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

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.

I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu

Spitz / I Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky

Spitz’s classic song “Sora mo Toberu Hazu” (“We Could Even Fly”) gained popularity as the theme song for the drama “Hakusen Nagashi” and is also beloved as a karaoke staple.

It’s often sung in graduation scenes, and the sense of new beginnings and gratitude for encounters that the song conveys feels perfectly suited to the milestone of graduation.

Kusano’s gentle yet powerful voice rekindles the sparkle of youth.

This song, which sings of both nostalgia for days gone by and hopes for the future, is sure to resonate with many people.

March 9Remioromen

Remioromen – March 9

Remioromen’s warm vocals, which gently accompany life’s milestones, continue to move countless hearts.

Released in March 2004, this song was originally written for a friend’s wedding, but it has also become widely loved as a graduation song.

It’s a band-style ballad that gradually builds from a quiet beginning, with lyrics expressing hopeful feelings about farewells and new beginnings.

The track was featured in various commercials and TV dramas and enjoyed a long-running hit on the Oricon charts, staying ranked for 62 weeks.

Covered by many artists, it remains beloved across generations.

As spring approaches, it’s the kind of nostalgic song you’ll find yourself humming—why not try singing it at karaoke?

cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro

Sakura

A song that beautifully depicts a spring scene of cherry blossoms fluttering is a classic themed around graduation and farewell.

Naotaro Moriyama’s gentle, heartrending vocals deeply resonate with listeners.

Released in March 2003, the song was chosen as the ending theme for TBS’s “Sekai Ururun Taizaiki,” creating a major buzz.

In an extraordinary achievement, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon chart in its ninth week after release, instantly making Moriyama’s name known nationwide.

It’s also beloved as a go-to song for graduation ceremonies, and singing it at reunions is sure to stir nostalgic memories of youth.

It’s especially recommended listening during the season when you can feel spring’s arrival.

A graduation song, a song of friends.19

A graduation song, a song of friends.

As graduation approaches and a new chapter begins, 19’s classic song is one that brings those precious moments to mind.

Released in March 1999 as the B-side to “Ano Kami Hikōki Kumorizora Waatsu,” this track pairs the warm tones of acoustic guitar with gentle lyrics that celebrate the value of days gone by.

Its words—recognizing that the “ordinary days we thought were boring” were actually treasures, and offering courage to overcome hardships—resonate deeply with listeners.

It’s a perfect song to hum at graduations, reunions, or when meeting old friends again.

For those in their 40s, it’s a cherished piece that remains etched in the heart alongside memories of youth.