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.
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Heisei-era graduation songs roundup: Iconic youth anthems from the ’90s to the 2010s (61–70)
GraduationWatanabe Misato
This is a classic song by Misato Watanabe that portrays graduation, a symbol of farewells and new beginnings.
Released in April 1991 and featured in a Meiji Life Insurance commercial, the track was created in collaboration with Tetsuya Komuro.
It delicately expresses the complex emotions that come with the milestone of graduation, singing of the sorrow of parting and the courage to take a new step forward.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to with the arrival of spring, and it has long been cherished for the way it resonates with those facing graduation season or life’s turning points.
HometownEvery Little Thing
Every Little Thing is a musical duo known for songs that symbolize the J-POP scene of the 1990s, such as “Dear My Friend” and “Time goes by.” The track “Hometown,” included on their second album Time to Destination, makes an impact with an intro where an evocative synth sound overlaps with rock guitar.
The lyrics, which depict the scenes and feelings of school days coming to an end with graduation, convey both anxiety about changing circumstances and a wish for unchanging friendship.
It’s a sentimental number, marked by a wistful melody carried by a relaxed shuffle beat.
Sakuraayaka
This is a cherry blossom-themed graduation song by Ayaka.
It’s said to be her first time creating a graduation song.
Her rich, resonant vocals layered over the piano accompaniment make for an exceptionally striking and beautiful track.
The lyrics, which seem to intertwine fluttering cherry blossoms with parting, leave a powerful impression that really tugs at the heart.
Released in October 2017 as a digital-only single, the song was also performed on her live tour.
It’s a piece we’d love those facing a farewell with someone dear or embarking on a new beginning to hear.
To tomorrowHirosue Ryōko
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.
GIVE ME FIVE!AKB48
This AKB48 song delivers a cheer to friends heading down their own paths and a message about moving forward, nourished by the youth we shared together.
Its music video—featuring a lively, graduation-ceremony-style band performance—also drew attention.
The lyrics, which feel like calling out to dear friends, leave a strong impression, conveying deep gratitude and heartfelt wishes for everyone’s happiness.
It’s a song that brightens the graduation moment and stirs a positive feeling to step into the future.
