An idol-sung youth anthem: a roundup of songs celebrating sparkling, radiant days

Goodbye, Secret Baseshiritsu ebisu chūgaku

Goodbye, Secret Base

A song that uses a childhood hideout as its motif to portray parting and the preservation of memories.

It’s included on Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku’s seventh full-length album, “Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku,” released in March 2022.

Kenta Aloha handled the lyrics, composition, and arrangement, imbuing the song with a distinctive feel in the density of its words and the flow of its melody.

The lyrics are sprinkled with expressions tied to physical sensations—like embracing and checking answers—that convey the urgency of time that can’t be reclaimed, while also holding a determination to move forward.

It’s been performed live and has grown into a song that fosters a strong sense of unity in the venue.

A gently resonant number that’s perfect for graduation season, as you look back on days with friends and take your next step forward.

Graduation -GRADUATION-Kikuchi Momoko

Graduation -GRADUATION-

Released in February 1985, Momoko Kikuchi’s fourth single remains beloved as a classic that colors the graduation season.

With lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto and composition/arrangement by Tetsuji Hayashi, this work is a slowed-down ballad whose delicate sound evokes the hazy spring sunlight.

The lyrics sensitively depict universal emotions—not only graduation as a school event, but also parting, the passage of time, and the feeling that there is no going back.

In addition to being featured in a Shiseido “Acne” commercial, it also drew attention as the theme song for a television drama of the same name starring Momoko Kikuchi herself.

It reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart and is included on the album “TROPIC of CAPRICORN.” It’s a song you’ll want to play when you wish to express gratitude to irreplaceable friends and mentors with whom you’ve shared precious days.

Graduationkyandīzu

Graduation – Candies Treasure

Introducing a classic song about youthful farewells by the legendary 1970s idol group Candies.

Included on the album “Toshishita no Otokonoko,” released in April 1975, this track gently weaves the bittersweet feelings of two people who will be separated after graduation.

Unspoken emotions and memories of walking home in school uniforms evoke the aching stirrings of an unfinished love at the end of youth.

Ran Ito serves as the main vocalist, delivering the song with a slightly mature tone that leaves a strong impression.

Used as the theme song for the youth drama segment within the TV show “Migoro! Tabegoro! Waraigoro!,” it etched itself into the hearts of many viewers together with the visuals.

It’s a number we especially recommend to those who have experienced a love that ended as just friends or carry feelings they were never able to express.

Search for Diamond Lily＝LOVE

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 5th Single “Sagase Diamond Lily” [MV full]

Cherry blossoms, an old school building, a uniform button—packed with such scenes of spring, this =LOVE song is the group’s fifth single, released in April 2019.

With lyrics written by Rino Sashihara and a fresh melody crafted by multiple composers, it pairs a bright tempo with lyrics that gently ache with the passage of time.

It reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and earned a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan.

The track was also featured in Mr.

Fusion’s programming school “Prosta Kids” commercial.

In its story-driven music video, the turmoil of parting with friends is portrayed with care.

It’s recommended not only for those approaching graduation, but also for anyone who struggles to put their gratitude for friends into words.

Listen as spring arrives, and you’ll feel moved to cherish the time you have with the people who matter most.

It smelled like shampoo.22/7

22/7 2nd single “It Smelled Like Shampoo” music video

A 2nd single by 22/7 that portrays a secret longing for an upperclassman at an all-girls school.

Released in April 2018, the song delicately weaves the feelings of a faint, bittersweet crush.

It tells of parting with a senior who is leaving the club, the image of a white blouse turning translucent in backlight, and a gently drifting scent.

While carrying a love that can’t be told to anyone, the story unfolds up to the moment the senior embraces her, tightening the chest with every scene.

This work leaves the ache of an unfulfilled first love, yet also a lingering sense of solace.

It’s a song that quietly stands by those who cannot confide their feelings for someone of the same gender.