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

That paper airplane splits the cloudy sky19

That paper airplane splits the cloudy sky

This is the 19’s signature work, where the pure feelings entrusted to a paper airplane strike the heart.

With lyrics that evoke youthful days and a melody that resonates deeply, it captivated many listeners.

Released in July 1999, it quickly drew attention after being selected as a TBS campaign song.

The group also appeared on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year, making it a hot topic among young people at the time.

The gentle intro, carried by acoustic guitar and blues harp, softly envelops the listener.

Heard with the arrival of spring, it vividly brings back nostalgic scenes from student days—a song just like that.

Highly recommended as a heartwarming youth anthem to play during graduation and farewell season.

GRAND FINALEBREAKERZ

GRAND FINALE

A song by BREAKERZ that powerfully yet poignantly expresses memories from school days and the emotions of parting through its lyrics and melody.

Released in February 2009, it also ranked high on the Oricon charts.

The track was selected as the ending theme for TBS’s “J-SPORTS SUPER SOCCER PLUS” for the month of November.

It portrays the complex feelings of students approaching graduation, reflecting on the past while conveying hope for the future.

With lyrics about the bonds of friendship and the brilliance of youth, it resonates even more deeply when listened to during the graduation season.

It’s a highly recommended song not only for students about to graduate, but also for adults who feel nostalgic about their school days.

Don’t bloom.WIHTE JAM

[This Year’s No.1 Graduation Song] [MV] Don’t Bloom / WHITE JAM

WHITE JAM is a three-member music group that made their major debut in 2014 and has gained popularity for their inventive production work and live performance style.

Their fourth single, “Sakanaide,” was chosen as the theme song for the film The Crybaby Pierrot’s Wedding.

The lyrics tell a story of realizing that the time we took for granted was truly irreplaceable—an emotion many may have shared on their graduation day.

Featuring a rich, string-forward ensemble and a sentimental melody that stirs the heart, it’s a pop tune perfectly suited to the scenes of a graduation ceremony.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Cherry Blossom Rainabsorb

absorb "Sakura no Ame" MV Full

Beloved as a Heisei-era graduation song, this track is a cover of a VOCALOID piece by absorb.

The cherry blossom–themed lyrics delicately portray school-day memories, friendship, and the emotions of parting, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in November 2008, it gained major popularity online and reportedly received many requests from schools to be performed at graduation ceremonies.

It’s perfect for the graduation season, of course, but even as an adult it will stir your heart with memories of your youth.

It’s also great to listen to while flipping through your yearbook.

C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h. [Official Music Video]

This song is beloved as ONE OK ROCK’s graduation anthem! It’s a track built on their signature rock sound.

The lyrics, which evoke the bonds with friends who spent time together, really hit home.

It’s included on the album “Zankyo Reference,” released in October 2011.

The title is said to come from the initials of the members’ friends.

It was also used as the ending theme for “To the Top of the World: Nobukazu Kuriki’s New Challenge.” It’s a perfect cheer song to listen to when setting off on a new path.

GraduationNagabuchi Tsuyoshi

TSUYOSHI NAGABUCHI – Sotsugyou

This song, “Sotsugyo” (Graduation), famous as Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s graduation song, was released in 2009 and created that same year together with students and alumni at Kagoshima Minami High School, his alma mater in Kagoshima Prefecture, which he visited.

The combination of Nagabuchi’s powerful presence and the graduates’ raw, honest feelings hits you straight in the heart.

If you’re about to graduate, you’ll surely understand these emotions all too well.

It’s a graduation song that will remain in your memories for years to come.

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utatane

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FriendKetsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “Tomodachi”

This is a Ketsumeishi song that portrays a deep bond with friends that doesn’t change over time, along with the wish for each other’s happiness.

The harmony between hip-hop sounds and the acoustic tones of guitar and strings conveys a gentle, calming warmth.

The way it looks back on memories with friends one by one is striking, and the sheer abundance of words characteristic of hip-hop feels like an expression of emotions overflowing beyond control.

With a message that calls on each person to live strongly along their own path, it’s a perfect song for the moment of setting off at a graduation ceremony.

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kappamaki

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