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

As graduation season approaches, we start hearing more and more graduation songs.

Beyond graduation itself, many songs themed around parting, friendship, and youth have been released and embraced as graduation songs.

Among the many graduation songs out there, this article will focus on tracks released during the Heisei era.

For those who remember that time, the songs we’re about to introduce are sure to bring back memories!

And since many of these graduation songs remain popular today, current students can enjoy them as well.

Playlist

Heisei-era graduation songs roundup: iconic youth anthems from the ’90s to the 2010s
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	The season of farewellSHISHAMO		A song that portrays the bittersweet feelings of love at a graduation ceremony
2	Sakura, Bloom!arashi		An Arashi cheer song that delivers the courage to move forward
3	365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48		Cheering on life with paper airplane messages
4	Thank youikimonogakari		Ikimono-gakari’s classic of gratitude, resonating in the heart
5	I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu		Spitz’s “Cherry,” a song of youth
6	Born on this planetSugimoto Ryuichi		Theme song of an NHK program, a grand ode to Earth and life
7	I won’t let you say goodbye.B’z		A moving song that vows parting and reunion
8	March 9Remioromen		Graduation songs have become established as memorable classics.
9	I Touched an Angel!Hōkago Tī Taimu		The touching graduation song from K-On!!
10	far; distant; by farGReeeeN		Haruka, a moving song that celebrates life’s milestones
11	cherry blossomKobukuro		Kobukuro’s “Sakura,” a song of parting and new beginnings
12	cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro		Naotaro Moriyama's 'Sakura (Solo)'
13	GraduationZONE		A famous song by ZONE, a heart-stirring piece depicting graduation
14	If I turn around…Janne Da Arc		A moving song that portrays youth’s farewell and hope
15	Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu		A moving graduation song that sings of friendship and hope
16	Letter ~Dear You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki		An anthem of encouragement from adults to my 15-year-old self
17	my graduationSPEED		With memories in our hearts, we move forward into the future
18	proofflumpool		Singing about memories from my student days and hopes for the future
19	MiracleGReeeeN		GReeeeN’s classic hit “Kiseki,” a song of youth
20	TOMORROWMayo Okamoto		Mayo Okamoto’s classic that gives courage and hope
21	KanadeSukima Suichi		A poignant ballad that portrays parting and hope
22	The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46		A graduation song by Nogizaka46 that resonates with the heart
23	A graduation song, a song of friends.19		A song about memories and bonds with friends, wishing for happiness.
24	graduationKato Miria		Miliyah Kato’s graduation song depicts the liberation of the heart.
25	My friendZARD		The moving ending theme of Slam Dunk.
26	Words of FarewellGReeeeN		A passionate anthem of support for comrades, infused with bonds and hope.
27	It’s okayji ma ma		A heartwarming classic by jimama from Okinawa
28	Tracks of HopeSazan Ōrusutāzu		An uplifting anthem of hope, a boost for life
29	SignalWANIMA		A youth rock anthem that gives you a push
30	Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro		Motohiro Hata’s moving ballad gently portrays a farewell.
31	Sky chord ~To You Who Are Becoming an Adult~Tsuji Shion		A single that portrays Shione Tsuji’s youth
32	If I Could Become a StarMr.Children		A classic song that sings of the hope of departure and the poignancy of farewell
33	Unforgettable School DaysGurēto Chikin Pawāzu		A bittersweet graduation song by a comedy duo
34	Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi		An inspiring graduation song by Yumi Matsutoya
35	Even after graduating, even after saying goodbye, even from afarMariko Nagai		A bittersweet youth song filled with feelings of graduation
36	March 9Fujimaki Ryota		A song of departure resonates in the heart, a melody of hope.
37	Primal.THE YELLOW MONKEY		A rockin’ track to color the graduation season
38	Spring comes, and we become a little more grown-up again.sanmyu~		A moving song that resonates with graduation season
39	Thanks, Sakuraaidoringu!!!		A coming-of-age song filled with gratitude rather than farewell
40	Snow in MarchMakihara Noriyuki		Noriyuki Makihara’s classic that portrays feelings after graduation
41	Best FriendKiroro		The Heisei era was a time of graduation songs that sang about friendship.
42	On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai		A song about school memories and gratitude to friends
43	YELLikimonogakari		The appeal of Ikimonogakari’s signature song “YELL”
44	Graduationgagaga supi		The moving graduation anthem by the youth-punk band Gagaga SP
45	To the futureKiroro		A moving masterpiece of Heisei-era hit graduation songs
46	I want to become a cherry blossom tree.AKB48		A song that sings of graduation memories and the beauty of spring
47	road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE		EXILE’s graduation song “Michi” (“Road”), with moving lyrics
48	Cherry Blossom BookmarkAKB48		Hope for graduation and a new step, woven into the melody of cherry blossoms
49	Words of FarewellFLOW		A classic song that cheerfully sings about memories of graduation ceremonies
50	Blown by the windElefanto Kashimashi		A classic song depicting a youthful farewell and a new journey
51	Spring ~spring~Hysteric Blue		A spring song conveys memories and hope.
52	It’s goodbye, but it’s not goodbye.yamadakatsutenai Wink		A coming-of-age song filled with hopes of farewells and reunions
53	Goodbye once moreChekkāzu		A famous ballad by The Checkers themed around farewell
54	GraduationNagabuchi Tsuyoshi		Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s graduation song, a youth anthem that resonates with the heart
55	FriendKetsumeishi		A song that sings about the depth of friendship and shared memories
56	YellKobukuro		A song that celebrates a new departure and sings of hope for the future
57	Farewell, YouthChatto Monchī		A song that gazes upon graduation, filled with the sweet and bittersweet memories of youth.
58	Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS		A warm song that conveys feelings of gratitude
59	Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Been Around Since Long Ago~My Little Lover		A moving song that sings of the pain and hope of youth.
60	To tomorrowHirosue Ryōko		Ryoko Hirosue's signature song that sings about hope for a new life.
61	GraduationWatanabe Misato		Singing of the bittersweetness of graduation and a new first step
62	HometownEvery Little Thing		An inspiring 90s J-pop graduation song
63	Sakuraayaka		A cherry blossom graduation song, reflecting on farewells and new beginnings
64	SAKURA GoodbyeSCANDAL		An early signature work by SCANDAL that portrays graduation
65	Graduation Elegy3B LAB.☆S		Graduation song: 3B LAB.☆’s masterpiece that resonates with the heart
66	GOOD BYE MY SCHOOL DAYSDREAMS COME TRUE		A classic song that sings of the bittersweetness of graduation and treasured memories
67	Ode to YouthMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto		A moving youth anthem that resonates during graduation season
68	Goodbye Busyuzu		Yuzu’s gemlike love song portraying a springtime farewell
69	Graduation Trip ~Morning Musume: A Song for Those Setting Off~Mōningu Musume.		Graduation and friendship, a farewell song that resonates with the heart
70	GraduaterShiina Hekiru		A powerful classic by Hekiru Shiina that cheers on youth
71	Cherry Blossom MoonSakurazaka46		A youth song of farewells at graduation and moving forward
72	GIVE ME FIVE!AKB48		A cheer song of gratitude to friends and hope for the future
73	Gift SongCHiCO with HoneyWorks		An inspiring graduation song that expresses gratitude
74	Just a little longer until graduationGLAY		A heartrending masterpiece to give during graduation season—GLAY’s moving work
75	spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE		A moving song that portrays youth and graduation
76	Goodbye Memoriessupercell		A moving graduation song for cherry blossom season
77	Snow in MarchMakihara Noriyuki		A coming-of-age song that portrays the emotions of graduation and farewell
78	Tsubasaandāgurafu		A song of farewell at departure and hope for reunion
79	10-year cherry blossomsAKB48		Spring graduation song, a story of parting and reunion
80	Photo of three peopleKiroro		A heartwarming Kiroro classic that evokes the feeling of graduation
81	That paper airplane splits the cloudy sky19		A timeless song that weaves youthful feelings and resonates with the heart
82	GRAND FINALEBREAKERZ		A graduation song that sings of youthful farewells and hope
83	Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster		A graduation song that sings of youthful memories, touching the heart.
84	Don’t bloom.WIHTE JAM		WHITE JAM's graduation song, a heart-touching masterpiece
85	Cherry Blossom Rainabsorb		An emotional graduation song depicting cherry blossoms and the parting of youth
86	I’m glad I met you.Inoue Sonoko		Graduation season: songs of parting and new departures
87	Tomoë GakuenFukuyama Masaharu		Masaharu Fukuyama’s Song of Gratitude for Learning and Support
88	Cherry blossom seasonEXILE ATSUSHI		An inspiring song with the theme of graduation
89	C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK		An uplifting graduation song that celebrates the bonds between friends