A coming-of-age song that was a hit in the ’90s. A classic and popular track in Japanese music.

The Blue AgeKinKi Kids

The Blue Age

Featured as the ending theme for a TBS drama starring Tsuyoshi Domoto, this song is a ballad distinguished by its piano-centered, beautiful melody.

Its lyrics, depicting the unique pain and inner conflicts of youth along with hope for the future, resonate deeply with listeners.

The structure—where the two members of KinKi Kids have no solo parts throughout and sing in harmony and unison—accentuates the song’s poignancy.

Included on their fourth single released in July 1998, it is also known for achieving million-seller status.

The lyrical worldview crafted by canna seems to align perfectly with farewells and departures during graduation season.

It carries a warmth that comforts the anxieties and loneliness of growing up, making it a classic you’ll want to hear when you feel like reflecting on your youth.

If I Could Become a StarMr.Children

If I Could Become a Star by Mr.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!

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.

Boy in the WindHikaru GENJI

Hikaru Genji - Boy in the Wind (1991)

This is the 12th single released in February 1991 by Hikaru GENJI, the group that gained popularity with their style of singing and dancing on roller skates.

As the title suggests, the lyrics vividly depict the sparkle of a fleeting moment shining in the wind and the bittersweetness of youth.

It expresses the emotions of a boy torn between friendship and budding romance, set to a refreshing melody.

It reached No.

2 on the weekly Oricon chart and was also included on the album “(333) Thank You.” Taking a step beyond their early, high-speed performances, this work attempts a more emotionally rich expression, making it a song that showcases Hikaru GENJI’s growing maturity.

It’s a great pick when you want to revisit memories of your youth.

Goodbye, Summer DaysYamashita Tatsuro

Tatsuro Yamashita “Goodbye Summer Days”

Tatsuro Yamashita’s 21st single, released in May 1991, is a classic inspired by his own high school experience of being caught in a sudden shower at an amusement park pool and seeing a rainbow after the rain.

It beautifully captures the bittersweet feeling at summer’s end and the tender emotions of first love before adulthood.

The song was also used in a commercial for Dai-ichi Life and released as an advance single from the album “ARTISAN.” It reached No.

12 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and was certified Gold.

It’s a quintessential summer ballad recommended for those who want to relive their youthful memories or nostalgically revisit the delicate romances of those days.

Until the World Ends…WANDS

Until the World Ends... – WANDS (Full)

When it comes to the second ending theme of the TV Asahi anime SLAM DUNK, this is the song.

It truly stands as a golden milestone of youth basketball manga.

Many people probably started playing basketball because they admired this series, and shared their youth not only with the manga and anime, but with this song as well.

By the time of the Christmas carolsInagaki Junichi

Junichi Inagaki – When It's Christmas Carol Time (Official Music Video)

A classic Christmas song that colors the bustling holiday streets with Junichi Inagaki’s sweet, bittersweet, and sentimental vocals and phrasing.

The content is by no means happy, but many people spent their youth with this song, cherishing faint Christmas memories.