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

To the next sky

Two-part choral piece for the Risshiki and graduation ceremonies, “To the Next Sky” (Kurosawajiri Kita Elementary School)

Kensuke Yugeda’s “To the Next Sky” is a song that beautifully and powerfully depicts the fleeting moment of graduation.

Its lyrics, which stand close to the hearts of children standing at the threshold of a new beginning, bring out feelings of hope for the future and gratitude.

Widely sung and cherished in music education settings, this piece will become a special page of memories for children.

I hope its clear, pure voices will carry a memorable message into the wide open sky.

As it’s included in textbooks and beloved by a broad audience, it will surely help deepen bonds as they take that important first step forward!

HarukaYOASOBI

Haruka / YOASOBI [Mixed 3-Part Chorus] With Sheet Music (Arranged by Tae Hirai)

This work, released digitally in December 2020 by YOASOBI, an act garnering attention for their unique style of turning novels into music, is based on the novel “Tsuki Ōji” (Moon Prince) written by broadcast writer Osamu Suzuki.

It tells a story from the perspective of a single mug, quietly watching over the growth of the girl who owns it.

The lyrics, which express deep gratitude to the presence that was always closest—through both joyful days and difficult times—are sure to resonate with children facing their graduation.

The gently resonant piano melody and ikura’s warm vocals softly wrap the sadness of parting.

Chosen as the image song for “Art Aquarium Exhibition 2021,” this heartwarming track is a fitting number for a new beginning, perfect for conveying thanks to those who have supported you.

Song of LifeSakushi: Miyabi / Sakkyoku: Muramatsu Takatsugu

Song of Life (Lyrics by Miyabi / Music by Takatoki Muramatsu / Choral arrangement by Tatsuya Tanaka)

A heartwarming ballad themed around gratitude for being alive and the preciousness of life.

Miyabi—Mariya Takeuchi—penned gentle, conversational lyrics that touch our hearts, reminding us how precious those ordinary moments spent with family and friends truly are.

Released as a single by Mana Kana in February 2009, the song was composed by Takatsugu Muramatsu and became beloved as an insert song in the NHK morning drama “Dandan.” In January 2012, Takeuchi recorded a self-cover, which was also used as the theme song for the NHK docudrama “Pioneers.” Its message, carried by a beautiful melody, is perfect for graduation ceremonies to express gratitude to parents and teachers who raised us.

Through choral singing, it becomes a moving piece that helps children feel the value of their own lives.

the world of dreamssakushi: furō akiko / sakkyoku: hashimoto shōji

the world of dreams

Memories of treading on fallen leaves, an avenue bathed in the glow of the setting sun, the chirping of small birds, and the clear scene of a babbling brook.

Interweaving these tangible touches of nature, this song calls on friends to share their dreams together.

Born from an NHK music program in the 1970s and later arranged as a choral piece, it was composed by Yoshimichi Hashimoto, who, while deeply involved in creating educational materials at Kyoiku Geijutsu Sha, left behind many works that balance singability with evocative imagery.

Its gentle, swaying 6/8 rhythm naturally supports a sense of walking and the flow of scenery, and the structure—expanding from unison in the first half to full chorus in the latter—is a highlight.

It is a song that quietly encourages children to take a new step on the special day of graduation, as they look back on memories with their friends.

Last SongOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Last Song [Studio Live Session]

The melody, which gently embraces the sadness of parting and the hope beyond it, is truly striking.

This song by Official HIGE DANDism weaves together the fleeting nature of time coming to an end and gratitude toward someone precious, resonating deeply with listeners’ hearts.

Even while carrying the loneliness of happy days coming to a close, it leaves you wanting to say “see you” with a smile in the end—such a warm message is embedded within.

Featured on the acclaimed 2019 October release Traveler, the song was also used as an insert track in the drama “Ato 3-kai, Kimi ni Aeru” (I Can See You Three More Times).

Sung while looking back on the irreplaceable moments spent with friends and teachers on the special day of a graduation ceremony, it’s sure to fill the venue with a moving atmosphere.

It will gently give a push to the children who are about to walk their separate paths.

Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy

[Mixed Chorus] Monster Flower Song / Vaundy *Part-specific audio available

Vaundy is a singer-songwriter who handles everything from songwriting and composition to video production, and he enjoys overwhelming support, especially among young people.

This song, included on his first album “strobo,” released in May 2020, was used in a Maruha Nichiro commercial and drew huge attention after his performance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Its driving band sound and unforgettable melody grab listeners’ hearts and never let go.

The lyrics, which nostalgically recall carefree days spent with friends while giving you a gentle push to step into the future, perfectly match the bittersweet yet uplifting feelings of graduation season.

By 2025, it had surpassed a billion streams, making it a classic everyone knows—so if your whole class sings it together, it’s sure to become an unforgettable memory.

The Last ChimeSakushi: Yamamoto Emiko / Sakkyoku: Wakamatsu Kan

The Last Chime (Two-Part Unison) / Lyrics: Emiko Yamamoto / Music: Kan Wakamatsu

This piece is a beloved choral song that’s indispensable for graduation season and has continued to be cherished at many elementary schools! The moment the piano prelude, which mimics chimes, begins to play, memories of school life vividly come back and your heart is sure to swell.

The joy of clearing the vaulting box for the first time, the schoolyard turned pure white with snow, the ordinary days filled with laughter with friends—Keiko Yamamoto’s lyrics depict memories just as elementary school children experienced them.

Composed by Kan Wakamatsu and introduced at the 2004 All-Japan Choral Education Conference, the song has since spread to schools nationwide.

Its range is set so that even boys whose voices are beginning to change can sing it comfortably, making it perfect for an entire grade to sing with feeling.

It’s a moving song that turns farewells with friends into a forward-looking send-off.