A lovely graduation song

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

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.
Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

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.

[Graduation Songs of the 2000s] Japanese Music Coloring the Season of Departure (31–40)

10-year cherry blossomsAKB48

[MV full] 10nen Zakura / AKB48 [Official]

10-year cherry blossomsAKB48

AKB48’s “10nen Zakura,” released in 2009.

Since it’s a song from the era when the seven members known as the original “Kami 7” were active, many people may think of this track as the quintessential AKB song.

While most graduation songs are gentle and tear-jerking, this one, true to its idol-pop roots, has a bright, charging-ahead feel.

The intro melody is a pop-style arrangement of “Aogeba Tōtoshi,” which is practically the archetypal graduation song.

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DepartureHY

Departure

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!

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On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai

Ai Kawashima / On the Day of Departure (Lyrics)

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.

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GraduationMikage Yuuka IN db

U-ka Saegusa IN db – Graduation (LIVE)

GraduationMikage Yuuka IN db

This song tells the story of two people who were separated after graduation, capturing the memories of happier times, the helplessness of a past that can’t be restored, and the loneliness of being apart.

After parting with someone important, we often find ourselves recalling the joyful moments we shared, which only makes the loneliness feel even deeper.

This song gently stays by your side and supports you through that helplessness and sorrow.

While it can be good to listen to upbeat music for a boost when you’re struggling or feeling lonely, there are also times when letting a sad song move you to tears can be more healing.

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cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro

Sakura by Naotaro Moriyama is a staple both as a graduation song and a cherry blossom song, and it’s one you inevitably hear every year when the season arrives.

Released in 2003 as his second single, the massive hit instantly made his name widely known.

It’s such a signature song that many people say this is the song that represents Moriyama.

No matter your generation or how many times you listen, the lyrics tighten your chest, making it easy to see why this masterpiece continues to be loved.

2019 saw a resurgence in its popularity when it was used as the theme song for the drama “同期のサクラ” (Mr.).

Hiiragi’s Homeroom).

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