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

Best friendSnow Man

The official lyric video for “Best Friend” from the 9th single “Dangerholic” is now streaming! #SnowMan #BestFriend #Dangerholic #Sunotube

How about a heartwarming song that straightforwardly expresses gratitude to an irreplaceable best friend? Featured on the standard edition of the single “Dangerholic,” released in September 2023, this track is a friendship song performed by Snow Man.

It conveys a heartfelt “thank you” to a friend who stayed by your side without saying a word when you were worn out by everyday life and hurt by what others said.

The relay-like structure in which the nine members take turns singing conveys a strong bond and gentleness.

It’s a perfect classic for telling a friend who’s heading down a different path the appreciation that’s usually too embarrassing to say out loud.

If everyone sings it together on the milestone day of graduation, holding past memories close, it will surely become a lifelong treasure you’ll never forget.

BELIEVESugimoto Ryuichi

[Choral Song] Believe / With Lyrics [9/200]

It’s a classic song for elementary school choirs.

Many people have probably sung it at least once.

It was also used as the third ending theme for the NHK program “Ikimono Chikyū Kikō” (The Natural History of the Earth).

With its morally themed lyrics, it’s easy for children to understand.

The song conveys hope for the future and the importance of friends, and it’s sung at many schools.

It’s a famous piece often heard at graduation ceremonies.

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

"Glorious Bridge" - Hata Children's Choir

Among the many graduation songs out there, this one stands out for its powerful message that truly resonates.

The lyrics about the unseen tears and steady effort that have shaped who we are today mirror the graduates reflecting on their six years of school life, bringing a lump to the throat.

Released in July 2004 as Yuzu’s 21st single, it served as the official theme song for NHK’s Athens Olympics broadcasts, moving people across Japan.

This grand ballad, which gives us the courage to face the future after overcoming hardships, feels perfect for ceremonies celebrating a new beginning.

It’s a song you’ll want to sing as you head toward a hope-filled tomorrow, expressing gratitude to teachers and parents along the way.

GraduationKobukuro

Kobukuro "Graduation ~Chorus~"

This is a warm ballad created to send heartfelt cheers to those celebrating their graduation.

Kobukuro, the duo behind masterpieces like “Tsubomi,” produced it with the wish that it would be sung at graduation ceremonies.

Through down-to-earth scenes—like the classroom chalkboard and the view on the way home—it delicately portrays farewells with friends and hopes for the future.

Released in March 2020 as their 31st single, it drew attention as their first non-tie-in single in about 16 and a half years.

There’s also a version by a children’s choir, and its structure makes it easy to sing at actual ceremonies—another welcome point.

Its powerful message, one that turns unspoken gratitude and small regrets into cherished memories, is sure to gently support elementary school students as they take their first steps forward.

Smile ~You Are Not Alone~shiori

EME-C3147 Smile ~You're Not Alone~ Booklet [Mixed Three-Part Chorus]

It’s a warm, encouraging song that gently stays close to your heart in tough or sad times.

Sung by Shiori, this piece carries a message that remembering the smile of someone dear can give you the courage to know you’re never alone.

Released as a single in May 2012, it’s also well known as the Studio Alice commercial song.

The track is included on the album “Partner.” To share this song, Shiori launched the “Hana no Shiori” project, visiting 100 schools across Japan by March 2013 to sing in chorus with students.

At the milestone of graduation, try singing it with gratitude for those who have supported you and with hope for the future.

footprint(s)Little Glee Monster

[Mixed Chorus, Three Parts] Footprints / Little Glee Monster

This song, notable for its delicate and beautiful harmonies, is a ballad that affirms the path we’ve walked and gives us the courage to move forward.

Released by Little Glee Monster as their 16th single in September 2020, it was written specifically as the compulsory piece for the junior high division of the 87th NHK National School Music Competition.

With lyrics penned by the members themselves, its message—that a day will come when even our worries and inner conflicts will have meaning—will surely resonate deeply with graduates who have overcome many obstacles.

Also broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” the piece gently supports children who, despite their anxieties, are trying to face forward.

It’s a perfect song for the stage of a graduation ceremony, where friends unite their voices and take a new first step.

TOMORROWLyrics and Composition: Sugimoto Ryūichi

[Choral Song] Tomorrow (Mixed Chorus, Three-Part) [3-Singer Version]

This song, beloved as the ending theme of NHK’s nature documentary program “Ikimono Chikyū Kikō” (A Journey of Life on Earth), is one of Ryuichi Sugimoto’s signature works as both lyricist and composer.

Released as a single in May 1993, it is also included on the album “Tomorrow — NHK ‘Ikimono Chikyū Kikō’ Soundtrack.” Its lyrics, which sing of hope for tomorrow while drawing on the grandeur of nature—like birds soaring in the sky and stardust in the night—leave a lasting impression and gently encourage the listener.

With a calm tempo and expansive melody, it’s perfect for choral performance and is sung in various arrangements, including two-part and mixed three-part choruses.

It has long been cherished as a standard song for graduation and farewell ceremonies, and when voices come together, it warmly colors any moment of departure.