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

It’s goodbye, but it’s not goodbye.yamadakatsutenai Wink

It's goodbye, but it's not goodbye.

This song is known as a classic you’ll want to listen to during graduation season.

It’s a breezy pop tune packed with the full charm of Yamada Katsutenai Wink, guaranteed to lift your spirits when you hear it! The lyrics depict the emotions of two people parting ways, evoking a strong sense of youth that’s truly wonderful.

Although the word “sayonara” is repeated throughout the song, it actually carries a message of promising to meet again.

Released in February 1991, the track peaked at No.

2 on the weekly Oricon chart.

It’s sure to tug at your heartstrings when played at farewells with important people—like graduation ceremonies or send-off parties.

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.

Sakuraayaka

Ayaka / “Sakura” (from the LIVE DVD & Blu-ray “Acoustic Live Tour 2017–2018 ~3-STAR RAW~”)

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.

GOOD BYE MY SCHOOL DAYSDREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE – 「GOOD BYE MY SCHOOL DAYS」

GOOD BYE MY SCHOOL DAYS by DREAMS COME TRUE, released in 2009.

As the title suggests, it’s a song about graduation, and there are versions sung by Oreskaband, FUZZY CONTROL, and Mikako Tabe.

It’s very DCT—fresh and uplifting, yet with a poignant ache that catches up with you afterward.

As a song that captures the feelings of graduates, it’s a graduation tune many can surely relate to.

It’s one I recommend listening to on the very day of the ceremony.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

YellKobukuro

Kobukuro “YELL ~Eru~”

This is a song by Kobukuro that seems to send a congratulatory message to someone setting out on a new path, along with wishes for a happy future.

The fresh, acoustic guitar–centered sound conveys a bright hope for what lies ahead.

The low, pulsing phrase at the beginning also communicates a sense of strength to take a step forward.

With a clear, uplifting atmosphere that seems to sweep away the anxieties of a new departure—felt in both the vocals and the sound—it’s a track that gives you the power to move positively into the future.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Snow in MarchMakihara Noriyuki

Noriyuki Makihara March Snow with Lyrics

This is a song included on Noriyuki Makihara’s 1991 album “Kimi wa Dare to Shiawase na Akubi o Shimasu ka?” The lyrics, which depict friends parting ways twenty days after their graduation ceremony, are striking; the motif of snow falling in March expresses fragility, anxiety, and hope.

It’s a track where Makihara’s gentle vocals and piano accompaniment truly resonate with the heart.

Although it was not released as a single, it was reappraised after being included on the 2005 compilation CD “30-35 vol.0 ‘Sotsugyō.’” It’s recommended not only for those who have experienced graduation or farewells, but also for anyone about to dive into a new environment.

A heartwarming coming-of-age song that makes your chest tighten a little more each time you listen.