Heisei-era graduation songs roundup: iconic youth anthems from the ’90s to the 2010s
As graduation season approaches, we start hearing more and more graduation songs.
Beyond graduation itself, many songs themed around parting, friendship, and youth have been released and embraced as graduation songs.
Among the many graduation songs out there, this article will focus on tracks released during the Heisei era.
For those who remember that time, the songs we’re about to introduce are sure to bring back memories!
And since many of these graduation songs remain popular today, current students can enjoy them as well.
A roundup of Heisei-era graduation songs: iconic youth anthems from the ’90s to the 2010s (1–10)
The season of farewellSHISHAMO
Have you ever carried feelings for an upperclassman you could only watch from afar on graduation day? This song, which closes SHISHAMO’s album “SHISHAMO 2” released in March 2015, beautifully captures that very bittersweet crush.
The way the lyrics fixate on small details—school uniforms, walking pace, a bag—overlaps with the season of farewells, creating a composition that really tugs at the heart.
Written by Asako Miyazaki, the lyrics use unadorned, down-to-earth language, suffused with the urgency of a love that ends without being voiced and a wish not to be forgotten.
The track was selected as Space Shower TV’s “POWER PUSH!” for March 2015 and received heavy airplay as a recommended song on InterFM.
For those who once saw off a senior as an underclassman, or who have faced a farewell while still nursing an unspoken crush, this is a song that will surely resonate.
Sakura, Bloom!arashi
Arashi’s 14th single, released in March 2005, is an empowering anthem that gives a strong push to those moving from exam season into a new chapter of life.
Chosen as the theme song for Jonan Prep School’s TV commercial featuring Sho Sakurai, it has long been cherished as a symbol of wishing for exam success.
Its fast-paced pop-rock sound carries a message of shaking off doubt and moving forward, making your heart race just by listening.
It debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and has been included on the album “One” as well as the best-of collection “5×20 All the BEST!! 1999–2019,” remaining one of the group’s signature songs.
It’s perfect not only for milestones like graduation and entrance ceremonies, but also for taking on new challenges.
Its bright, celebratory atmosphere inspires a sense of hope for the future.
365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48
AKB48, who forged an era with the concept of “idols you can go see.” Released in December 2015 as the coupling track to their major 42nd single “Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby,” this song gained widespread recognition beyond idol fans when it was selected as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Asadora “Asa ga Kita.” Its gentle, acoustic guitar–based sound and lyrics that emphasize the importance of moving forward at your own pace leave a strong impression.
Comparing life to a paper airplane, it conveys the message that how you fly matters more than how far you go—words that quietly support those approaching graduation.
A choral arrangement was also performed at the NHK National School Music Competition, helping it become a beloved staple for school events and graduation ceremonies.
It’s a perfect song to cheer on anyone taking a new step forward.
Thank youikimonogakari
Ikimonogakari continues to captivate a wide range of listeners with their broad expressive power, from poppy up-tempo tunes to lyrical ballads.
Their 18th single, written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyōbō, was released in May 2010 and won the Excellence Award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards.
Its lyrics carefully portray the warmth of holding hands and the love nurtured in everyday life—simply listening may bring to mind the faces of those who have supported you.
Kiyoe Yoshioka’s clear, translucent vocals deliver heartfelt gratitude with disarming sincerity.
The song is featured in high school music textbooks and has become a staple for graduation ceremonies.
It’s a perfect track for anyone who wants to express thanks to the family, friends, and mentors who have supported them.
I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu
A signature song by Spitz, released in 1994 as their eighth single.
It was originally created for the album “Sora no Tobikata,” but it drew renewed attention when it was selected as the theme song for the 1996 Fuji TV drama “Hakusen Nagashi,” topping the Oricon weekly chart.
Masamune Kusano’s clear, luminous vocals and the poetic lyrics that capture the turbulent emotions of adolescence resonate with many listeners.
The gentle melody conveys the anxieties and conflicts of youth, along with a longing for freedom made palpable by the presence of someone important.
In July 2024, the music video surpassed 100 million views, showing how the song continues to be loved across generations.
Even in the 2020s, it remains a staple graduation song—perfect for the season of new beginnings or for anyone wishing to look back nostalgically on their youth.
Born on this planetSugimoto Ryuichi
A staple choral number written and composed by Ryuichi Sugimoto, beloved as the ending theme of NHK’s nature documentary program “Ikimono Chikyū Kikō” (Nature Walks on Earth).
Released in August 1996 as part of the soundtrack album, this piece features a melody that resonates deeply, enveloping grand themes such as the Earth and life itself.
The lyrics, which align with the sweeping sense of scale conveyed by the program’s visuals, are abstract yet generously open to each listener’s own interpretation.
Multiple choral arrangements exist—including equal-voice two-part and mixed chorus—and its continued presence at elementary and junior high school graduation ceremonies further speaks to its appeal.
It’s a heartwarming song that’s perfect for those who want to sing with hope for the future during the season of departures, or for anyone seeking a piece that can be shared across generations.
I won’t let you say goodbye.B’z
Although it’s a song about parting, it makes you want to look ahead once it’s over.
Such a mysteriously empowering track is included on B’z’s classic album RUN.
Released in October 1992, this album is known as a turning point where the band further intensified its rock sound, and this medium-tempo rock number stands out within that evolution.
The message in the title is straightforward: at the very moment of parting, they vow to meet again, conveying a strong resolve not to let the relationship end.
In the 2008 fan-voted best-of collection B’z The Best “ULTRA Treasure,” it ranked eighth, proving that despite not being a single, it’s embraced as one of their signature songs.
It’s the perfect track for graduations or farewells, for those who want to set off with their backs straight rather than getting overly sentimental.