Heisei-era graduation songs roundup: iconic youth anthems from the ’90s to the 2010s

I’m glad I met you.Inoue Sonoko

Sonoko Inoue – “I’m Glad I Met You” (short ver.)

This song by Sonoko Inoue is a heartwarming track themed around graduation.

Set to a gentle melody, it sings of parting and the feelings of setting out on a new journey.

Vivid scenes like the familiar tree-lined road and the cherry blossom season are sure to resonate with listeners.

Released as a single in February 2016, it was also included on the album “Hello,” released in March of the same year.

It was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Sakura Saku,” garnering widespread empathy.

It’s recommended not only for high school students approaching graduation but also for anyone who has experienced a farewell with someone dear.

Listening to this song will surely fill you with gratitude and the courage to look ahead.

To tomorrowHirosue Ryōko

Ryoko Hirosue RH DEBUT TOUR 1999 – 10 – To Tomorrow

This is one of Ryoko Hirosue’s signature songs—she was an idol who dominated the late ’90s to early 2000s and now works as an actress.

The track gained popularity as the theme for a Sakura Bank commercial and as the ending theme for the TBS TV show “Wonderful.” With lyrics by Mayo Okamoto, it’s filled with courage and hope for taking a new step forward, and Hirosue’s clear, pure vocals resonate deeply.

Released in February 1999, it’s a song you’ll want to hear during graduation and farewell season.

It captures the resolve to keep moving ahead despite anxieties about the future, making it a recommended encouragement song that gently supports anyone starting a new chapter in life.

Tomoë GakuenFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Tomoe Gakuen (Full ver.)

This song, created by the multi-talented Masaharu Fukuyama, was produced as the theme for a drama depicting Tetsuko Kuroyanagi’s life.

Released in December 2020, it conveys gratitude for the memories and experiences at school that have shaped who we are.

Fukuyama’s warm vocals make it a track that truly resonates with listeners.

The piece carries a strong message about the importance of understanding and accepting both our own individuality and that of others.

It can be called a motivational anthem not only for students about to graduate but also for those already in the workforce, inspiring them to appreciate the beauty of living true to themselves.

Blown by the windElefanto Kashimashi

Elephant Kashimashi – Blown by the Wind [Official Video]

This is a coming-of-age song that portrays the premonition of parting and a turning point in life.

Hiroji Miyamoto of Elephant Kashimashi weaves his innermost feelings into lyrics that flow naturally.

Strikingly using the contrast between the sun and the moon to depict a journey of departure that stretches on forever, this work was released as a single in November 1997.

Selected from the album “Run Toward Tomorrow – Moonlit Songs,” it also became a memorable piece as the theme song for Glico Almond Chocolate’s commercial.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you want to linger in the afterglow of a faint romance, when you’re about to take a new step forward, or when a touch of sentimentality finds its way into an ordinary day.

Cherry blossom seasonEXILE ATSUSHI

EXILE ATSUSHI / “Cherry Blossom Season” MV

When it comes to moving ballads with a graduation theme, you can’t leave out this song! Released by EXILE ATSUSHI in 2014, it’s a ballad that blends gentle, piano- and string-led instrumentation with ATSUSHI’s emotionally rich vocals.

The lyrics capture the anxiety and hope felt at the milestone of graduation, along with anticipation for the future, resonating with many listeners.

It was included on the December 2014 album “Love Ballade” and released as a single in February 2015.

It also achieved commercial success, peaking at No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Frequently used at ceremonies like graduations and school entrance ceremonies, this track is perfect not only for students graduating but also for anyone stepping into a new environment.

Graduation Elegy3B LAB.☆S

Graduation Elegy (UB ver.)

This is a moving graduation song by 3B LAB.☆, a band that represents the 2000s.

The lyrics are filled with imagery that brings back memories of student life, and the more you listen, the more it will stir your emotions.

Released in March 2010, the track features a simple rock sound, with Kenji Okahira’s vocals resonating with poignant tenderness.

It not only captures the loneliness of graduation, but also rekindles affection for the school days and dear friends you’ve shared them with.

This song is recommended not only for students facing graduation, but also for anyone who wants to look back on nostalgic memories.

SAKURA GoodbyeSCANDAL

SCANDAL “SAKURA Goodbye” / Sakura Goodbye – Music Video

A number that became one of SCANDAL’s signature early works, beautifully capturing both the bittersweetness and freshness that accompany graduation scenes.

Its message, told from a true-to-life perspective, carries a power that evokes universal empathy.

The song had existed since the band’s formation and drew attention when it was used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s variety show “Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!” Its up-tempo rock sound and the sense of parting—and anticipation for a new journey—set against the season of cherry blossoms are sure to resonate as spring arrives.

It can be called a gem of a pop tune that colors a page of youth, perfect for listening to at life’s important milestones.