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.

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.

Spring comes, and we become a little more grown-up again.sanmyu~

[Sunst. myu~] 5th single “Spring Comes and We Become a Little More Grown-Up Again” [FULL] [MV]

For those seeking a song that gently accompanies graduation season.

Sanmyu~, who billed themselves as the “first pure-white idols of the 21st century,” released their fifth single’s title track in March 2014—a graduation song that delicately portrays the feelings of experiencing farewells with the arrival of spring, yet still finding the courage to look ahead and move forward.

At the time of release, the members themselves were graduating from junior high or high school, which made the emotions embedded in the song resonate even more authentically.

While rooted in classic ’80s idol pop, the vocals convey a subtle wistfulness, offering a different expression from their full-smile, upbeat tracks.

The song was also featured in a commercial for Karaoke BanBan and reached No.

4 on the Oricon daily CD single chart.

It’s a perfect choice for those looking for a song to perform at graduation ceremonies or farewell parties, or for anyone who wants a gentle push as they embark on a new chapter in spring.

Thanks, Sakuraaidoringu!!!

Idoling!!! / Sakura Thank You

This is the 19th single by Idoling!!!, released in February 2013, created as the group’s first graduation song.

Centered on acoustic guitar, its exhilarating band sound stands out, resulting in a refreshing youth pop tune perfect for the cherry blossom season.

The lyrics focus less on the sorrow of parting and more on expressing gratitude for the time spent together.

As the title’s “Thank You” suggests, it’s not about dwelling in sadness but stepping forward with a smile to the next stage, which is deeply moving.

It peaked at No.

3 on the Oricon chart, and a re-recorded version with a 25-member lineup was later included on their fifth album, GOLD EXPERIENCE.

The music video was filmed in Ryugasaki, Ibaraki Prefecture, and features a story set around a girls’ rugby team.

It’s a bright, encouraging number recommended not only for those facing graduation or farewells with friends, but for anyone about to take a step into a new chapter of life.

Snow in MarchMakihara Noriyuki

3gatsu No Yuki (2012 Remaster)

A song by Noriyuki Makihara that delicately captures the atmosphere of those few days just after the graduation ceremony.

It was included on the album “Kimi wa Dare to Shiawase na Akubi o Shimasu ka,” released in September 1991, the same record that features the smash hit “Donna Toki mo.” The title is striking, evoking the lingering traces of winter that suddenly drift down like snow in a season meant to be heading toward spring—mirroring the fleeting chill that visits a heart trying to move forward.

Its lyrics, where affection for the days spent with friends intersects with the resolve to step out on separate paths, carefully scoop up the emotions that waver at life’s turning points.

Everyday imagery—like the lanes of a bowling alley—helps summon each listener’s own memories.

It’s a perfect track not only for those about to graduate, but also for anyone who wants to look back on their youthful days.

Best FriendKiroro

Kiroro ｢Best Friend｣ Official Music Video

The Heisei era saw many ups and downs, but in terms of popular music, it felt like a time when songs tied to events—like “sakura songs” and “Christmas songs”—suddenly blossomed all at once.

The song “Best Friend” is also one of the popular graduation songs.

As a smash hit themed around everlasting friendship, I’m sure many people actually sang it at their graduation ceremonies.

The straightforward lyrics—like “We fought sometimes, but you’re my number one friend”—surely touched many hearts.

It’s one of those graduation songs I hope will continue to be sung for years to come.

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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