Choral Songs Sung at Elementary School Graduation Ceremonies: A Collection of Moving Song Ideas

Unchanging ThingsYamazaki Tomoko

The Unchanging Things [Chorus] / With Lyrics / Singing Practice / Graduation Song #Chorus #ClassChorus #GraduationSong #ChorusContest

This choral piece is notable for its simple, beautiful melody that resonates with the heart and its lyrics expressing gratitude for encounters and memories, as well as a positive outlook toward the future.

Composed by Tomoko Yamazaki and released in 2010, it is performed in various arrangements, such as three-part mixed chorus and two-part equal voices, and is widely sung at farewells like graduation and transfer ceremonies.

The work conveys both the sadness of parting and hope for the future, and singing it at a graduation ceremony is sure to leave a deep impression on participants.

Goodbye, my friend.Sakata Hiroo, Kurosawa Yoshinori

[Chorus] Farewell, my friends [Graduation Ceremony]

This song gently sings of the sadness of parting and the hope of a new beginning.

Its lyrics—filled with gratitude for the place of learning, farewells to friends, and expectations for the future—resonate deeply with listeners.

Since its release in 1979, it has often been sung at elementary school graduation ceremonies and has been loved across generations.

Created by Hiroo Sakata and Yoshinori Kurosawa, this work stands by graduates’ hearts and gives them courage for their new journey.

It’s a highly recommended song to sing together at graduations and in moments of making memories.

Smile AgainMari Nakayama

Choral Piece “Smile Again”

This is a heartwarming choral piece that gives you the courage to face life’s hardships.

Written and composed by Mari Nakayama, it was released by Ongaku no Tomo Sha in June 1997.

The lyrics depict the feelings of “I feel so small…”—a struggle that resonated with many—and the piece drew attention when it was used in the 2008 film “The Happy Family Plan: A Classroom with a Pig” (Buta ga Ita Kyōshitsu).

Told from children’s perspectives, the lyrics gently convey the importance of self-acceptance.

Sung at graduations, farewell ceremonies, and other moments of new beginnings, it will comfort listeners and give them the courage to look ahead.

It’s a perfect song for an elementary school graduation!

ultramarineOda Miki

Ultramarine (Gunjo)

This song was born in Minamisoma, Fukushima Prefecture, after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Students of Odaka Junior High School and music teacher Miki Oda were involved in its creation, and the CD was released in September 2014.

The lyrics express feelings for friends separated by the disaster and the connection with beautiful nature.

You can feel the emotions of overcoming sorrow and seeking hope.

It is often sung at graduation ceremonies and choral competitions, and has been passed down as an important song that conveys the memory of the disaster and the wish for recovery.

It is sure to resonate in the hearts of elementary school students stepping into a new environment.

rainbowMoriyama Naotaro

Choral song Naotaro Moriyama Rainbow Ultra High Quality Audio

Naotaro Moriyama’s “Niji (Rainbow)” touches the hearts of elementary school children with its heartwarming melody and conversational lyrics.

Farewells at graduation are a bridge to new encounters, and through parting we find the courage to grow.

It’s a beautiful contrast, and a beautiful song! Its emotionally rich melody shines with many colors, carrying hope into the future.

It’s also reassuring that it was chosen in 2006 as the set piece for the junior high division of the 73rd NHK National School Music Competition.

A moving song, perfectly suited for a new beginning!

Friend ~Time of Departure~yuzu

Friend ~Time to Set Out~ / Yuzu

The song “Tomo ~Tabidachi no Toki~,” perfectly suited for the moment of graduation, is a moving single by Yuzu.

For students standing at the threshold of a new beginning, its melody offers a warm resonance that lingers in the heart.

Infused with lyrics of courage and hope, it evokes a sense of connection even when thinking of loved ones far away.

Chosen as a required piece for the NHK National School Music Competition (N-Con), it has added color to a chapter of youth across the country.

Frequently performed at graduation ceremonies, this touching work has long been cherished as a classic that symbolizes both parting and new encounters.

The Last ChimeYamamoto Emiko

Last Chime (with Lyrics)

“The Last Chime” is beloved as a classic graduation song.

For sixth graders, it’s around the time when boys start going through voice changes, and the song is written in a key that’s easy for them to sing.

Above all, its lyrics are highly relatable, making it especially popular among sixth graders preparing to graduate.

Elementary school is full of first-time experiences that are different from those in ninth or twelfth grade.

The lyrics, which capture those fresh, fleeting moments from six years of elementary school, make it a perfect fit for graduation ceremonies!

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