as the theme song for the drama “Boku no Ikiru Michi” (The Way I Live).

Composed by Noriyuki Makihara, it brims with his melodic sensibilities.

Its appeal lies in lyrics that suggest being number one isn’t the only thing that’s wonderful; they make you want to value each individual in your class and school.

This moving song about life is cheering on all new students.

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mutō

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Let’s join the Dandelion Group!!Sakushi: Sakata Osamu / Sakkyoku: Sakata Osamu

[No. 410] Let’s Join the Dandelion Club!! (from “Okaasan to Issho”) / Nahoko Miyazaki

The long-beloved hit song “Let’s Join the Dandelion Club!” from NHK’s preschool show Okaasan to Issho is perfect for the school entrance season, when bright yellow dandelions bloom everywhere.

Its charming lyrics encourage anxious children by saying that whether you’re shy, attention-seeking, lonely, or a crybaby—every child is part of the group.

Let’s all sing together and join the Dandelion Club!