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

The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'The Meaning of Goodbye'

This song, released by Nogizaka46 in November 2016, is also widely loved as a graduation song.

Though parting is sad, the message that we must overcome it for the sake of the future and to become stronger is truly moving.

The song starts with a slightly serious tone characteristic of their music, but the chorus opens up into a bright, uplifting mood, making it fun to listen to while you nod along.

It was performed at the 2016 Kohaku Uta Gassen, touching the hearts of many.

It’s an encouraging, positive track that gives you the courage to overcome sorrow and move toward a new future!

A graduation song, a song of friends.19

A graduation song, a song of friends.

This is a song by 19 that expresses looking back fondly on the time spent with friends and wishing happiness for each person on their own path.

Centered on acoustic tones, the gentle sound and the straightforward vocals overlap to evoke the image of speaking softly to someone dear.

The lyrics convey that the time shared together becomes the strength to move forward into the future, and that even when far apart, we still wish for each other’s happiness.

It’s a piece that conveys the strength of will—the bond deepened by the length of time spent together, and the belief that as long as hearts remain connected, we can continue to support one another.

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graduationKato Miria

Miliyah Kato 'Graduation'

Released in February 2006, Miliyah Kato’s fifth single is a song written from the unique perspective of a then-active high school girl.

Rather than portraying graduation as a formal ceremony, it focuses on a “graduation of the heart,” breaking free from stifling daily life and the pressure to conform.

Over a beat infused with R&B and hip-hop elements, lyrics etched with a blend of defiance and vulnerability unfold.

The track was also used as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s music program “Ryuha-R,” gaining wide recognition in the late-night music scene.

It was later included on the album Diamond Princess and is positioned as a song that symbolizes the struggles of the teenage years.

An authentic graduation anthem that resonates with anyone seeking freedom amid a sense of entrapment.

My friendZARD

My Friend (What a beautiful memory 2008)

A signature number by ZARD, famously known as the ending theme of the TV anime SLAM DUNK.

The lyrics woven by Izumi Sakai carry both the warmth of watching over “you” who keeps running straight ahead and the poignancy of a relationship that might one day change—each listen is enough to make your heart swell.

Released in January 1996 as their 17th single and opening the album TODAY IS ANOTHER DAY, this song became a million seller and is etched in the hearts of many fans.

It’s a perfect cheer song for those pivotal moments of youth—like retiring from a club activity or at a graduation ceremony.

Why not sing it at karaoke with friends you haven’t seen in a while, reminiscing about those days? Its unfading melody will surely bring those feelings from back then vividly back to life.

Words of FarewellGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Words of Gift

A song filled with passionate resolve to overcome the sadness of parting and vow to meet again.

GReeeeN’s “Okuru Kotoba” powerfully pushes forward those who carry the bonds of friendship into the future.

It’s not a cover of the classic song with the same title, but an original single released in October 2018.

Written as the theme song for the film “Run! T High School Basketball Club,” it serves as a cheer anthem that ties in with the story’s themes of setbacks and comebacks.

It’s the kind of anthem that makes you want to link arms and sing with the friends you shared your club and school days with.

It’s sure to give courage and hope to men setting off into a new world.

Highly recommended as moving background music for graduations and farewell parties.

It’s okayji ma ma

jimama “It’s Okay”

Many of you probably remember that gentle singing voice from the commercial! This song by jimama, a singer-songwriter from Okinawa, is a warm ballad that seems to wrap listeners’ anxieties in comfort.

The words, inspired by “the precious person who always supports you,” resonate deeply with hearts facing graduation or a new departure.

Released as a single in April 2009, it was featured in a Taiyo Yakuhin Kogyo TV commercial at the time and played in living rooms across the country.

It topped the charts in Okinawa and was rediscovered after a 2014 TV appearance, remaining a beloved classic.

It’s also included on the album “BEST OF jimama ~Kimi ni Okuru Uta~.” As spring brings changes, it’s perfect for friends who are feeling anxious.

Rather than forcing encouragement, it’s filled with a gentle presence that simply stays by your side—sing it at a farewell party or karaoke, and the whole room is sure to be wrapped in a warm atmosphere!

Tracks of HopeSazan Ōrusutāzu

Southern All Stars – Tracks of Hope [Live at ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL, 2018]

Just hearing the lively piano phrase in the intro may wrap many listeners in a thrilling sense of uplift.

The worldview depicting a road where one runs toward their dreams and the seaside scenery of one’s hometown gives you the courage to look forward while feeling nostalgic for the past.

Created by Southern All Stars as a song featured in the film Inamura Jane, released in September 1990, the piece has continued to be beloved over the years, later serving as the theme for Fuji TV’s 27-Hour Television and as an insert song for the drama My Only Madonna.

It’s also a staple at live shows that unites the entire venue.

In the graduation season, when anxiety and anticipation intertwine, this truly hopeful anthem gives a powerful push to those taking their first steps into something new.