[Graduation Songs of the 2000s] Japanese Music That Colors the Season of Departure
In this article, we’re spotlighting “graduation songs that were hits in the 2000s.” From singer-songwriters and rock bands to idol groups, we’ve gathered a wide range of tracks.
Graduation is a major milestone in life.
Many songs about graduation express swirling emotions with striking directness, leaving a deep impression on the heart.
Whether you graduated in the 2000s, have experienced various moments of “graduation” or “new departures,” or are about to graduate, be sure to listen and feel the emotions woven into these songs.
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[Graduation Songs of the 2000s] Japanese Music Coloring the Season of Departure (31–40)
road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE
For those who were students in the late 2000s, this song is surely one they feel a deep connection to as a graduation anthem.
Released in 2007 by EXILE, who were already at the forefront of the J-POP scene at the time, it’s a standout track.
The beautiful vocals of ATSUSHI and TAKAHIRO are captivating, making it a quintessential EXILE ballad.
Its graceful melody made it popular for choral arrangements, and many people may have sung it at their graduation ceremonies.
The lyrics, which look back on precious memories and linger on the sorrow of parting, strike a deep chord in the heart.
DepartureHY
HY’s “Tabidachi” (Departure) cheers on a new beginning with all its might.
Stepping out from a familiar environment takes real courage and often brings both excitement and anxiety, but this song pumps you up with such positive words that it leaves no room for doubt.
Its upbeat tempo with a comfortable groove and the repeatedly uplifting lyrics make you want to stop looking back and hit the gas, full speed ahead!
cherry blossomKobukuro
Kobukuro is a musical duo whose name was created from the names of its members, Kentaro Kobuchi and Shunsuke Kuroda.
Their 12th single, Sakura, which was used as the theme song for the TV drama Ns’ Aoi, has become widely known among listeners of all ages and was even included in a high school Japanese textbook.
Its emotionally fragile melody evokes the scene of a graduation taking place as cherry blossoms flutter through the air.
The song is a beloved ballad and one of Kobukuro’s signature tracks, having won a Gold Award at the 47th Japan Record Awards.
Graduation Trip ~Morning Musume: A Song for Those Setting Off~Mōningu Musume.
When it comes to graduating, the hardest part is having to say goodbye to friends—that’s probably the biggest worry, isn’t it? Even though you know it’s not like you’ll never see each other again, it’s still sad.
Morning Musume’s song “Sotsugyo Ryokou ~A Song for Those Setting Out by Morning Musume~” is a moving track about friendship that really captures those feelings.
It’s included on their 2003 album “No.5.” It’s a song you’ll want to dedicate to a dear friend, and one that makes you want to pledge an unchanging friendship from here on out.
On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai
Tabidachi no Hi ni (On the Day of Departure), Ai Kawashima’s graduation song released on February 1, 2006.
It’s an arrangement of Ashita e no Tobira, the hit song used as the theme for the TV show Ainori during her time with the music duo I WiSH.
She’s said to have been singing this song since her high school days, when she performed street gigs.
Listening to her gentle voice over the acoustic backing really stirs the emotions.
The lyrics also perfectly fit the graduation season, so give it a listen and take a moment to look back on your school memories.
[Graduation Songs of the 2000s] Japanese Tracks Coloring the Season of Departure (41–50)
Have the plums bloomed? Are the cherry blossoms not yet?Metis
Metis’s reggae song “Ume wa saita ka, sakura wa mada kaina.” This single was released in 2007, and its title—famous as a line from an Edo-period folk song—is woven into the lyrics, grabbing your ears in an instant.
It evokes the season when plum blossoms are in full bloom and thoughts turn to cherry blossoms—the time of year when we eagerly await spring, which also happens to be graduation season.
The song beautifully captures the mix of excitement for spring and the bittersweet feelings of graduation.
It’s a number that resonates deeply with graduates’ hearts and is perfect for taking that first step into something new.
Cherry Blossom Rainabsorb
A song composed with cherry blossoms—the symbol of graduation season—as its motif.
Its lyrics delicately portray small memories from student days, friendship, growth, and the emotions of parting, leaving a strong impression.
Released in November 2008, the track gained major popularity online and evolved into the “Sakura no Ame Project.” Many schools requested it to be performed at graduation ceremonies, and numerous arrangement versions have been showcased.
Performed by absorb feat.
Hatsune Miku, this piece is a timeless classic that resonates not only with students facing graduation but also with anyone who has experienced it in the past.