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

March 9Fujimaki Ryota

March 9

Music that gently wraps the days we spent together and our cherished memories is perfect for the start of graduation, isn’t it? This is the solo version by Ryota Fujimaki of the song Remioromen released in March 2004.

Set to a calm tempo, it portrays the radiance of a new beginning.

Through images of cherry blossoms that come to mind when you close your eyes and metaphors of light illuminating the future, it conveys not only the sorrow of parting but also the feelings of setting off on a journey filled with hope.

Originally written to celebrate a friend’s wedding, it became widely known as an insert song in the 2005 Fuji TV drama “1 Litre of Tears.” This version was released in 2017 as part of Ryota Fujimaki’s solo work.

If you pair it with a message of gratitude or a memory video with friends, it may make those irreplaceable moments even more moving.

On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai

Ai Kawashima / On the Day of Departure (Lyrics)

This is a song by Ai Kawashima that tenderly reflects on memories spent with friends at school and portrays a vow to meet again.

It also drew attention as the original version of “Asu e no Tobira,” which was released as a song by I WiSH, the group for which Ai Kawashima served as vocalist.

The piano-centered, gentle sound conveys a kindness that feels like facing one’s own heart.

The detailed depictions of school life are striking, and for those with similar memories, it may further deepen their feelings for their friends.

As a choral piece, it might be exciting to sing together with your friends.

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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!

Primal.THE YELLOW MONKEY

THE YELLOW MONKEY – Primal.

It’s a quintessential THE YELLOW MONKEY track, featuring sharp, cutting guitar tones and a solid, muscular rhythm section of drums and bass.

Released in January 2001 as their 24th single, the song was produced with the legendary Tony Visconti, known for his work with David Bowie and T.

Rex, resulting in a superb fusion of glam rock flair and the band’s heavyweight sound.

Originally written as a project for graduation season, the lyrics weave scenes of parting and new beginnings, making it a long-loved song that accompanies life’s milestones.

It reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly chart and became a long-running hit despite having no tie-in.

During their 2016 reunion tour, it was performed as the opening number, transforming a song about endings into a signal of beginnings.

It’s a graduation song dedicated to everyone taking their next step forward.

Even after graduating, even after saying goodbye, even from afarMariko Nagai

Mariko Nagai – Even If We Graduate, Even If We Say Goodbye, Even From Afar

Starting with what seems like a bright anecdote—being the only one grinning widely in a graduation group photo—this song is actually a bittersweet number about a love that was never confessed.

With lyrics penned by Mariko Nagai, it vividly portrays a powerful feeling that doesn’t fade even after graduation and goodbyes, and every listen brings back the sights of those days in sharp detail.

Released in February 1993 as the B-side of a single and later included on the March 1993 album “OPEN ZOO,” it’s a hidden gem.

Why not listen to it when you’re anxious about walking separate paths and possibly never meeting again, yet still want to believe in an unchanging bond? Alongside the sweet-and-sour memories of youth, it will gently warm your heart as you set out on a new journey.

Sky chord ~To You Who Are Becoming an Adult~Tsuji Shion

Tsuji Shion / Shion Tsuji “Sky Chord ~To You Becoming an Adult~”

This is Shion Tsuji’s second single, released in February 2009, and it was used as an ending theme for the TV anime BLEACH.

The lyrics delicately portray the emotions of wavering between not wanting to become an adult and the reality that you can’t stay a child forever, making it a song that resonates with the complex feelings of those standing at the milestone of graduation.

It’s said to reflect Tsuji’s own resolve after dropping out of high school to pursue music, and the down-to-earth words carried by the melody leave a deep impression on listeners.

The single peaked at No.

44 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and was later included on the album Catch!.

This mid-tempo pop number, blending poignancy with optimism, is perfect for anyone stepping into a new environment, such as further education or starting a job.

It’s a song that accompanies springtime send-offs, evoking both the end and the beginning of youth at the same time.

Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – Come, Spring

It’s a ballad whose striking piano melody and Japan-inspired, nostalgic atmosphere feel purifying to the soul.

Released in October 1994 as Yumi Matsutoya’s 26th single, it has long been beloved as the theme song for the NHK morning drama of the same name.

During the show’s broadcast, this melody played every morning and blended into many people’s daily lives; its lyrics were later highly praised for their literary quality, even being included in Japanese language textbooks.

Also featured on the album THE DANCING SUN, the song became a million seller.

While carrying the sorrow of parting, its message of moving forward with the arrival of spring is truly stirring.

It’s a timeless classic cherished across generations, and a staple for graduation ceremonies and choral competitions.