[Graduation Songs of the 2000s] Japanese Music That Colors the Season of Departure

Farewell, YouthChatto Monchī

Chatmonchy – Farewell, Youth – Zepp Osaka 2008

This song, which closes Chatmonchy’s major-label debut mini-album “chatmonchy has come,” released in November 2005, was also used as the CM song for Recruit Holdings’ “Sotsu-ome Project 2007.” The lyrics, which make the everyday commute to school and days spent in the classroom suddenly shine as graduation approaches, carry a heart-wrenching poignancy.

The sound, blending the loneliness of parting with anxiety about the future, is sure to resonate deeply not only with students about to set off on their next journey, but also with adults who feel nostalgic for their youth.

It’s a track that lets you rediscover the preciousness of ordinary days.

rainbowFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Rainbow (Full ver.)

It’s a rock tune that portrays the passion of youth and the pursuit of dreams.

Included on Masaharu Fukuyama’s single “Niji/Himawari/Sore ga Subete sa,” released in August 2003, it fired up living rooms across Japan as the theme song for the drama WATER BOYS.

It enjoyed five consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Oricon charts and has long been loved as a summer-defining hit.

Carrying the message of spreading out a map and moving toward the future, it’s a perfect fit for graduation season.

Sky chord ~To You Who Are Becoming an Adult~Tsuji Shion

Tsuji Shion / Shion Tsuji “Sky Chord ~To You Becoming an Adult~”

This is Shion Tsuji’s second single, released in February 2009, and it was used as an ending theme for the TV anime BLEACH.

The lyrics delicately portray the emotions of wavering between not wanting to become an adult and the reality that you can’t stay a child forever, making it a song that resonates with the complex feelings of those standing at the milestone of graduation.

It’s said to reflect Tsuji’s own resolve after dropping out of high school to pursue music, and the down-to-earth words carried by the melody leave a deep impression on listeners.

The single peaked at No.

44 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and was later included on the album Catch!.

This mid-tempo pop number, blending poignancy with optimism, is perfect for anyone stepping into a new environment, such as further education or starting a job.

It’s a song that accompanies springtime send-offs, evoking both the end and the beginning of youth at the same time.

Have the plums bloomed? Are the cherry blossoms not yet?Metis

Have the plum blossoms bloomed? Are the cherry blossoms not yet, I wonder? Metis Top songs audio

This is singer-songwriter Metis’s major-label debut single, “Has the Plum Blossomed? Is the Cherry Not Yet?” Released in January 2007, it was used as the opening theme for programs including Toyama Television’s “bbt music selection.” The song stands out for its title inspired by an Edo-period short lyric song (端唄, hauta) and its sound that incorporates traditional Japanese elements.

Its lyrics, which long for the arrival of spring, resonate with the feelings of standing at life’s milestones such as entrance exams and graduation.

It’s an uplifting anthem recommended for anyone seeking courage.

No way I’m going to cry.ikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “Nakumonka” Music Video

Its heartfelt melody and powerful vocals leave a strong impression.

Released in November 2009 as Ikimonogakari’s 16th single, this song was written as the theme for the film of the same name starring Sadao Abe.

It’s an uplifting anthem that urges you on, telling you, even in tough times, “Don’t cry, don’t give up.” If you want to overcome obstacles or need the courage to take a step into a new environment, give it a listen!

windKobukuro

Kobukuro “Kaze”

It’s the kind of song you find yourself humming on a spring morning when you can feel the season’s arrival.

Released by Kobukuro in February 2002, this track teaches us the value of facing forward while holding onto past seasons and precious memories.

Included on the album “grapefruits,” it was also beloved as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Uchi Kuru!?” Not only does it capture the sadness of parting, but it also conveys the hope of growing through the turning seasons, making it a great recommendation for those graduating or anyone who wants to reflect on cherished days.

things that have formShibasaki Kou

Ko Shibasaki – Something That Has Form

This is the theme song of the TBS drama “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World,” which became a social phenomenon.

Kou Shibasaki’s “Katachi Aru Mono,” for which she wrote the lyrics herself, is a masterpiece that sings of parting from someone dear and the enduring depth of love that never fades.

Though tangible things eventually disappear, the feelings in our hearts live on forever—its message overlaps with the bittersweet emotions felt for friends or lovers who will go their separate ways at graduation.

Even if physical distance grows, we want to believe in the invisible bonds.

This work gently stays by the side of everyone taking a new step forward.