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

spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Spring Melancholy

This song delicately portrays the transience of youth and the emotions of adolescence.

It’s said that Motoki Omori, the vocalist of Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, wrote it the day after his high school graduation ceremony.

It’s a perfect track to listen to during graduation season.

The song was tied in as the theme for Suntory’s “Craft Boss” commercial and became widely loved.

In March 2024, it surpassed 100 million cumulative streams on the Billboard JAPAN charts.

Why not give it a listen this spring, a season that evokes farewells and growth? Its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody are sure to color your memories.

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] Kaiju no Hanauta / Vaundy (Arranged by Yuri Asano) *Includes part-specific audio sources

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.

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.

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.

Song of SpringFujihara Sakura

Sakura Fujiwara – Spring Song (Lyric Video) – 360 Reality Audio

This is a captivating song with a melody that evokes the gentle warmth of spring sunlight and a smoky vocal that nestles close to the heart.

Though it carries the anxiety of an unseen tomorrow, its lyrics encourage taking a strong first step forward—sure to gently support graduates setting off into new environments.

Included on a single released in March 2017 and chosen as the theme song for the latter part of the film March Comes in Like a Lion, the piece moved many to tears in theaters.

It’s also featured on the album PLAY, where Spitz’s original classic is reinterpreted with Sakura Fujiwara’s uniquely warm expression.

Because it overlaps with the image of children overcoming the sadness of parting and taking flight with hope, it’s perfect for scenes where you want to create a moving graduation ceremony.

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.