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.
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Still packed with timeless classics! A roundup of 1970s Japanese graduation songs (31–40)
Journey of the Heartchūrippu
Anecdotally, it was released with a do-or-die mindset—“If this song doesn’t become a hit, we’ll go back home to Fukuoka”—and it became Tulip’s signature track in 1973.
The lyrics and music were by Kazuo Zaitsu, with Tatsuya Himeno on lead vocals.
The words candidly trace feelings about various farewells—graduating from you, graduating from the town I’m used to—and it’s the kind of song that can bring a tear to your eye.
Beyond that, the song also carries a certain elegance of folk music.
It drew attention when covered by artists like Keisuke Kuwata and Ayaka.
My favorite teacherRC sakuseshon
You probably have a teacher you’ll never forget, too.
This is a work that makes you think, “I’d love to see that person again.” It’s a song by the legendary rock band RC Succession, led by singer-songwriter Kiyoshiro Imawano, released in 1972 as their third single.
The model for the song is Kiyoshiro’s homeroom teacher from his school days.
Set to a pop melody, it sings about what he liked about his teacher, and listening to it gives you a warm, cozy feeling.
At the same time, it brings a slight pang of nostalgia as you think back on your own homeroom teacher.
Maybe it’s time to reach out to that teacher you haven’t seen since graduation.
GraduationDa Kāpo
When it comes to Da Capo, they’ve had various hit songs, but the first one that comes to mind is, of course, “Is It True You’re Getting Married?” However, the song I’m introducing here is Da Capo’s “Sotsugyo” (“Graduation”).
In addition to its single release, it was also included on the 1977 album Intimate: Da Capo Sings at the Grand Theater.
With lyrics that feel a bit different from a school graduation—more like a “graduation from love”—the song portrays a farewell scene with a refreshing touch, evoking the crispness of spring.
Some listeners may be moved by its friendly melody and the gentle vocals of the two members of Da Capo.
By the way, “da capo” is a musical term meaning “back to the beginning of the piece.”
Just like back thenBureddo & Batā
A graduation ceremony with cherry blossom petals dancing in the air, and a moving song of departure.
Released in the 1970s yet loved across generations, the song is Bread & Butter’s “Ano Koro no Mama.” Kureta Keiko’s poignantly beautiful lyrics are paired with a gentle, subdued composition by Haruomi Hosono and Masataka Matsutoya.
The contrasting worldview—between the passion of chasing dreams and the cool composure of letting them go—resonates with everyone and is sure to touch the heart.
Cape TourYamamoto Kōtarō to Uīkuendo
It’s a classic song that poignantly portrays a bittersweet love journey, marked by striking images of a beautiful sea and cape.
The gentle, refreshing melody harmonizes beautifully with lyrical verses that circle around memories of a cherished person who has been lost.
The delicate depiction of traveling alone on a trip once promised to a loved one conveys a quiet resilience—a resolve to move forward while carrying sorrow.
Yamamoto Kotaro and The Weekend debuted with this song in June 1974, and it became a major hit, reaching No.
5 on the Oricon charts.
It has long been beloved as the station melody on the Keikyu Kurihama Line and was also used as the ending theme for the anime Heaven’s Lost Property.
For those who have experienced parting from someone dear or who carry deep feelings in their hearts, this song will gently keep them company.
Still packed with timeless classics! A roundup of Japanese graduation songs from the 1970s (41–50)
Our FailureMorita Doji
Starting with a scene bathed in spring sunlight, Morita Doji’s classic masterfully portrays the delicate feelings and subtle shifts of a young person’s heart.
Many will be moved by the protagonist, who acknowledges their fragility yet strives to move forward.
Featured on the album Mother Sky, the song initially garnered support for its unique worldview upon its November 1976 release.
Later, in 1993, it was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama High School Teacher, becoming a major hit with over 900,000 copies sold.
Its melody—woven from a softly spoken, intimate vocal and the gentle timbre of an acoustic guitar—is the perfect companion when you’re carrying something in your heart or want to immerse yourself in memories of someone dear.
Goodbyeofukōsu
“Sayonara” is a single released by Off Course in 1979.
This very heartrending song portrays a couple parting ways.
Many people probably listened to it often during graduation season back then.
Even now, as in the past, many couples choose different paths when they graduate.
Even if you believe you’ll be fine as long as you’re together, physical distance often leads to a breakup…
Though it’s a somber song, it’s one you’ll want to listen to at graduation while thinking of someone you love.
