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

YELLikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “YELL” Music Video

Alongside the simultaneously recorded “Joyful,” this track became a hot topic and a major hit—truly one of Ikimonogakari’s signature songs.

It was even selected as a set piece for NHK’s Nationwide School Music Competition, so some listeners may remember giving it their all at their choir contests.

Lyricist and composer Yoshiki Mizuno, a member of the band, remarked that he wrote it with a great deal of pressure, suggesting he poured more than the usual amount of feeling into it.

The gentle lyric—“The word ‘goodbye’ isn’t for announcing a parting; it’s a word to encourage those who are going their separate ways”—gives a supportive push to each listener’s own graduation.

It’s a song that makes your chest tighten with emotion, even when you’re older and listening with a sense of nostalgia.

Graduationgagaga supi

Gagaga SP “Graduation ~Ore-sama Tensai Igyō-shū ver.~”

This is one of the popular songs by GaGaGa SP, a leading band in the youth punk genre.

Kozak Maeda’s rugged vocals and lyrics that evoke memories of adolescence are especially distinctive.

Released in January 2002 as their major-label debut single, it captured the hearts of many.

The song portrays the shifting emotions that come with reaching the milestone of graduation, and for those who remember that era, the lyrics may resonate even more deeply—perhaps even bringing tears to your eyes.

It’s often played at graduations and other milestone moments, and it’s a track that brims with the vivid energy of a snapshot from youth.

To the futureKiroro

Kiroro “To the Future” Official Music Video

A song that represents the graduation anthems of the Heisei era was released in February 2002.

With its gentle, crystalline vocals and heartfelt lyrics, it has accompanied many people at key moments in their lives.

It’s often used at events like graduation and weddings, when people are taking a new step forward.

Filled with gratitude to mothers and hope for a future walked together with a loved one, it’s a song that gives you courage every time you listen.

Sung by Kiroro, a female duo from Okinawa, the song is also very popular across Asia, with versions in Chinese and English.

It’s a recommended track for those standing at a crossroads in life or looking to send encouragement to someone special.

I want to become a cherry blossom tree.AKB48

[MV full] Let's Become a Cherry Tree / AKB48 [Official]

A gentle medium-tempo ballad by AKB48 that portrays the beauty of spring and memories of graduation.

As it likens eternal love watching over those who set out on a new journey to a cherry tree, it warmly sings of the courage and hope to take the first step forward.

Depicting the touching image of young people heading toward a bright future while carrying their anxieties, this work was released in February 2011.

It was used as the theme song for the drama “A Letter from the Cherry Blossoms” and also gained attention as a CM song for UHA Mikakuto.

With a message perfect for graduation season and a gentle melody line that evokes the arrival of spring, it will wrap you in the desire to revel in cherished memories.

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE

EXILE / Road

Here’s EXILE’s take on a graduation song, “Michi,” which reins in their usual upbeat, danceable melody.

ATSUSHI’s vocals, the performers who gently color the track, and EXILE’s quiet, controlled emotion are all undeniably cool.

The lyrics—about parting ways to start a new life, trying not to cry yet finding tears welling up on their own—still feel heartrending even on a fresh listen.

By the way, this song is reportedly used as the train approach melody at the nearest station to former leader HIRO’s alma mater.

If you get the chance, listen closely for it.

Cherry Blossom BookmarkAKB48

[MV full] Sakura no Shiori / AKB48 [Official]

This is an AKB48 song that has continued to be loved by many as a graduation anthem that evokes the arrival of spring.

Its melody, which brings cherry blossoms to mind, and its lyrics about partings and new beginnings truly resonate.

Released in February 2010, it became a major hit, breaking a seven-year record for first-week sales by a female artist with over 300,000 copies.

It was also used as the theme song for the TV Tokyo drama “Majisuka Gakuen,” making it popular across generations.

The song is frequently performed as a chorus piece at graduation ceremonies and school events, and it’s even included in some music textbooks.

It’s a must-listen for anyone about to embark on a new chapter.

Words of FarewellFLOW

FLOW “Okuru Kotoba” Music Video

This is a cover of a song by Kaientai that helped bring the rock band FLOW’s name into the spotlight.

Unlike the original, which evokes a solemn graduation ceremony, this version is said to portray the lively atmosphere of the after-party following the ceremony, and that spirited mood is part of its appeal.

The lyrics, which look back on accumulated school-day memories, overlap with the driving sound to convey a strong determination to move toward the future.

It’s a song that delivers a positive message—that graduation isn’t something to be sad about, and that we should greet our departure with brightness.

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