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 Resurface! Recommended Graduation Songs for the Yutori Generation (11–20)
HarukaYOASOBI
Released in December 2020, Haruka is a heartwarming medium-tempo ballad based on Moon Prince, a novel by broadcast writer Osamu Suzuki.
Told from the perspective of a mug, the lyrics watch over the growth of the girl who owns it and portray their eventual parting and gratitude—an emotional theme that resonates with graduation season when many leave their families.
The song is also included on the album THE BOOK, and it gained popularity as the image song for the Art Aquarium Exhibition 2021 and as the commercial song for Takara Tomy’s Punitto Ranzu.
spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE
A song that captures a fleeting moment of youth where anticipation and anxiety intertwine against a backdrop of cherry blossoms dancing in the spring.
The delicate lyrics woven by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s vocalist, Motoki Omori, brilliantly express complex emotions.
Released in February 2018, the piece is rooted in pop rock yet leaves a lasting impression with its somewhat melancholic melody.
It’s a track that brings back memories of those special spring days just before leaping into a new environment.
An emotional youth anthem perfect for the graduation season.
bookmarkkuriipuhaipe
This work, marked by a driving rock ensemble, is a song that delicately depicts unfinished emotions and relationships that refuse to move forward.
The lyrics, showcasing Sekai Kan Ozaki’s meticulous word choice and unique perspective, make you feel as if you’re reading a novel.
Released in 2018, the track was produced as the campaign song for “FM802 × TSUTAYA ACCESS!” and drew attention for its collaborations with star artists like Aimyon and Suga Shikao.
Through motifs like bookmarks and falling cherry blossoms, it symbolically expresses the bittersweet feelings of two people facing a farewell, making it a piece that deeply resonates with those on the verge of graduation.
road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE
A moving ballad and a signature song infused with EXILE’s soul.
With lyrics that express gratitude to friends and the sadness of parting, it resonates deeply with many people on graduation day.
Released in February 2007, it was also chosen as the opening theme for the music program “Ongaku Senshi MUSIC FIGHTER.” Included on the album “EXILE EVOLUTION,” it remained popular enough to be featured on later best-of compilations.
Its relaxed tempo pairs well with acoustic guitar fingerstyle, making it an emotional piece you’ll want to perform as a gift for graduates.
It captures the special nature of graduation—filled with thanks and resolve, yet shadowed by an inescapable loneliness.
YELLikimonogakari
This is a moving ballad that resonates with those approaching graduation or a new chapter in life.
Written specifically as a required piece for the NHK National School Music Contest, it was released in September 2009 and reached No.
2 on the Oricon charts.
The beautiful arrangement of piano and strings imprints the lyrics’ message even more deeply in your heart.
It’s a song you’ll want to hear not only at graduation ceremonies and farewell parties, but also whenever you step onto a new stage in life.
Ikimono-gakari’s warm vocals will gently give you a supportive push forward.
Sky-blue DaysSHISHAMO
A SHISHAMO song themed around graduation, depicting memories from student days and anxieties about the future.
Released in March 2018, it was also used as a commercial song for Calpis Water.
The lyrics carefully portray everyday moments and changes in relationships, likely resonating deeply with those approaching graduation.
Asako Miyazaki’s gentle vocals and the band’s refreshing sound evoke both wistfulness and hope.
It’s a perfect track to color a page of youth, ideal as background music when creating a graduation album.
Memories Resurface! Recommended Graduation Songs for the Yutori Generation (21–30)
GOOD BYE MY SCHOOL DAYSDREAMS COME TRUE
It turns the shining days of youth into the strength to move forward into the future.
Here’s a perfect song for graduation season! It’s a single by DREAMS COME TRUE, released in February 2009.
The song is based on a piece vocalist Miwa Yoshida wrote in her senior year of high school, making it a truly down-to-earth graduation song.
In addition to DREAMS COME TRUE’s version, the single includes covers by ORESKABAND, actress Mikako Tabe, and FUZZY CONTROL, letting you enjoy one melody in four different arrangements.
Its bittersweet yet positive lyrics will give you the courage to overcome the sadness of parting.
Chosen as a campaign song by NHK, this track is perfect as background music to celebrate a new beginning—why not give it a listen?