[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.
Good-bye school dayshaifaisetto
A heartwarming graduation song that gently accompanies the end of student life.
Released in January 1984, this track shines with Hi-Fi Set’s sophisticated, urban sound and exquisite harmonies.
It beautifully captures the loneliness and poignancy of farewells that come with the arrival of spring, as well as the anticipation of a new beginning.
Often heard at high school and university graduation ceremonies, it’s perfect for those who want to reminisce.
It’s sure to give you a deeply moving, wonderful moment.
GraduationOzawa Natsuki
The moment that wistful intro starts playing, you just know it’s going to be a tearjerker, right? Let me introduce “Sotsugyo” (“Graduation”), the third single released in 1988 by Natsuki Ozawa, who debuted as an idol in the late 1980s and also worked as an actress.
As the title suggests, it’s a song themed around graduation, with beautifully poetic lyrics that portray a positive outlook on parting with “you,” who’s going far away.
Koji Makaino’s melody is wonderful as well—bright yet achingly bittersweet in just the right way.
“Graduation” can be interpreted as graduating from “you,” too, so I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to view separation in a positive light.
Goodbye once moreChekkāzu
A gem-like ballad that gently weaves the pain of parting, set against a scene of lights drifting beyond the window and ice clinking in a glass.
Among The Checkers’ band sound, it’s a masterpiece that delicately portrays the feelings of a grown-up love.
Fumiya Fujii’s poignantly resonant vocals and Naoyuki Fujii’s beautiful melodies tenderly enfold the end of a love that still lingers with regret.
Upon its release in November 1990, the song reached No.
7 on the Oricon charts, and it was also included on the album “THE CHECKERS THE BEST,” soothing the hearts of many listeners.
It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who has experienced parting from someone dear with the arrival of spring.
Why not listen alone on a quiet night and immerse yourself in cherished memories?
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.