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

Farewell, YouthChatto Monchī

Chatmonchy – Farewell, Youth – Zepp Osaka 2008

It’s a graduation song by Chatmonchy.

The lyrics, packed with bittersweet memories of youth, really resonate.

From the perspective of a protagonist on the verge of graduation, it captures the moments when they realize that each ordinary scene from daily life was an irreplaceable memory.

It was included on the mini-album “chatmonchy has come,” released in November 2005.

The song has touched many hearts, even being featured in JR West’s web videos.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to not only during graduation season but also at life’s turning points—highly recommended for adults who feel nostalgic about their youth.

Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Thank You”

This is a song by FUNKY MONKEY BΛBY’S that speaks directly, in straightforward words, to feelings of gratitude toward someone important.

The gentle atmosphere of the sound conveys an image of slowly turning toward one’s own memories and emotions.

It also carries a message of drawing strength from the memories we’ve built up and the bonds that have grown stronger, so we can move forward into our respective futures.

It’s a warm, heartfelt song that makes you feel that expressing gratitude at a moment of departure is important for stepping into the future.

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kappamaki

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Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Been Around Since Long Ago~My Little Lover

Hello,Again

Released in 1995, this song by My Little Lover is a heartwarming ballad themed around the pains and hopes of youth.

Its lyrics, which sing of the courage to take a new step forward while remembering a distant hometown and loved ones, resonate with many people.

Chosen as the opening theme for the drama “Owaranai Natsu,” it became a major hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon singles chart.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to during graduation or farewell seasons, cherished as an anthem that brings both nostalgia and the courage to look ahead.

Highly recommended for those who want to reminisce about their youth or are on the brink of a new beginning.

To tomorrowHirosue Ryōko

Ryoko Hirosue RH DEBUT TOUR 1999 – 10 – To Tomorrow

This is one of Ryoko Hirosue’s signature songs—she was an idol who dominated the late ’90s to early 2000s and now works as an actress.

The track gained popularity as the theme for a Sakura Bank commercial and as the ending theme for the TBS TV show “Wonderful.” With lyrics by Mayo Okamoto, it’s filled with courage and hope for taking a new step forward, and Hirosue’s clear, pure vocals resonate deeply.

Released in February 1999, it’s a song you’ll want to hear during graduation and farewell season.

It captures the resolve to keep moving ahead despite anxieties about the future, making it a recommended encouragement song that gently supports anyone starting a new chapter in life.

GraduationWatanabe Misato

Graduation

This is a classic song by Misato Watanabe that portrays graduation, a symbol of farewells and new beginnings.

Released in April 1991 and featured in a Meiji Life Insurance commercial, the track was created in collaboration with Tetsuya Komuro.

It delicately expresses the complex emotions that come with the milestone of graduation, singing of the sorrow of parting and the courage to take a new step forward.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to with the arrival of spring, and it has long been cherished for the way it resonates with those facing graduation season or life’s turning points.

HometownEvery Little Thing

Hometown

Every Little Thing is a musical duo known for songs that symbolize the J-POP scene of the 1990s, such as “Dear My Friend” and “Time goes by.” The track “Hometown,” included on their second album Time to Destination, makes an impact with an intro where an evocative synth sound overlaps with rock guitar.

The lyrics, which depict the scenes and feelings of school days coming to an end with graduation, convey both anxiety about changing circumstances and a wish for unchanging friendship.

It’s a sentimental number, marked by a wistful melody carried by a relaxed shuffle beat.

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Hoshino Takashi

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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.