A graduation song released in the 1990s. A memorable classic that accompanies the graduation season.
On your graduation day, was there a song you softly hummed while reluctantly saying goodbye to your friends?The 1990s were the era when CDs sold the most in Japan and the concept of J-POP truly took shape, giving rise to countless classic hits that everyone knew.
Naturally, many iconic graduation songs were born as well, leaving a deep impression on the students of that time.From timeless graduation staples that evoke the atmosphere of those days, to songs perfect for the graduation season, and even hidden gems known only to a few, this article delivers a rich selection of graduation songs released in the 1990s.Whether you’re embarking on a new chapter with the arrival of spring, feeling a sudden urge to look back on your youth, or part of a younger generation curious about ’90s music, be sure to check it out!
- Heisei-era graduation songs roundup: iconic youth anthems from the ’90s to the 2010s
- [2026] A Collection of Memorable Graduation Songs from the 40s [Japanese Music]
- [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
- [Graduation Songs of the 2000s] Japanese Music That Colors the Season of Departure
- [Graduation Songs] Choral pieces perfect for singing at elementary school graduation ceremonies: A collection of moving classics
- Tear-jerking J-pop from the ’90s. Hit songs and real tearjerkers.
- A coming-of-age song that was a hit in the ’90s. A classic and popular track in Japanese music.
- Tear-jerking classic graduation songs! Recommended tracks for graduation movie BGM
- They’ll give your new beginning a boost! Enrollment songs released in the Heisei era
- [For Graduates] Graduation Songs and Cheer Anthems to Convey Gratitude and Support
- Classic and hit J-pop songs from the nostalgic ’90s
- [Graduation Songs] Tear-Jerking, Heartwarming Ballads | A Showcase of Classics and the Newest Hits!
Graduation songs released in the 1990s. Memorable classics that resonate with the graduation season (1–10)
Believe in your dreamsTokunaga Hideaki
This is the ninth single by singer-songwriter Hideaki Tokunaga, who has created numerous classic ballads with his one-of-a-kind voice and, in recent years, captivated many listeners with his cover works.
The song was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Dragon Quest, and it’s a number distinguished by Tokunaga’s expansive, powerful vocals.
Its message—overcoming past tears and doubts to press forward toward the future you believe in—is sure to resonate especially with graduates whose hearts are filled with both hope and anxiety.
Released in January 1990, the single became a long-running hit, staying on the Oricon charts for 24 weeks.
It’s a song that gently nudges you toward realizing your dreams and warmly supports new beginnings.
Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki
Have you ever had moments when scenes from your hometown or the faces of old friends suddenly come to mind? This work is filled with the desire to show friends living far away that you’re shining where you are now.
Created by singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara, it’s a famous song included on the album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono,” released in June 1992.
Although it wasn’t released as a single, it enjoys outstanding popularity and recognition, and it has remained beloved across generations—being used, for example, in a 2006 NTT East Japan commercial.
While carrying the loneliness of not being able to attend a class reunion, the lyrics express a resolve to chase dreams in a new city—sure to gently encourage those moving to Tokyo for school or work.
It’s a song to listen to when you’re thinking of someone important and taking a new step forward.
COSMOSMimas
This work captivates with lyrics that overlay the vast universe with one’s own existence, evoking a gentle, warming light.
It’s a single released by the music duo Aquamarine in April 1999, marking their major-label debut.
Also known as the theme song for “Star Week,” it is included on the album TALES OF STARS.
Written and composed by Mimasu, the song was later arranged by Yutaka Tomizawa into a choral piece and has since become a graduation staple beloved by schools across Japan.
Many people likely recall singing it in unison with friends as they set out from the classroom into the wider world.
It’s a classic that you’ll want to listen to in spring, at the start of new beginnings, while gazing up at the night sky.
threadNakajima Miyuki
This is one of Miyuki Nakajima’s signature ballads, likening life’s mysterious encounters to a woven fabric and singing of how those bonds might someday warm someone’s heart.
Originally included on her October 1992 album “EAST ASIA,” it was released as a single in 1998 as the theme song for the TBS drama “Seija no Kōshin,” capturing the hearts of many.
It has since been covered by numerous artists, including Bank Band, and even inspired a film released in 2020, carrying the song across generations.
It’s a perfect listen for graduation season, when farewells and new meetings intersect, and for moments when you want to reflect on the bonds with those you cherish.
With its gentle yet powerful message, this timeless classic gives you the courage to take a new step forward.
TOMORROWMayo Okamoto
When it comes to the definitive cheer song that has encouraged people all across Japan, it has to be this one.
Singer-songwriter Mayo Okamoto released it as her debut single in May 1995, and it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Second Chance,” becoming a massive hit with sales of about 1.77 million copies.
Its uplifting lyrics, which speak of growing stronger beyond tears, and its bouncy piano melody are unforgettable.
It’s also well known that during production, the tempo was sped up at the request of the drama’s team.
While it wasn’t originally a graduation song, this track gently gives you courage in the springtime, when anxiety and hope mingle.
Why not listen to it while putting your arm around a friend setting off into a new world—or to spur yourself on? It’s a timeless classic that never loses its shine.