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

We Look Up to You with Respect

[Graduation Ceremony] [Elementary School] [Chorus] Aogeba Totoshi (Song: 'With Deep Reverence')

A classic graduation song, “Aogeba Tōtoshi.” Many of your parents’ generation likely sang it, too.

It has a long history—it was composed in the Meiji era! For over a hundred years, it has been passed down as a staple of graduation ceremonies.

The song expresses graduates’ gratitude to the teachers who taught them, as they look back on their school days.

Because the lyrics are written in somewhat literary and difficult language, it also lets students show that by the end of their six years of elementary school, they can sing something this challenging.

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Futabaaimyon

Aimyon – Futaba [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This is a song whose lyrics, inspired by plants budding toward the future, resonate with a mix of bittersweetness and hope that accompanies growth.

Its message—marveling at how our hearts and bodies grow before we even notice, and affirming our parting with our past selves—makes it a perfect fit for the milestone of graduation.

Written by Aimyon in March 2022 as the theme song for NHK’s “Aimyon 18 Festival” and included on her album “Falling Into My Eyes Record,” the piece carries the story of being created together with 1,000 18-year-olds.

It’s sure to give you the courage to leap into the unknown.

Why not choose it as a song to dedicate to children graduating from elementary school and moving on to new environments, or as background music for a send-off?

The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 16th 'The Meaning of Goodbye' Best Shot Version.

Let me introduce a song that teaches us that parting is not a sad ending, but a step toward the future.

Nogizaka46’s “Sayonara no Imi” features lyrics that hold the strength to face forward even amid heartache, gently encouraging those who are setting off on a new journey.

Released in November 2016, it is the group’s 16th single and their first to achieve million sales.

It’s also known for being performed by Nanami Hashimoto as center during her final stage at the 67th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

Its warm message—don’t fear goodbyes, and cherish the miracle of having met—will surely resonate deeply with elementary school students about to graduate.

When you feel the sadness of parting from friends, this is a song that will quietly give you courage.

globeYonezu Kenshi

Globe – Kenshi Yonezu [Mixed Choir Arrangement]

Released in July 2023 as the theme song for Hayao Miyazaki’s film The Boy and the Heron, this single is also included on the album LOST CORNER.

Kenshi Yonezu created the track as an expression of his long-held admiration for the director.

Framing life as a long journey, the lyrics portray the strength to keep moving forward on one’s own feet, even through farewells and hardships—offering gentle support to children facing the significant milestone of graduation.

Beginning with a quiet piano and gradually building into a powerful, expansive sound, it delivers a moving experience well-suited to a graduation ceremony, where hope and uncertainty meet as new doors open.

It’s a song filled with a warm message that inspires the courage to take a step toward the future.

Country RoadHon’na Yoko

058 'Country Road' (from 'Whisper of the Heart') (from the 48th Regular Concert)

It’s a memorable song featuring a simple, nostalgic melody and lyrics that portray the resolve to set out alone toward the future.

Released in June 1995 as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s film “Whisper of the Heart,” it’s captivating for Yoko Honna’s clear, translucent vocals.

The song mirrors the film’s protagonist pursuing her dreams and is sure to gently encourage children standing at the major milestone of graduation.

Since April 2012, it has also been adopted as the station melody at the setting featured in the film, exemplifying how it has been loved for many years.

With a message about tucking away your memories and forging your own path, it’s perfect for graduates about to take flight into a new world.

Holding back tears and facing forward—there’s no doubt it will make for a moving ceremony.

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE

Michi (Road); EXILE (Ashikaga Children’s Choir)

It’s an essential, classic ballad for graduation season, where the sadness of parting and hope for the future intertwine.

With lyrics that resonate—filled with memories of special places and gratitude to those who supported you—it gives you the courage to take a new step.

Released in February 2007 as EXILE’s 23rd single, it’s also a commemorative work that achieved the 1,000th No.

1 in Oricon chart history.

It was used in commercials such as for “music.jp.” This release also includes a choral version, and it’s a standard often sung at actual graduation ceremonies.

Sung while reaffirming bonds with friends, it’s a song that will be deeply etched in children’s memories.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Promise of Sunflowers [from the 25th Owariasahi Children’s Choir Regular Concert]

Written as the theme song for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon,” this piece became one of Motohiro Hata’s signature works.

Released as a single in August 2014, it is also included on the albums “Ao no Koukei” and “All Time Best Hata Motohiro.” Many listeners were undoubtedly moved by its lyrics, which portray the warmth of those who stay by our side and the unchanging bonds that endure even when we’re apart.

Widely loved as well for its use in NTT West’s commercials, the melody is so well-known that anyone can hum along.

This song, which reminds us that the ordinary moments spent with friends are priceless, is the perfect choice for a graduation ceremony to say “thank you” to teachers and peers who have supported you.