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

It’s goodbye, but it’s not goodbye.yamadakatsutenai Wink

It's goodbye, but it's not goodbye.

Yamada Kuniko, who made a name for herself in the world of comedy, teamed up with Chie Yokoyama to form “Yamada Katsutenai Wink.” The song they released in 1991 has been etched in many people’s hearts as an indispensable classic for graduation season.

While depicting the emotions of two people facing a parting, this uplifting track also sings of the hope of meeting again.

Even within the word “goodbye,” it uniquely carries an expectation for the future.

Born from a popular Fuji TV variety show, the song reached No.

2 on the Oricon charts, and the jacket illustration drawn by Yamada herself also became a hot topic.

It’s a song that resonates not only at graduation ceremonies but in any farewell with someone important.

Hum it at a get-together with your generation, and it may spark not just nostalgia, but new bonds as well.

Even though it’s springKashiwabara Yoshie

Harunanoni

As if heralding the arrival of spring, the poignant song “Haru nanoni” gently carries heartfelt feelings for a cherished person on a tender melody.

Interwoven with a faint sense of nostalgia, this classic was released by Yoshie Kashiwabara in 1983 and became a major hit.

With lyrics and music by Miyuki Nakajima, it continues to resonate over time with enduring appeal.

It remains a staple at graduation ceremonies and a popular karaoke choice, and for many in their 40s, it is an unforgettable song that colored their youth.

“Haru nanoni” offers a timeless emotion that makes you want to look back on days gone by—not only in spring, but in any season.

Light of Fireflies

Light of Fireflies

Beloved for many years, “Hotaru no Hikari” is a classic that resonates across generations.

With lyrics by Inoue Kaoru set to the Scottish folk song “Auld Lang Syne,” it has become a standard piece symbolizing farewells and endings, often heard at graduation ceremonies and farewell gatherings.

As the music begins, many are moved to recall days spent at school and joyful times with old friends.

Its melody has taken root as part of Japanese culture and continues to move countless people.

It’s a nostalgic song that you can’t help but hum at the start of a new chapter.

Blown by the windElefanto Kashimashi

Elephant Kashimashi – Blown by the Wind [Official Video]

A masterpiece that brilliantly portrays universal emotions found in everyday life.

Hiroji Miyamoto’s powerful vocals and the gritty sound resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in 1997 as their 16th single, it was a single cut from the album “Run Toward Tomorrow – Tsukiyo no Uta.” It was also used in a Glico “Almond Chocolate” commercial and was loved by a wide audience.

The work explores parting and new beginnings, expressing the subtleties of relationships and feelings between men and women through the contrast of the sun and the moon.

It depicts people sharing joy and sorrow and growing together in the same familiar breeze.

Listening to it during graduation season will vividly bring back memories of those days.

Words of FarewellKaientai

Kaientai’s “Okuru Kotoba” goes beyond being just a graduation song and has continued to be loved by many.

Since its 1979 release, it has also been known as the theme song for the TV drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3B,” starring Tetsuya Takeda, and it has the power to evoke scenes from the show.

Originally written as a heartbreak song, it’s also perfect for the moment of a new departure that graduation represents.

Its clear, translucent melody and warm lyrics resonate in the heart, making it a song that will be passed down along with unfading memories.

It’s a timeless masterpiece whose value seems to grow with age.