Memories come flooding back! Graduation songs recommended for the Yutori generation
Speaking of graduation, it’s a major event that could be called a turning point in life.
When the everyday you took for granted comes to an end and you stand at a crossroads to leap into a new world, a variety of emotions well up—joy and anticipation, as well as anxiety and bittersweet feelings.
This time, we’ve put together a list of classic J-pop songs to color your graduation, tailored for the yutori generation.
It’s a wide-ranging list from upbeat tracks to sentimental numbers, so be sure to check it out to the end!
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Memories come flooding back! Graduation songs recommended for the Yutori generation (1–10)
I’m glad I met you.Inoue Sonoko
A refreshing band sound that evokes the coming of spring makes this track especially memorable.
Singer-songwriter Sonoko Inoue created it as she was approaching her own high school graduation, and it was included on her album “Hello,” released in March 2016.
It was also used as the theme song for the NOTTV drama “Sakura Saku.” The lyrics depict everyday scenes shared with friends and the bonds that continue even when you’re apart.
It’s perfect for those moments when you want to say “thank you” to your cherished friends—words that can feel a bit embarrassing to express in everyday life.
Thank youikimonogakari
Feelings of gratitude that are too embarrassing to express on ordinary days might be easier to convey honestly at graduation.
This song, which portrays the warmth of holding someone’s hand, the happiness of everyday life, and the resolve to walk toward the future, is truly a classic befitting a new beginning.
Ikimono-gakari’s single “Arigatou,” released in May 2010, was widely loved as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyōbō.
Thanks to its universal appeal, it was also selected as the entrance march for the 2011 National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.
The words woven by Yoshiki Mizuno and the vocals of Kiyoe Yoshioka gently resonate with listeners’ hearts.
Why not listen to this perfect piece for expressing gratitude to parents and teachers at graduation and find the courage to take your next step?
Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN
A warm ballad that gently seeps into the heart and makes you want to express honest gratitude to your friends.
Released as a single in 2011, this work was created as the theme song for the film Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops—Winged Angels.
It conveys a pure, profound bond that only BUMP OF CHICKEN—whose members are all childhood friends—could portray.
No matter how many detours we take, the memories we shared together turn into courage—this message tenderly supports anxious hearts during graduation season.
An unforgettable masterpiece that deeply resonates with the so-called “yutori generation,” it’s a song that’s impossible to listen to without tears.
Memories Resurface! Recommended Graduation Songs for the Yutori Generation (11–20)
OrangeSPYAIR
This work is an emotional number that powerfully sings not of the loneliness of parting, but of the promise of “Let’s meet again.” It was written as the theme song for the film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle, released in February 2024.
Its imagery—evoking a practice field at dusk and the walk home—is superb, and just listening is sure to set your heart ablaze.
Why not listen to it beneath the sunset sky, recalling the irreplaceable days you spent with your teammates?
spring skySuzuki Suzuki
Suzuki Suzuki’s moving graduation ballad “Haru Sora” gently resonates with the heart.
The shifting emotions of a protagonist leaving their hometown for Tokyo are delicately expressed through the duo’s overlapping vocals.
You can feel the seasonal air where the sadness of parting mingles with hope for the future, making it a song that truly strikes a chord.
Released as a digital single in February 2022, it was later included on their first album, “313.” Why not listen while reflecting on your own graduation memories?
I’ll be by your side no matter what.erica
Erica’s track portrays the preciousness of simply staying quietly by someone’s side when they’re hurting or anxious.
The lyrics, imbued with a strong will to care for the other person, and the gentle yet powerful melody make it a song you’ll want to hear during graduation season, when farewells and new beginnings intertwine.
It’s included on the single “Even If the World Ended Today / I’ll Always Be by Your Side,” released in March 2017, and it also drew attention as an insert song for the TBS variety show “Koin Toss Season 5.”
KanadeSukima Suichi
This song is a beautiful ballad that portrays parting with someone dear and the wish to stay connected at heart beyond that farewell.
Released by Sukima Switch in March 2004 as their second single, it features a sentimental sound centered on piano and guitar that truly resonates.
It was used as an insert song for the film “Rough,” the theme song for the drama “Sotsu Uta,” and in 2006 was selected as the ending theme for the final day of “Netto Koshien.” The protagonist’s earnest desire to reach someone through voice and song even when apart mirrors the feelings of junior high school students facing the milestone of graduation.
It’s a track that, while looking back on days with friends, makes you want to cherish those bonds going forward.
Sung as a chorus, it would surely fill the entire venue with warm tears.