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

On the Day of Departure

On the Day of Departure

“Tabidachi no Hi ni,” born from the collaboration between the principal and the music teacher of Chichibu Municipal Kagemori Junior High School.

Hiromi Sakamoto’s delicate melody and Noboru Kojima’s deeply moving lyrics create a harmony that stirs the heart.

As a celebrated song that has brought tears to many graduation ceremonies, it will surely resonate with children as well.

Filled with a wonderful message as a cheer for the future, it is perfect for elementary school students about to graduate.

The sight of them singing their hearts out toward the vast sky will become an unforgettable memory.

Precious thingsYamazaki Tomoko

Precious Things (Two-Part Unison)

Tomoko Yamazaki’s original piece “Taisetsu na Mono,” written drawing on her experience as a teacher, is also highly recommended for elementary school graduation ceremonies.

This song, which brings to mind the bonds and memories nurtured in the place of learning, is sure to warm hearts at the moment of a new departure that graduation represents.

Set to a gentle melody, the lyrics express gratitude for friendship and everyday memories.

The song carries a message that what we have learned and the experiences we have gained become the strength to live from here on.

Before the students take their first step toward the future, they will sing this piece together with their cherished classmates, etching their feelings of gratitude deeply in their hearts.

Kitearashi

ARASHI – Kite [Official Music Video]

It’s a warm, uplifting song that powerfully propels you toward your dreams.

Like flying a kite, it portrays the pursuit of aspirations—sometimes facing hardships, yet supported by family and those around you—set against a grand melody.

Conceived as NHK’s theme song for 2020, it drew an enormous response when first performed at the 70th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Released in 2020 as Arashi’s 58th single, it became a major hit, selling 911,000 copies in its first week.

It’s a perfect song to hear when taking a new step, such as at graduation or entrance ceremonies—a heartening anthem that stands beside everyone who holds hope for the future.

one stepRiko

"Ippo" Chorus with Lyrics

Born as a song of encouragement for children after the earthquake, this piece is characterized by its uplifting lyrics and beautiful melody.

In June 2018, a two-part choral arrangement was published in Ongaku no Tomo Sha’s Education Music: Elementary Edition, making it available nationwide.

It is often sung at elementary school graduation ceremonies and music recitals, and has also been recorded on CDs by professional choirs.

Singing of the courage to take a step toward one’s dreams and the importance of bonds with friends, this work will gently support elementary school students as they venture into new environments.

Why not take a hopeful step toward a bright future, accompanied by this warm, heartfelt song?

Song of LifeTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – Inochi no Uta (Song of Life) with Lyrics (Two-Part Chorus)

“Inochi no Uta,” with lyrics by Mariya Takeuchi and music by Takatsugu Muramatsu, is a wonderful choice perfectly suited for an elementary school graduation ceremony.

This song, which colors the important moments of life, will warmly watch over the children as they embark on a new beginning.

Its tender, childlike innocence and hopeful melody for the future are overwhelming and deeply moving.

After Mariya Takeuchi covered it herself, “Inochi no Uta” reached even more hearts.

When sung by children, its purity stands out even more, sure to become a treasured memory for life.

Experience this masterpiece, so fitting for a fresh start, in chorus!

hometownarashi

Two-part unison chorus: Furusato (with lyrics)

There are so many choral pieces that make children want to sing their hearts out at the milestone of graduation.

Among them, Arashi’s “Furusato” is a heartwarming song that’s perfect for elementary school graduation ceremonies.

The group, made up of Masaki Aiba, Jun Matsumoto, Kazunari Ninomiya, Satoshi Ohno, and Sho Sakurai, is a beloved national idol group, and this song is especially cherished across generations.

Its gentle melody colors the moment of departure, gives a push toward new beginnings, and will surely resonate deeply with the students.

It’s also often sung as a cheering song, making it certain to become a special piece for the children!

COSMOS

COSMOS (two-part unison)

Choosing a choral piece that will stay in children’s hearts for their graduation ceremony is truly difficult.

For such a meaningful moment, a perfect choice is “COSMOS.” Evoking the image of a starry sky, this song—written and composed by Mimasu and arranged by Hiroshi Tomizawa—resonates with profound depth.

As students sense their own futures and open the door to a new world, the melody of “COSMOS” paints their possibilities as vast as the universe.

While pondering the brilliance of the stars, each child’s dreams and hopes will surely grow.

With a warm, gently encouraging melody that supports every individual send-off, it beautifully colors the day of new beginnings.