[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 (21–30)
March 9Remioromen
When it comes to Remioromen’s signature songs, you can’t leave this one out.
Famous also for featuring Maki Horikita in the music video, “March 9th,” released in 2004, has now become a classic graduation song.
It’s also well known that, in fact, it wasn’t written as a graduation song but to celebrate a friend’s wedding.
It’s a track that makes not only graduates but even those who graduated long ago feel nostalgic—a bittersweet number that makes your heart ache.
Ah, the days of youthyuzu
A famous song by Yuzu themed around memories of youth and friendship.
It features a warm melody and lyrics that resonate deeply, quietly moving the hearts of listeners.
Released in May 2000, it was a landmark track that gave Yuzu their first No.
1 on the Oricon singles chart.
It’s perfect not only for choral performances at graduation ceremonies but also for listening alone, allowing you to reflect nostalgically on the days of your youth along with your happy memories.
It’s also recommended for anyone seeking the courage to take a new step forward.
Best FriendKiroro
Kiroro’s 10th single “Best Friend,” released in 2001.
The song became a hit as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Churasan,” and later became a staple graduation song.
It’s a heartfelt message song filled with gratitude—“thank you” to a dear friend—and it’s not only played at graduation ceremonies but is also often used as a wedding song to express thanks.
Graduation — Farewells Are for TomorrowTakkī & Tsubasa
The song expresses the sorrow of two people who once walked together becoming separated, and yet still thinking of each other.
Graduating and parting from the friends with whom you have studied and journeyed until now is sad, but it doesn’t change the fact that you are still comrades and friends.
Even when you are apart, someone important remains precious, and thinking of that person gives you the strength to keep going—such is the message of this track.
It was also used as an insert song in episode 124 of the TV anime Inuyasha, “Farewell, My Beloved Kikyo.”
YELLikimonogakari
A classic beloved by a wide range of listeners not only in the 2000s when it was released but even today as a graduation and farewell song: Ikimono-gakari’s “YELL.” While it gently accompanies the anxiety of breaking away from the environment we’ve known and beginning a solitary challenge toward our dreams, it also carries a message of hope for the future that lies ahead.
The song was created as the set piece for the junior high school division of the 2009 NHK National School Music Competition, and many people have likely sung it in chorus.
