Still packed with timeless classics! A roundup of 1970s Japanese graduation songs
As graduation season approaches, do you ever find yourself wanting to listen to old songs for some reason? Japanese music from the 1970s is full of classics about partings and new beginnings.
Chats with friends, tender first loves, and the mix of excitement and anxiety about the road ahead—songs from that era delicately weave together the complex emotions of youth.
In this article, we’re introducing 70s tracks perfect for graduation season.
We’ve picked a wide range, from songs directly about graduation to pieces that evoke the coming of spring and the brilliance of youth.
Let the nostalgic melodies wash over you as you gently trace back your memories of those days.
- [80s Graduation Songs] Nostalgic Classics & Hits That Have Become Standards
- [Showa-Era Graduation Songs] Nostalgic? Emotive? A curated selection of timeless classics loved across generations
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Classic nostalgic hits: A collection of youth songs
- [Graduation Songs] Choral pieces perfect for singing at elementary school graduation ceremonies: A collection of moving classics
- [2026 Edition] Songs Loved by People in Their 60s: Classic Hits from Their Youth
- A collection of nostalgic hit songs and classics from the 70s
- [2026] A Collection of Memorable Graduation Songs from the 40s [Japanese Music]
- [Great Lyrics!!] Recommended Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs with Heartfelt, Moving Words [2026]
- [1970s] Collection of Japanese hit songs. Nostalgic masterpieces of Japan
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
- Thank you, Teacher: A Song of Gratitude for Teachers and Mentors — An Emotional Farewell Song for the Journey Ahead
- [For Seniors] Recommended Spring Songs for People in Their 70s: A Collection of Nostalgic Spring Tunes
- [2026] A Collection of Youthful Songs to Play at Graduation Ceremonies [J-POP]
Still packed with timeless classics! A roundup of Japanese graduation songs from the 1970s (21–30)
Lingering Snowkaguya hime
When you hear “Nagori-Yuki,” whose version comes to mind? Along with that thought, doesn’t your own youth gently resurface as well? The lyrics generously depict “our youth, moving into adulthood through new seasons, wrapped in beautiful memories.” It’s the quintessential graduation song, a true classic.
The original was released in 1974 as a track on Kaguyahime’s album ‘Sankaidate no Uta’ (A Three-Story Poem).
The following year, in 1975, Iruka’s cover became a massive hit… but that hardly needs explaining now, does it?
Farewell to the Days of YouthArisu
In March, during graduation season, I imagine many people feel like listening to this.
It was released as a single in 1977 by Alice, a folk group that was hugely successful in the 1970s and produced numerous classic songs.
The rich strings resonate beautifully, perfectly matching Shinji Tanimura’s deep, solid vocals.
It’s dynamic yet so comfortable you could listen to it endlessly.
That feeling that everyday life was the greatest treasure of all… Isn’t that what everyone comes to feel after graduating?
Still packed with timeless classics! A roundup of 1970s Japanese graduation songs (31–40)
Thank you for everything.Inoue Jun
Jun Inoue’s “Osewa ni Narimashita” was released in 1971 and is a classic with music by Kyohei Tsutsumi and lyrics by Michio Yamagami.
This song, which graces scenes of graduation and parting, has continued to be loved across generations.
Inoue’s warm vocals convey feelings of gratitude in a straightforward way.
Passed down beyond generations, this song still evokes special memories for many people today.
From Tears to Tomorrowtenchi mari
Singer Mari Amachi, who rose to national idol status with the catchphrase “Sony’s Snow White (beside your heart),” left a lasting impression.
The track Tearful Tomorrow from her first album Mizuiro no Koi/Tearful Tomorrow stands out for its delicate sound set to a gentle waltz (3/4) rhythm.
Its message—don’t look back at the past; keep moving forward—feels perfectly suited to a life crossroads like a graduation ceremony.
It’s an emotional number whose enveloping vocals soothe the heart.
Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko
A smash hit released in 1971 by the golden duo: lyrics by Yū Aku and music by Kyōhei Tsutsumi.
The “cha-cha—don” intro is such an iconic phrase you can’t help but hum it.
Even today, it’s constantly featured on TV and in commercials.
With this song, Kiyohiko Ozaki won the Japan Record Award and achieved numerous feats, including nine consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Oricon chart.
True to its title, “Mata Au Hi Made” (“Until We Meet Again”), its lyrics promise a reunion and resonate with everyone.
It even evokes a sense of nostalgia for the good old days of Japan.
It would also be a perfect fit as background music for events like graduation ceremonies.
Song of DepartureKamijō Tsunehiko
“The Song of Departure,” born in the 1970s and still beloved by many today.
Tsunehiko Kamijō’s track is marked by its soothing melody and powerful vocals.
It carries a certain nostalgia and gently seeps into the heart with a moving warmth.
The lyrics, depicting the scene of setting out at the milestone of graduation, feel like a cheer for friends parting ways.
Passed down to younger generations, this song is sure to resonate across ages.
It’s a timeless classic for graduation season, quietly giving us a push forward.
Graduationkyandīzu
The comedy skit about the School Mates that comedian Asako Ito performs in her act—did you know the three members of Candies actually came from the School Mates? Their song “Sotsugyo” (Graduation), released back in a time when the term “graduation song” didn’t even exist yet, is really something.
The depiction of “we were friends for so long that it never quite became love” is full of Showa-era flavor and so heartbreakingly poignant.
The lyrics are open to interpretation—you can even read them as “graduating from you”—which had fans of the time all on edge.
Just by listening, you can almost see the cherry blossoms fluttering before your eyes.
Released in 1975, it’s a recommended track that you can enjoy even if you’re not into Showa retro.