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

Even if graduation feels like a distant memory for you now, when spring draws near, there are surely one or two songs you can’t help but hum along to—along with the memories of those days.

In this article, we’ve picked out nostalgic graduation songs for people in their 40s, curated by a writer who’s in their 40s right now! We’re featuring not only timeless standards that are often sung at actual graduation ceremonies, but also plenty of masterpieces from the ’90s to early ’00s J-pop—songs whose intros alone can bring tears to your eyes—perfect for the graduation season.

It’s great for choosing tracks for karaoke with friends of the same generation, too.

Enjoy!

Playlist

[2026] A Collection of Memorable Graduation Songs from the 40s [Japanese Music]
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Maplesupittsu		An iconic song about the pain of parting and the resolve to move forward
2	Best FriendKiroro		A moving ballad that sings of friendship, “With Love”
3	Endless JourneyMr.Children		Mr.Children’s classic song “I Want to Hold You”
4	Bridge of Gloryyuzu		Official Olympic theme song, a song of emotion and hope
5	The Door to TomorrowI WiSH		AINORI theme song, a moving youth anthem
6	Spring ~spring~Hysteric Blue		The classic graduation song by Hysteric Blue
7	Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Been Around Since Long Ago~My Little Lover		Nostalgic songs evoke memories.
8	KanadeSukima Suichi		A gemlike ballad that portrays farewell and growth
9	Primal.THE YELLOW MONKEY		A classic by The Yellow Monkey about farewell and new beginnings—a song of youth.
10	Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi		Yumi’s spring song, loved across generations
11	era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki		A song of life's transience and the hope for renewal
12	The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP		SMAP’s classic hit, a song that cheers you on in life
13	Lingering Snowiruka		Moved by Iruka’s graduation song “Nagori-yuki.”
14	To the futureKiroro		A masterpiece that sings of feelings for a loved one
15	my graduationSPEED		A famous song that sings about the emotions and memories of graduation
16	Graduation PhotoArai Yumi		The appeal of Yumi Arai’s classic song “Graduation Photograph”
17	I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu		Spitz’s classic song “Sora mo Toberu Hazu” is an anthem of youth.
18	March 9Remioromen		A moving ballad that sings of parting and departure
19	cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro		A spring song with dancing cherry blossoms, a graduation classic
20	A graduation song, a song of friends.19		Graduation season, memorable classics
21	TOMORROWMayo Okamoto		Mayo Okamoto’s classic that gives courage and hope
22	Graduationgagaga supi		The appeal of Gagaga SP’s youthful punk rock
23	cherry blossomKobukuro		A timeless song that accompanies the season of farewells, filled with spring memories
24	Tsubasaandāgurafu		An emotional rock song with a wistful guitar
25	Where Smiles GoDREAMS COME TRUE		A classic graduation song with uplifting lyrics and melody
26	It’s goodbye, but it’s not goodbye.yamadakatsutenai Wink		The classic song 'Wink' that sings of farewells and the hope of reunion.
27	Even though it’s springKashiwabara Yoshie		A classic song that sings of the bittersweetness of spring, 'Haru na no ni'
28	Light of Fireflies		A classic song about parting and memories, Hotaru no Hikari (Light of the Fireflies)
29	Blown by the windElefanto Kashimashi		A masterpiece that depicts Hiroji Miyamoto's emotions
30	Words of FarewellKaientai		Heartwarming masterpieces that color the journey of life
31	We Look Up to You with Respect		The moving emotion of the graduation song “Aogeba Tōtoshi”
32	10-year cherry blossomsAKB48		Spring graduation song, a story of parting and reunion
33	SAKURA GoodbyeSCANDAL		An early signature work by SCANDAL that portrays graduation
34	Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako		Takako Okamura's famous song about not giving up on dreams
35	Just a little longer until graduationGLAY		GLAY’s classic songs that color the memories of graduation
36	If I Could Become a StarMr.Children		A masterpiece that sings of the dreams and passion of youth
37	GraduationZONE		A heartwarming classic themed around graduation
38	Full of memoriesH₂O		H2O's classic that resonates during graduation season
39	Song of a Friendyuzu		Yuzu’s classic that sings of friendship
40	Graduationgagaga supi		A love song that likens a breakup with a lover to a graduation
41	That paper airplane splits the cloudy sky19		A classic that evokes memories of youth
42	ff (fortissimo)HOUND DOG		HOUND DOG’s signature work: powerful rock of love and dreams
43	Goodbye once moreChekkāzu		A famous ballad by The Checkers themed around farewell
44	Graduation Elegy3B LAB.☆S		A moving song that resonates in the heart during graduation season
45	Snow in MarchMakihara Noriyuki		A classic song about farewells and hope after graduation
46	GraduationWatanabe Misato		Misato Watanabe’s “Sotsugyo (Graduation)” is a memorable masterpiece.
47	Give Me Wings (Red Bird cover)Kawamura Kaori		The Appeal of “Tsubasa o Kudasai” Sung by Kaori Kawamura
48	GraduationOzaki Yutaka		Ozaki Yutaka’s “Graduation” is a youth anthem that resonates with the heart.
49	Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa		A song that looks back at the past and moves forward
50	Sneaker BluesKondō Masahiko		Sneaker Blues: A Love Breakup
51	KYOTOJUDY AND MARY		Song of Spring’s Arrival and a Journey Through the Seasons
52	CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi		A cheering song celebrating Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s departure
53	Runnerbakufū suranpu		A classic by Bakufu Slump portrays youth and the bonds of friendship
54	Graduationsaitou yuki		The moving classic “Graduation,” which portrays a coming-of-age milestone
55	MY GRADUATIONChekkāzu		The Checkers’ classic song about memories of graduation