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 (21–30)
S.A.K.U.R.A.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
A dance number infused with traditional Japanese flavor brings out the distinctive expressive power of Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE to the fullest.
While themed around graduation and parting, it moves listeners with delicate scenic depiction and deep emotional expression.
Released in March 2014, it was also selected as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Onegai! Ranking.” Included on the albums “PLANET SEVEN” and “THE JSB WORLD,” this track is an impressive piece that fully showcases the members’ dance performance and vocal appeal.
It’s a song that colors the spring season, perfect for those embarking on a new chapter or for moments when you want to immerse yourself in precious memories.
SAKURA GoodbyeSCANDAL
A number that became one of SCANDAL’s signature early works, beautifully capturing both the bittersweetness and freshness that accompany graduation scenes.
Its message, told from a true-to-life perspective, carries a power that evokes universal empathy.
The song had existed since the band’s formation and drew attention when it was used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s variety show “Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!” Its up-tempo rock sound and the sense of parting—and anticipation for a new journey—set against the season of cherry blossoms are sure to resonate as spring arrives.
It can be called a gem of a pop tune that colors a page of youth, perfect for listening to at life’s important milestones.
Memories come flooding back! Recommended graduation songs for the Yutori generation (31–40)
Graduationgagaga supi
A bittersweet love song that likens a breakup between a man and a woman to “graduation.” Carefully crafted by the youth punk band from Kobe, Gagaga SP, the lyrics vividly capture the pain of heartbreak, lingering attachment, and the determination to move forward.
Released in January 2002 as their major-label debut single and peaking at No.
30 on the Oricon chart, this track has become one of their signature songs and a staple of their live shows, as the band is known for leading the youth punk boom.
With its straightforward lyrics and powerful sound, this song is sure to be a source of comfort when you’re healing from a breakup or trying to overcome a farewell with someone important.
graduation tripNMB48
Released in March 2015, this NMB48 song is a heartwarming piece that cherishes bonds with friends and shared memories.
It portrays scenes of looking out at the passing landscape from a train while reflecting on the time spent together, accompanied by gentle piano tones.
Blending the hopeful glow of a faintly lit future with the bittersweet feeling of setting off on separate paths, the track achieves a harmonious balance.
It was included as a coupling track for “Don’t look back!” and is also featured on the album “Namba Ai ~Ima, Omou Koto~.” It is sure to resonate with those bidding farewell to graduating friends or parting from someone special.
CorrectRADWIMPS
A perfect song by RADWIMPS for graduation season.
Released digitally in January 2024, this track carries a message that resonates with students.
Ever since it was performed at the live event “18 Fes,” it has been a hot topic among young people.
It features a distinctive arrangement incorporating a student choir, with a structure that ranges widely from piano accompaniment to full band sound.
It’s recommended not only for students about to graduate, but for anyone ready to take a new step in life.
Be sure to give it a listen this spring.
sentimentalculenasm
culenasm’s latest work beautifully portrays memories and regrets from the past.
Focusing on relationships with friends and lovers, it looks back on how a single casual remark can change everything.
Its distinctive sound—memories expressed through guitar tones and regrets through roaring noise—leaves a strong impression.
Released in February 2025, the song has garnered a huge response at live shows.
The music video, shot by the members themselves on an iPhone, is also available, allowing listeners to immerse themselves even more deeply in the song’s world.
It’s a highly recommended track for the graduation season, especially for those reflecting on past relationships or seeking music that truly resonates.
GraduationOzaki Yutaka
Yutaka Ozaki delivers a work that captures the clumsy emotions of youth in their entirety with his powerful singing voice.
Frankly portraying the feelings of young people—such as the sense of suffocation in school life and distrust toward adults—this piece carries a universal message about the thirst for freedom felt within the school days that everyone experiences.
Released in January 1985 and peaking at No.
20 on the Oricon charts, it was issued as the lead single from the album Kaikisen (Tropic of Cancer).
Later, in 2016, it was also featured as the commercial song for a web-exclusive short film by a casual clothing chain, continuing to resonate with many people across generations.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you’re wavering between ideals and reality or questioning the norms of society.