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)
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!
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!
Spread your wingsDEEN
With its refreshing melody and Shuichi Ikemori’s crystal-clear vocals, this classic gently gives you a push as you take off into a new world.
Known as well for lyrics by Izumi Sakai and composition by Tetsuro Oda, its worldview brims with hope and a sense of liberation as you set your sights on your dreams—perfect for graduation season.
Released in July 1993 as their second single, it also became familiar to households as the image song for Nippon TV’s soccer broadcasts.
It peaked at No.
5 on the weekly charts and was later included in high school music textbooks, showing how beloved it is across generations.
In spring, when anxiety and anticipation mingle, listening to it when you need courage will surely help your heart spread its wings wide.
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.
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.