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

Graduation Elegy3B LAB.☆S

Graduation Elegy (UB ver.)

As a song that resonates deeply during graduation season, this work by 3B LAB.☆ has captured the hearts of many.

Released in February 2003 as the B-side to the single “Ichigo Ichie,” it stands out for Kenji Okahira’s delicate lyrics and emotive melody.

It skillfully portrays scenes from graduation ceremonies, words from teachers, and the mix of excitement and anxiety that comes with a new departure, striking a deep chord with listeners.

Included on the band’s best-of album “Upper BEST,” it remains a fan favorite.

It’s a recommended track not only for graduation season, but also for life’s turning points or whenever you want to bask in nostalgic memories.

Just a little longer until graduationGLAY

Just a little longer until graduation

When it comes to songs etched in our hearts alongside memories of graduation ceremonies, you can’t leave out this track by GLAY.

Released in February 2002 as the B-side to the single “Way of Difference,” this piece is a graduation song woven from TAKURO’s own experiences.

From the nostalgic handwriting found on the pages of a borrowed dictionary to the longing to reunite with friends, it delicately portrays the complex emotions felt on the verge of graduation.

Also included on the album “UNITY ROOTS & FAMILY, AWAY,” it’s a mid-tempo rock ballad distinguished by a moving melody centered on the theme of graduation.

Its lyrics, brimming with memories of the past and hopes for the future, resonate especially strongly during graduation season and strike a chord with many.

If I Could Become a StarMr.Children

If I Could Become a Star

A song that sings of the passion and determination of young people spreading their wings toward their dreams.

It beautifully captures the emotions of high school students on the verge of graduation and resonates deeply with listeners.

The refreshing sound of the acoustic guitar paired with a powerful yet gentle vocal delivers a track that gives you the courage to move forward.

Included on the December 1992 album “Kind of Love,” it was also used as the theme song for a music program on TV Kanagawa.

As a representative track from Mr.Children’s early years, it has been beloved by fans for many years.

Listening to it at graduations, reunions, and other moments of parting or new beginnings with important people is sure to stir your heart.

GraduationZONE

ZONE “Graduation” Official Music Video

Released in February 2004, ZONE’s song is a heartwarming track themed around the milestone of graduation.

It expresses the memories overflowing from a once-cramped classroom, as well as hopes and anxieties for the future, skillfully portraying the emotions of a new beginning.

Issued as ZONE’s 12th major single, it debuted at No.

5 on the Oricon charts, marking a remarkable achievement of ten consecutive top-10 entries.

The song is also included on the album “N” and the best-of collection “E ~Complete A side Singles~.” This is a track you’ll want to listen to during graduation season, and it will resonate at reunions or whenever you look back on old memories.

Along with ZONE’s refreshing vocals, it might be nice to reminisce about those days.

Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako

Takako Okamura “Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

With the arrival of spring comes graduation season.

At such times, hearing Takako Okamura’s “Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams” can bring back memories of youthful days gone by, even in the most ordinary moments.

Since its 1987 release, this classic has been sung at many graduation ceremonies and used in countless settings, warmly watching over graduates as they embark on new paths.

While it may have been written by Okamura as a song about heartbreak, the indomitable spirit it carries has made it a timeless anthem of encouragement, beloved by many.

It is a wonderful song that, at any time, gives us the strength to never give up on our dreams.

Snow in MarchMakihara Noriyuki

3gatunoyuki

This is a gemlike ballad that beautifully portrays the protagonist’s feelings as they spend their final moments with friends, twenty days after the graduation ceremony.

Included on Noriyuki Makihara’s September 1991 album “Kimi wa Dare to Shiawase na Akubi o Shimasu ka,” the song was never released as a single, yet it has continued to be cherished by many fans.

Using out-of-season snow as a motif, it delicately expresses both the transience of parting and the anticipation of a new life.

Makihara’s signature gentle melody and soft vocals resonate deeply.

For those in their forties, it may conjure scenes that overlap with memories from their school days.

It’s a song that makes you want to listen as spring arrives, filling you with a warm sense of nostalgia.

GraduationWatanabe Misato

Misato Watanabe - Graduation

Misato Watanabe’s “Sotsugyo” is a quietly fragile and beautiful song that stands apart from her signature hit, “My Revolution.” Though it was a staple at graduation ceremonies back in the day, its appeal remains undimmed when you listen again now.

Among Tetsuya Komuro’s arrangements, the surging strings are especially stirring.

This track, which colored the graduation season of the ’90s, continues to live on in many people’s hearts.

Its gently wistful melody, arriving with the spring, will carry those in their 40s back to warm memories.