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

Please give me wingsSakushi: Yamagami Michio / Sakkyoku: Murai Kunihiko

Please give me wings

This is a timeless folk song beloved across generations.

The lyricist, Michio Yamagami, is known for depicting everyday scenes in unadorned language, and in this piece, the simple wish to take to the sky resonates deeply.

The music was composed by Kunihiko Murai, and the song was released in February 1971 as a single by Akaitori.

It was later included in school textbooks and spread nationwide as a choral piece, and it has been cherished in many settings, from being sung as a support song for Japan’s national soccer team to performances at the Nagano Olympics.

Cover versions by Kaori Kawamura and Junko Yamamoto also drew attention, reaching a wide range of listeners.

It’s perfect for preschool graduation ceremonies as background music for slideshows or as a recessional.

The song has a warmth that gently encourages children as they step into a new world.

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.

Song of Fledging

Song of Leaving the Nest (Two-Part)

Produced in 1965, this song is a classic graduation tune that is still sung at many elementary schools today.

Rather than a subdued, mellow vibe, it has a pleasantly upbeat feel that brings a smile to your face.

Its hallmark is a simple, straightforward melody line set at a comfortable mid-tempo that makes it easy to keep rhythm, which is why it’s so popular and easy to sing.

The lyrics, which depict spreading your wings toward the future, are another major draw—an undeniably moving song that resonates with many people.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

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.

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.

proofflumpool

flumpool “Proof” Music Video (Full Chorus ver.)

This is a heartwarming song themed around parting with friends and embarking on new journeys.

Released in September 2011, it was created as the required piece for the junior high school division of the NHK National School Music Competition that year.

It is also included on flumpool’s third original album, “experience.” The song was performed on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, where it captured the hearts of many.

With lyrics that sing of hope for the future and bonds between friends, it especially resonates with students.

It is a song that many facing changes such as graduation or advancing to a new school can deeply relate to.

While expressing the loneliness of parting with friends, it also conveys a mutual respect for each other’s dreams, making it a piece that offers comfort to listeners.

Thank you, goodbye.

Choral Piece 'Thank You, Goodbye'

For anyone looking for a song to sing at a graduation ceremony, our top recommendation is “Arigatou Sayounara” (“Thank You, Goodbye”).

It’s a moving song filled with gratitude and farewells to the friends, teachers, and classroom you’ve shared time with.

With many repeated melodies, it’s easy for elementary school students to learn.

Even sung in a single part without splitting into sections like a mixed chorus, it still has great impact—so why not choose it for your graduation ceremony?