RAG MusicKids
A wonderful classic

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

First graders who have finished kindergarten or nursery school and will start elementary school this spring.

Children diving into the new environment of school are surely filled with both excitement and anxiety.

In this article, we introduce recommended entrance songs we’d love these new first graders to listen to.

There are plenty of graduation songs, but entrance songs can be surprisingly hard to find.

This time, in addition to classic children’s songs and choral pieces, we’ve also selected popular J-pop.

We’ve gathered powerful songs that can give kids the courage to head to elementary school with energy, so be sure to check them out!

[Entrance Ceremony Songs] Classic and Popular Picks That Capture Elementary Schoolers’ Hearts! (71–80)

Let’s sing a songDaiji MAN Burazāzu Bando

[ED01] Let’s Sing a Song / DaijiMAN Brothers Band / Crayon Shin-chan [April 13, 1992 – September 21, 1992]
Let's sing a songDaiji MAN Burazāzu Bando

A heartwarming message that gently embraces the anxieties and hopes of starting school is woven into the melody by DaijiMAN Brothers Band.

Brimming with the wish “May you be happy,” the song’s arrangement, which supports those taking a new step forward, is also memorable.

Released in April 1992 and cherished as the first ending theme of the TV Asahi anime Crayon Shin-chan, this track became a hit second only to the band’s signature song Sore ga Daiji, and is included on the album GOLDEN☆BEST DaijiMAN Brothers Band.

It’s a perfect choice as BGM for entrance ceremonies and preparation for starting school, as well as an encouraging anthem that gives a gentle push to children who feel anxious about school life.

Big SongSakushi Sakkyoku: Nakajima Kōichi

Big Song ♪ It’s a big song, from beyond that mountain — Lyrics & Music by Koichi Nakajima — My Big Song
Big SongSakushi Sakkyoku: Nakajima Kōichi

“Ooki na Uta” (The Big Song) has been broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta since 1979.

Many teachers and parents will likely feel a sense of nostalgia.

Its universal lyrics and grand melody resonate with children.

It’s a song that seems to wrap the new school life ahead in hope.

While there are many wonderful contemporary hits, why not deliberately choose a timeless classic that has been sung for many years?

To the Sun in the Palm of Your Hand

Hands to the Sun — Vocals: AI Kiritan (with lyrics)
To the Sun in the Palm of Your Hand

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.

[Entrance Ceremony Songs] A Selection of Classic and Popular Tunes That Captivate Elementary School Students! (81–90)

At any timeYugeda Kensuke

[Lyrics Video] Donnatokimo (Alto) — Vocals: Oita City Matsuoka Elementary School Music Club
At any timeYugeda Kensuke

Set to a gentle melody that feels familiar to everyone, Kensuke Yugeda’s song expresses gratitude at the milestone age of ten.

It warmly conveys precious memories with friends and heartfelt thanks to family and teachers.

Its tender, embracing tune resonates deeply with listeners and invites empathy.

The piece is included on the album “Dream & Dream: Yume o Tsunagou,” and it has been selected for inclusion in elementary school music textbooks starting in 2024.

Mr.

Yugeda, who holds school concerts nationwide, has performed over 2,000 times and continues composing with children in mind.

It is a song you’ll want to sing with care when expressing gratitude to important people, such as at a “Half-Coming-of-Age Ceremony” or end-of-year school events.

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
People and PeopleYugeda Kensuke

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.

Let’s dance in a circle ~ILE AIYE~

AGHARTA – ILE AIYE -WA ni natte odorou- (full length)
Let's dance in a circle ~ILE AIYE~

The theme song for the official mascots of the 1998 Nagano Olympics, the Snowlets.

Released by AGHARTA in 1997, this song is perfect for a bright and cheerful school entrance ceremony.

Featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” its uplifting lyrics became a hot topic.

It might be even more fun with hand claps! The easy-to-sing melody makes you want to sing along with friends and parents.

It’s a number that will get children excited on their way to the entrance ceremony!

La La La Randoseru

[MV] La La La Randoseru – Japan School Bag Industry Association Official Theme Song
La La La Randoseru

One of the major changes when moving on to elementary school is, I think, starting to wear a randoseru.

This song portrays the feelings toward the randoseru that will accompany children through their school life, along with their excitement for a new environment.

Its refreshing sound leaves a strong impression and conveys a positive emotion toward a new chapter.

The lyrics, which make you want to take good care of your randoseru, are also memorable.

It’s a moving piece that evokes bright hopes when first going to elementary school, and, as the grades advance, brings back memories of the days spent together with the randoseru.