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 resonate with the graduation season (1–10)
I won’t let you say goodbye.B’z
It’s a song included on B’z’s sixth original album, “RUN,” released in 1992.
The lyrics were inspired by Inaba’s university graduation ceremony and carry a positive message that, even if graduation separates people, they will meet again.
During the album tour, it was performed as the final song in the encore.
It’s also a fan favorite.
On the Day of Departure
Many of you might find that this song brings back memories of your own graduation ceremony.
Since its release, it has been a staple performed at graduation ceremonies across the country.
The song originally came from a junior high school in Saitama Prefecture.
From there, it spread through the local community, caught the attention of a composer, was featured in a music magazine, and in the late 1990s it gained nationwide popularity.
It really does put you in a nostalgic mood, doesn’t it? It’s a masterpiece that will surely continue to be sung for years to come.
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.
The Reason We Set Out on a JourneyOzawa Kenji
When those dazzling horns ring out in the intro, your heart starts to race and you feel a touch of bittersweetness, don’t you? The lyrics, sprinkled with words like “Tokyo Tower” and “airport,” are full of a tenderness that seems to affirm even the loneliness of parting.
Included on the classic 1994 album LIFE and later released as a single in 1996 as the theme song for the drama Shota no Sushi, this track also features a memorable phrase borrowed from a Paul Simon song, and it continues to be loved as a signature Shibuya-kei anthem.
It’s perfect for listening while thinking of friends or lovers far away, and it’s sure to give a fresh, gentle push to anyone setting off on a spring journey!
Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi
It’s a ballad whose striking piano melody and Japan-inspired, nostalgic atmosphere feel purifying to the soul.
Released in October 1994 as Yumi Matsutoya’s 26th single, it has long been beloved as the theme song for the NHK morning drama of the same name.
During the show’s broadcast, this melody played every morning and blended into many people’s daily lives; its lyrics were later highly praised for their literary quality, even being included in Japanese language textbooks.
Also featured on the album THE DANCING SUN, the song became a million seller.
While carrying the sorrow of parting, its message of moving forward with the arrival of spring is truly stirring.
It’s a timeless classic cherished across generations, and a staple for graduation ceremonies and choral competitions.
If I Could Become a StarMr.Children
Let me introduce a classic song that perfectly fits graduation season, beautifully capturing both the resolve to set off for a new place in pursuit of dreams and the bittersweetness of parting.
This early representative work by Mr.Children is included on the album “Kind of Love,” released in December 1992.
It’s also known as an insert song in the 1994 drama “Wakamono no Subete,” and although it wasn’t released as a single, it remains a fan favorite.
Composed in collaboration with Yohito Teraoka, the hopeful lyrics penned by Kazutoshi Sakurai and the catchy melody strike straight to the heart.
It gently encourages those who want to change their present situation and reach greater heights.
Be sure to give it a listen as a motivational anthem for your new life starting this spring!
my graduationSPEED
SPEED’s “my graduation” is one of the beloved classics among 1990s graduation songs.
Its lyrics portray a heartbreak that looks back on memories and wishes to “meet again someday,” overlapping naturally with the scenes of graduation.
Their clear, translucent vocals ride on a fresh melody that resonates deeply with many listeners.
Though it’s a heartbreak song, the title “my graduation” has made it a cherished graduation tune—perfect for anyone seeking a slightly different kind of graduation song.