A graduation song released in the 1990s. A memorable classic that accompanies the graduation season.

Believe in your dreamsTokunaga Hideaki

Hidetoshi Tokunaga – Believe in Dreams

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.

threadNakajima Miyuki

thread

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.

BoyhoodInoue Yosui

Boyhood by Yosui Inoue

The moment that beautifully wistful piano intro begins, a flood of nostalgic scenes unfolds before your eyes—this is one of those timeless classics.

Released as a single by Yosui Inoue in September 1990, it was written as the theme song for the film “Childhood Days.” Though it portrays the melancholy of summer fading away, its universal nostalgia transcends seasons and resonates deeply during times of graduation and farewell as well.

In 1991, it also drew attention as the song used in Sony’s “Handycam” commercial, and over a long period after its release, it achieved million-seller status.

The world woven by its beautiful Japanese lyrics and melody is irresistible for adults who find themselves looking back on their youth.

It’s a standard number I hope those embarking on new beginnings will listen to, alongside memories that never fade.

A graduation song, a song of friends.19

A graduation song, a song of friends.

Among the graduation songs that colored the J-Pop scene of the ’90s, “Sotsugyō no Uta, Tomodachi no Uta” by 19 stands out with a special presence.

The warmth of the lyrics penned by 326 delicately portrays friendship, parting, and the steps toward a new future, resonating deeply with listeners.

While reflecting on days gone by, its message that cheers on the days to come retains an unfading appeal in any era.

It is a moving work that one would want to dedicate to everyone facing graduation.

Snow in MarchMakihara Noriyuki

Snow in March (Live)

Singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara, who released numerous hit songs in the 1990s and has been actively writing songs for other artists, created “Snow in March,” a track from his second album, Who Do You Share a Happy Yawn With? Its delicate sound, featuring piano and acoustic guitar, really lingers in the ears.

The lyrics evoke the scene of lingering spring snow while conveying that time keeps moving forward without waiting—something that may resonate especially with those who cherished their student days.

With a voice that carries a touch of melancholy, it’s a sentimental graduation song that strikes the heart.

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Hoshino Takashi

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GraduationWatanabe Misato

Graduation

This is the song “Sotsugyo” (Graduation) by Misato Watanabe, known for “My Revolution.” I’d always thought of her as a singer of relentlessly bright songs, but that image crumbled when I heard this track.

The unsettling string arrangement beautifully highlights Watanabe’s powerful, straightforward vocals.

It’s a song that makes me admire the breadth of her expressive range.

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Yoimachi Jēn

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My friendZARD

My Friend (What a beautiful memory 2008)

A signature number by ZARD, famously known as the ending theme of the TV anime SLAM DUNK.

The lyrics woven by Izumi Sakai carry both the warmth of watching over “you” who keeps running straight ahead and the poignancy of a relationship that might one day change—each listen is enough to make your heart swell.

Released in January 1996 as their 17th single and opening the album TODAY IS ANOTHER DAY, this song became a million seller and is etched in the hearts of many fans.

It’s a perfect cheer song for those pivotal moments of youth—like retiring from a club activity or at a graduation ceremony.

Why not sing it at karaoke with friends you haven’t seen in a while, reminiscing about those days? Its unfading melody will surely bring those feelings from back then vividly back to life.