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 accompany the graduation season (31–40)
To the new personKaientai
Kaientai is a three-member folk group led by actor Tetsuya Takeda.
Known for hits like “Okuru Kotoba,” their song “Atarashii Hito e” is a hidden gem from the ’90s.
Its warm, folk-infused melody gently comforts the anxieties that come with graduation season.
Upbeat, hype-building anthems are great, but as a graduation song, I highly recommend a track like this—an encouraging tune that gradually fills you with courage as you listen.
SaraiTanimura Shinji
This is ‘Sarai,’ the theme song of the 24-Hour TV program, a hallmark of summer.
It is said that ‘Sarai’ carries the meaning of ‘a hometown of the heart.’ After graduation, you won’t come to the school you visited almost every day anymore.
Even so, it’s a place filled with memories.
It will surely become your ‘hometown of the heart.’
BELIEVESugimoto Ryuichi
This song was created in 1998 as the ending theme for NHK’s “Ikimono Chikyū Kikō” (A Journey of Life on Earth).
Its beautiful piano melody and hope-filled lyrics have long been cherished at graduation ceremonies and school events.
Celebrating the importance of friendship and mutual support, it gives people the strength to face forward, believing they can overcome any hardship.
Many of you may have actually sung it at your graduation.
In 2017, it was also featured in a commercial encouraging exam-takers, cementing its status as a classic beloved across generations.
It’s a wonderful song that gently supports not only those graduating, but everyone taking a new step forward.
Dear My FriendsHi-STANDARD
Hi-STANDARD, a Japanese punk band that gained huge popularity in the ’90s.
Their song “Dear My Friends” is a classic that pairs a straightforward Hi-STANDARD-style beat with heartfelt feelings for dear friends.
In particular, lyrics like “It feels so good to be alive” and “I’m going to do things my own way” help turn the confusion of graduation into a positive outlook—that’s the charm of this track.
The lyrics are written in simple English, so singing along to lift your spirits is a great idea!
Blown by the windElefanto Kashimashi
Elephant Kashimashi is a rock band fronted by vocalist Hiroji Miyamoto.
Many fans went wild for them in the ’90s and now support them together with their kids.
One of their songs about parting with a friend is “Kaze ni Fukarete” (Blown by the Wind).
Its passionate lyrics about unchanging friendship and its dry, lean sound never fail to tug at the heartstrings.
The song also portrays a man who can’t be honest with his feelings, capturing the wavering of his heart in a realistic way.
Those who tend to act a bit distant in everyday life may find it especially relatable.
Graduation songs released in the 1990s: memorable classics that accompany the graduation season (41–50)
Tomorrow, when spring comesMatsu Takako
This is the memorable debut single of Takako Matsu, who had already earned high acclaim as an actress.
Released in March 1997, it was also featured in an NTT commercial and became a hit, selling about 500,000 copies.
The warm, springlike melody—like sunlight filtering through the trees—matches perfectly with her clear, translucent voice.
The lyrics depict bittersweet memories of days gone by and a poignant longing for someone dear.
The scenes from those days, when you simply watched “you” devoted to your passion, come vividly to mind.
Listening to it in the season when farewells and new encounters intersect—graduations, new beginnings—might fill your heart with both nostalgia and hope for the future.
Song of a Friendyuzu
Some of you will graduate and walk different paths from your friends.
But even if you’re far apart, it doesn’t mean you stop being friends.
That’s the message embedded in “Tomodachi no Uta” (“Song of Friends”).
It’s the seventh single by the musical duo Yuzu and is also beloved as a crowd-pleaser at live shows.
Since it’s a song themed around passionate friendship, try listening to it while thinking of your friends.
And if any of your friends are feeling anxious, I hope you’ll share it with them.