[80s Graduation Songs] Nostalgic Classics & Hits That Have Become Standards
When it comes to graduation songs, choral pieces used to be the standard, but from around the 1970s, pop-style graduation songs began to appear, and by the 1980s, many hit songs related to graduation were being released.
In this article, we’ll introduce standout graduation songs that were released and became popular in the 1980s.
For those who were students during that era, these tracks will feel nostalgic; for those currently in school, they’ll feel fresh and deeply moving.
Enjoy the colorful world of 1980s graduation songs!
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[80s Graduation Songs] Nostalgic Classics & Now-Standard Hits (41–50)
SWEET GRADUATIONNishida Hikaru
A graduation song wrapped in nostalgia and warmth, emblematic of 80s youth.
Its lyrics interweave heartache and hope, and the refreshing melody beautifully captures the complex emotions of students on the brink of graduation.
Included on the album CLEAR, released in December 1988, it became one of Hikaru Nishida’s signature songs from the early stage of her career.
This piece is sure to resonate at moments of reflection—such as graduation ceremonies and reunions.
It’s truly a classic of youth that gives you the courage to take a new step forward.
Maybe a slight fever.Itō Maiko
When you see the name Maiko Ito, some of you might wonder for a moment who that is.
Those who remember her days as an idol in the 1980s will likely know her, but since 1995 she has been better known for her work as an actress and entrepreneur under the stage name Maiko Ito (written in hiragana as “Itō Maiko”).
Among the songs she left from her idol era, I’d like to introduce Hinetsu ka na, which suits the theme of this article.
With lyrics by Masao Urino and music by Takao Kisugi, it has that quintessential idol kayō pop feel, and the lyrics—depicting school days as a “slight fever” with the sensibility of a bookish girl’s poem—are delightful.
Also pay attention to Ito’s innocent, unadorned singing voice!
Blue StasieonKawai Sonoko
Sonoko Kawai, who commanded immense idol popularity as a member of Onyanko Club, is a multi-talented artist who, after acting in dramas and debuting as a solo artist, also demonstrated her gifts as a singer-songwriter.
Her songs are highly regarded from the perspective of Showa-era idol pop and have been drawing attention from younger music fans today.
Aoi Stassion is her third single, released in 1986.
Crafted by the golden duo of Yasushi Akimoto and Tsugutoshi Goto, it became a major hit and a classic.
The lyrics portray the poignant feelings of a protagonist who quietly sees off a loved one departing for the city to chase their dreams.
For anyone who once watched in silence as someone left for a distant place after graduation, this song may well bring you to tears.
MY GRADUATIONChekkāzu
A gemlike ballad that richly portrays the milestone of graduation.
Set to a gentle melody, it tenderly depicts scenes like exchanging buttons on school uniforms and walking together to the station.
Looking back on memories from ages 16 to 18, it masterfully conveys both the sweetness of young love and the poignancy of parting.
Included on The Checkers’ album “GO” and released in 1987, it was the group’s first self-produced work, with lyrics by Fumiya Fujii and music by Susumu Takeuchi.
Deeply rooted in Japan’s music scene as a staple to hear during graduation season, this song is wholeheartedly recommended for anyone who cherishes memories of their youth.
Yours sincerelyushiroyubi-sasaregumi
Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi was a two-member unit formed by members of Onyanko Club, who enjoyed immense popularity in the idol scene of the 1980s.
Their sixth single, Kashiko, was used as the opening theme for the TV anime High School! Kimengumi.
Its lyrics evoke the image of being unable to convey one’s feelings to someone you love, even at the moment of parting—something many listeners may find resonates with their own memories.
It’s a bittersweet yet comical idol song, marked by a catchy and light pop ensemble.
GraduationTanimura Shinji
Shinji Tanimura’s signature song “Sotsugyo” is a masterpiece that moved many listeners among the graduation songs released in the 1980s.
Its gentle melody and lyrics that link bittersweet memories resonate deeply in the heart.
Listening to this song and picturing the nostalgic scenes of your school days, you’ll find the sweet-and-sour memories of that time washing over you, and the ache and restlessness of youth returning.
It’s a piece that celebrates graduates embarking on a new chapter while renewing our sense of gratitude for days gone by.
Tanimura’s warm vocals gently soothe the loneliness of parting.
Amy’s GraduationKaoru Sudo
Kaoru Sudo’s “Amy no Sotsugyo” is a standout among graduation songs from the 1980s.
Blending city pop elements that color the moments of youth with lyrics that capture both the bittersweetness of graduation and the hope of a new beginning, the song has surely resonated with many graduates.
Sudo’s delicate expressiveness and distinctive melodic lines convey the emotion of the graduation moment to this day.
Even after many years since its release, this timeless classic hasn’t lost its luster and will no doubt give strength to students about to leave their schools behind.
Its universal message ensures it will continue to be loved by many.