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 1970s Japanese graduation songs (31–40)
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.”
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.
interaction; friendly contact; bondingNakamura Masatoshi
It’s one of Masatoshi Nakamura’s hit songs, which was also used as an insert song in a TV drama starring Nakamura himself.
In the show, he plays a teacher who sings this song by a campfire; its lyrics about how people can’t live alone resonate with the drama’s theme, making it a song many people recall at graduation.
Goodbye, my friend.Yamada Panda
Singer-songwriter Panda Yamada, known as a former member of Kaguya-hime and for his energetic solo career as a folk singer after the group disbanded.
His first solo single, “Sayonara Tomo yo,” is a delicate number built around an ensemble rooted in acoustic guitar sounds.
The lyrics, which depict the resolve to set out on a new journey, evoke the image of taking a major gamble in life.
It’s a wistful yet positive folk song that captures the feeling of each person’s life beginning to move forward after the graduation ceremony.
graduationKurata Mariko
After retiring, singer Mariko Kurata has worked as a career counselor and, since 2015, has served as a specially appointed professor at Tokyo Gakugei University.
Her single “Graduation,” released on January 21, 1979, opens with a sentimental intro featuring a lyrical guitar riff and clear, shimmering strings.
The lyrics, which celebrate a friendship that remains unchanged even after a fresh start, may bring back the bittersweet feelings of a graduation ceremony.
With a chorus that truly stirs the heart, it’s a graduation song loved across generations.
Still packed with timeless classics! A roundup of Japanese graduation songs from the 1970s (41–50)
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.
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.
