[2026] A Collection of Memorable Graduation Songs from the 40s [Japanese Music]

Primal.THE YELLOW MONKEY

THE YELLOW MONKEY – Primal.

For those whose youth was defined by The Yellow Monkey, there’s one unforgettable song.

Released in January 2001 as their 24th single, it was produced with the legendary Tony Visconti.

The lyrics were originally written with a lipstick commercial tie-in and the graduation season in mind, but the band’s subsequent hiatus overlapped with its release, elevating the track into a profound piece that conveys both farewell and new beginnings.

While retaining a hint of glam rock, its grand sound—layered with brass and intricate backing vocals—hits you straight in the chest.

It reached No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart and marked their ninth consecutive Top 10 entry.

During their 2016 reunion tour, it was performed as the opening number, and the moment when an “ending song” turned into a signal for a new beginning moved many fans deeply.

It’s a classic we especially recommend to those meeting a life milestone with the arrival of spring, or to anyone who wants to remember who they were back then.

KanadeSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

Released in 2004, Sukima Switch’s second single is a gem of a ballad that portrays parting and growth.

The lyrics depict a protagonist whose view of the world was transformed by meeting someone special, trying to convey their feelings in voice at the very moment they must go their separate ways.

The powerful desire to stay connected at heart beyond physical distance truly resonates.

The song was featured as an insert track in the film “Rough” and served as the theme for Fuji TV’s drama “Sotsuuta.” In 2006, it was also chosen as the ending theme for the final day of “Netto Koshien,” becoming a memorable anthem symbolizing the end of summer and the farewells of youth.

It set an astonishing record by remaining on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for 167 consecutive weeks.

It’s a number we especially recommend to those facing life’s milestones—such as graduation or a job transfer—or anyone who has experienced a long-distance relationship.

era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki

era; age; time; period

This is one of Miyuki Nakajima’s signature songs, which won the Grand Prix at the 6th World Popular Song Festival held at the Nippon Budokan in 1975.

Its flowing melody and universal lyrics, depicting the transience of life, strike a deep chord.

Even as it passes through parting and loss, the piece conveys a sense of hope for renewal to come, making it like a vessel into which each listener can pour their own memories.

It was included on her 1976 debut album “Watashi no Koe ga Kikoemasu ka” (Can You Hear My Voice?), re-recorded as a self-cover in 1993, and chosen as the theme song for the 2020 film “Kiokuya: Anata o Wasurenai” (The Memory Eraser: I Won’t Forget You).

Long cherished as a graduation staple, this song takes on new resonance at every milestone in life.

It’s a piece I especially recommend when spring arrives and you want to remember who you were back then.

Lingering Snowiruka

Iruka / Nagori Yuki (Hokkaido, Obihiro) “Iruka Video Collection Live & Archive” Video Album “Kaze no Tayori” (1984)

Sung by Iruka and etched in many people’s hearts, the graduation song “Nagori Yuki” is a gem that portrays the tranquil winter scenery of the countryside.

Its lyrics delicately weave together the emotions of meeting and parting, warming the listener’s heart.

Originally performed by the group Kaguyahime, the song is notable for Masataka Matsutoya’s beautiful arrangement.

When it plays during a graduation ceremony, the surrounding scene feels all the more precious.

Its melody, perfectly suited to a season of new beginnings, continues to be covered by many artists to this day.

Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – Come, Spring

From her early days performing under the name Yumi Arai to the present, Yumi Matsutoya has released countless songs beloved across generations.

Her 26th single, released in October 1994, was used as the theme song for an NHK morning drama of the same title, topped the Oricon charts, and became a million seller with total sales exceeding 1.16 million copies.

Beginning with a striking piano intro, the melody evokes a distinctly Japanese sensibility that resonates deeply with the listener.

The lyrics, interwoven with classical phrasing, are so beautiful that they were even included in middle school Japanese textbooks.

Its worldview—imbued with a prayer for spring after a long winter—makes it perfect for graduation season, when farewells and fresh starts intersect.

Choose it at karaoke with peers, and everyone will surely sing along.

It’s a timeless song that gently echoes in the heart.

The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP

SMAP – The Only Flower in the World

A signature SMAP song whose moving message resonates with everyone.

Written and composed by Noriyuki Makihara, it was first included on the 2002 album “SMAP 015/Drink! Smap!” and released as a single in 2003.

It gained attention as the theme song for the drama “Boku no Ikiru Michi,” starring Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, and achieved cumulative shipments of 3.23 million copies.

In 2007, it was selected for the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ “100 Best Songs of Japan.” From the scene of flowers proudly blooming side by side in a flower shop, the lyrics gently tell us that there’s no need to compare ourselves to others—making it perfect for graduation season.

It’s a song that softly heals hearts tired from competition and evaluation, so why not send it as a message of support to someone embarking on a new chapter?

Graduation PhotoArai Yumi

Graduation Photograph / Sotsugyou Shashin (2022 Ｍix)

When I look back in my memory, Yumi Arai’s classic “Graduation Photograph” immediately comes to mind.

This gem of a ballad, which Yuming composed for Hi-Fi Set, has struck a chord with countless listeners and become an immortal masterpiece covered by many artists.

Its gentle, delicate melody is so evocative that, with the arrival of spring and the approach of graduation season, you find yourself humming it without thinking.

I imagine many people are moved to tears as they recall those days.

The lyrics depict scenes layered with time after graduation, stirring a longing for days gone by.

Listening to this song, you can understand why it continues to be loved across generations.