[Showa-Era Graduation Songs] Nostalgic? Emotive? A curated selection of timeless classics loved across generations

Graduation PhotoArai Yumi

Yuming Graduation Photo

This is a classic graduation song released by Yumi Matsutoya during her Arai Yumi era, a timeless masterpiece that has been sung for many years.

It was first released as the debut single of the vocal group Hi-Fi Set, and later self-covered on her album COBALT HOUR.

Even as times changed, it continued to be included on albums and was listened to by people across generations.

Many renowned artists, including Hideaki Tokunaga and Hiromi Iwasaki, have covered it as well.

It’s a song that makes me feel a touch of wistfulness: the person I loved back then seems unchanged even after graduation, while I myself have changed so much.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

Journey of the Heartchūrippu

TULIP “Kokoro no Tabi” (Lyric Video)

This is a classic by Tulip, woven from a heart‑stirring melody and poignant lyrics.

Centered on themes of departure and farewell, it portrays the last night with a loved one.

Released in April 1973, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon chart that September.

Its lively rhythm evokes the romance of train travel, perfectly balancing a subtly wistful mood.

An ideal song for those facing goodbyes or taking a new step forward, it’s an indispensable, timeless favorite for graduation season.

Beyond the GoodbyeYamaguchi Momoe

Momoe Regression 'On the Other Side of Goodbye'

A moving ballad by Momoe Yamaguchi themed around the lifespan of stars, time, and parting.

The lyrics contrast the grandeur of the universe with the fragility of human life, expressing the sorrow of farewell in a striking way.

Words of gratitude woven into the song resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in August 1980, this track is known as her final single before retirement.

At her final concert at the Nippon Budokan that October, she sang it through tears, leaving an indelible mark on many fans.

Listening while reflecting on memories with someone dear can give you the courage to take a new step forward.

era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki

Era – Miyuki Nakajima (Full)

It was Miyuki Nakajima’s second single and became a hit, selling 200,000 copies.

Although the song was released in 1975, it remained popular into the 1980s, with Hiroko Yakushimaru covering it as a single in 1988.

Since then, it has continued to be loved as a national favorite, even appearing in music textbooks.

It has also become a standard for graduation ceremonies and the finale of music shows, and you can hear it in a variety of settings.

GraduationOzaki Yutaka

Yutaka Ozaki “Sotsugyo” (Graduation) – LIVE CORE Complete Edition: Yutaka Ozaki in Tokyo Dome, 1988-09-12

This song, which expresses the hazy, helpless frustration of student days, was released in 1985.

It’s a passionate graduation song by Yutaka Ozaki that speaks for students’ feelings.

Graduating from school may be nothing more than a waypoint.

True graduation might mean being freed from the distinctive haze of student life.

Being released from the cramped routine, from others’ eyes, and becoming free.

Yet beyond that freedom lies another kind of constraint.

Perhaps it’s telling us that this is how we grow into adults.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

Before graduationNEW!Ozaki Hitomi

Hitomi Ozaki — before graduation

It’s a hidden gem of idol pop that seems to capture that unique atmosphere right before a graduation ceremony.

Rather than focusing on the parting itself, it delicately portrays the heartache of the time leading up to it.

Written by Tsubasa Kazu and composed by Kyoko Kosaka, this piece was included on the record released in February 1986 as the B-side to Hitomi Ozaki’s debut single “Early Springtime.” Although it’s a B-side that tends to be overshadowed by the A-side, the melody—where the brightness of early spring coexists with the premonition of farewell—is simply irresistible.

There weren’t any notable tie-ins, but it has long been cherished as a seasonal song known to those in the know.

For anyone approaching an important seasonal milestone with unspoken feelings in their heart, this song will quietly stay by your side.

The PeopleNEW!Yamashita Tatsuro

Tatsuro Yamashita “Soubo (The Masses)” / “Odoroyo, Fish (Dance, Fish)” Music Video

Released in 1988 as a key track that closes out the album “Boku no Naka no Shonen,” this song is, as its title “Sōbō” suggests, a grand and powerful ode to life that affirms the lives of the nameless.

Many may remember it from its use in a JACCS Card commercial at the time.

A new music video was released in November 2020, and the song continues to be loved across generations.

Yamashita Tatsuro’s hallmark, richly layered choral work is breathtaking—it stirs the heart with every listen.

It’s a song that can turn anxiety into hope when you’re at life’s crossroads, such as graduation or starting a job.

A gentle yet strong push on the back for all who are moving toward the future.