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!
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Graduation songs released in the 1990s: memorable classics that accompany the graduation season (41–50)
It’s goodbye, but it’s not goodbye.yamadakatsutenai Wink
In the 1990s, J-pop continued to surprise and move the music scene.
Many of the songs born during its golden age remain vivid in our memories even today.
Among them, “Sayonara dakedo sayonara janai” by Yamada Katsutenai Wink is a heartwarming piece to listen to during graduation season.
With poignant lyrics by Kuniko Yamada and a melody by KAN, the song delivers a message perfectly suited to the milestone of graduation.
Whether you remember those days or are a student about to graduate, why not take a quiet moment to immerse yourself in the world of this song?
Graduation ~Top of the World~Heike Michiyo
A heartwarming graduation song that remakes a Carpenters classic, it was released in February 1998.
The Japanese lyrics evoke a poignant sense of longing, bringing back memories of morning scenes and times with friends.
Michiyo Heike’s vocals seem to give you a gentle push toward a new chapter in life.
Set to a light, buoyant melody, the song weaves together the sadness of parting and the hope ahead.
It was included on the album “Teenage Dream,” and the single reached No.
35 on the Oricon charts.
A perfect track for the spring graduation season.
Recommended for those who want to cherish farewells with friends while celebrating a new beginning.
That paper airplane splits the cloudy sky19
A song that captures a vivid moment of youth was brought to life by 19.
Entrusting dreams scribbled on the back of a test to a paper airplane and letting it fly into the sky beautifully expresses the pure longing and anxiety of young people.
With delicate sensibility and a warm sound, it gently envelops the wavering emotions unique to adolescence.
Released in March 1999, the track was used as a TBS campaign song and reached No.
6 on the Oricon charts.
It was also performed at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Included on the albums “Ongaku” and “19 BEST●Ao,” it has been loved for many years.
It’s a song that will quietly stay by the side of anyone taking a new step forward with the arrival of spring.
Goodbye Busyuzu
A gem of a love song that gently wraps farewells and reunions in an acoustic sound.
It’s a heartwarming track you’ll want to listen to as spring arrives.
The protagonist’s hidden feelings and regrets are portrayed over a tender, bittersweet melody.
Yuzu’s refreshing vocals continue to resonate with those experiencing springtime goodbyes.
Released in March 1999 and included on the album “Yuzuen,” it was also featured as an insert song in the NHK morning drama series “Yanchakure,” capturing fans’ hearts.
It’s a song we hope those parting from someone dear, just before starting a new chapter in life, will listen to.
As a spring anthem that gives you the courage to take a step toward the future, it comes highly recommended.
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.
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?
HometownEvery Little Thing
Every Little Thing is a music duo known for songs that epitomize the 1990s J-pop scene, such as “Dear My Friend” and “Time goes by.” “Hometown,” included on their second album Time to Destination, opens with an impactful intro where a striking synth sound layers over a rock guitar tone.
The lyrics, depicting the scenes and emotions of student days coming to an end with graduation, convey both the anxiety of changing circumstances and a wish for unchanging friendship.
It’s a sentimental number distinguished by its melancholy melody carried by a laid-back shuffle beat.
