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

A Lonely Graduation CeremonyMita Hiroko

A Lonely Graduation Ceremony

Released in January 1983, Hiroko Mita’s fourth single is a breakup song that overlays the end of a romantic relationship with the word “graduation.” Rather than a school ceremony, it strikingly portrays the resolve to cut ties with a partner.

Instead of collapsing in tears, the lyrics bid farewell with a touch of irony and stubborn pride, exuding a mature wit that was unusual for idol pop of the time.

Lyrics are by Yoko Aki, and the composition by Akira Mitake—also known in the technopop sphere—features an urban sound that pairs a kayōkyoku-style melody with prominent synthesizers.

It’s an ambitious work that presents a slightly edgy portrayal of a young woman, not just pure sweetness.

The single peaked at No.

58 on the Oricon charts and was included in the 2017 release GOLDEN☆BEST Complete Singles.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to look back on the bittersweet end of a romance at the start of spring.

Galaxy Express 999Godaigo

Galaxy Express 999

Created as the theme song for a theatrical animated film, this is a send-off anthem loved across generations.

Its lyrics, woven from both English and Japanese, and the exhilarating arrangement by Mickey Yoshino vividly capture the thrill of stepping into the unknown along with a touch of loneliness.

Released in July 1979, it is one of Godiego’s signature singles and became a record-breaking hit, topping the music show “The Best Ten” for seven consecutive weeks.

The original author, Leiji Matsumoto, reportedly said that the song’s brightness, heard during a sorrowful farewell scene, conveyed the protagonist’s hope for the future.

It’s recommended for everyone standing at a crossroads in life—be it graduation, a job transfer, or any new beginning.

In times of uncertainty, surrender yourself to this powerful melody; it will surely give you the courage to move forward.

Goodbye, helloItō Tsukasa

Goodbye Hello (Annyeong, Annyeonghi Gyeseyo) - Itsuka Ito (Ito Tsukasa)

A graduation ceremony marks a turning point in life, etched as a special memory in everyone’s heart.

Sung by Tsukasa Ito, this song is a delicate youth anthem that folds both parting and reunion into a single word.

The lyrics and composition are by Taeko Onuki, with arrangement by Nobuyuki Shimizu.

It portrays the unspoken feeling of “I love you” and the first-love memories that suddenly resurface with time, building them through small everyday scenes.

Included on the 1982 album “Sayonara Konnichiwa,” it drew attention at the time for featuring a star-studded lineup of creators, including Ryuichi Sakamoto and Yukihiro Takahashi.

Its urbane sound, infused with a New Wave sensibility, is refreshingly restrained, never overly sentimental.

It’s a perfect pick for quietly reflecting on memories during graduation season, or for anyone who wants to enjoy pop music that offers a different flavor from Showa-era idol kayō.

Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko

Mata Au Himade

Released in 1971, this song was issued as Kiyohiko Ozaki’s second solo single.

The golden duo of Yū Aku (lyrics) and Kyōhei Tsutsumi (composition and arrangement) handled its creation.

Interestingly, the melody was originally written as a candidate for a commercial jingle, but after various twists and turns it was reborn as a song about parting and reunion.

Ozaki’s performance—marked by a resonant, powerful voice and rich vibrato—conveys a sense of forward momentum even amid sorrow.

In the same year, it won both the 13th Japan Record Award and the 2nd Japan Kayō Grand Prize, and in 1972 it was selected as the entrance march for the Spring National High School Baseball Tournament.

Its uplifting quality makes it perfectly suited to occasions of new beginnings and explains its enduring popularity in sports and ceremonies.

It’s a song I especially recommend listening to during graduation season, when many are taking their first steps forward.

When I Become a First Gradersakushi: Mado Michio, sakkyoku: Yamamoto Naozumi

When I Become a First Grader — Song: NEUTRINO (with lyrics)

As the footsteps of spring draw near, many of us are reminded of graduation and school entrance ceremonies.

With lyrics by Michio Mado and music by Naotsumi Yamamoto, this song is a children’s tune first released in 1966.

It captures, in words that are easy for children to understand, both the excitement and a touch of anxiety that come with starting a new school life, vividly evoking the image of venturing out into the wider world together with friends.

Its bright, bouncy melody has the lightness of a march that almost makes your steps feel lighter.

Since September 2014, it has also been used as the approach melody for conventional train lines at Tokuyama Station in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Mado’s hometown.

It’s a perfect song for celebrating a child’s new beginning or for anyone taking their first step into a new chapter of life.

Goodbye for today.Moriyama Ryoko

Goodbye for today.

One of Ryoko Moriyama’s signature songs, included as the B-side to the 1967 single “Love Is Blue.” It was originally written to be sung at farewells among volunteers in the field, a background that imbues its melody and lyrics with a warm resolve—rather than sinking into sorrow, they look ahead with faith in a future reunion.

Its simple tune, well-suited to rounds and choral singing, has been passed down in many settings, from campfires to graduation ceremonies.

In 1974 it was featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” and in 2007 it was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” In 2018 it was adopted as the train approach melody at Shibasaki Station on the Keio Line, linking it to local memory as well.

This is a song that gently supports not only those graduating but anyone sending off someone dear.

A Lonely Graduation CeremonyAsaka Yui

Yui Asaka – A Lonely Graduation Ceremony

Yui Asaka’s “Hitoribocchi no Sotsugyoushiki” is a moving song worthy of being called a graduation classic.

Her fresh, emotionally resonant vocals gently accompany the major life milestone of graduation, heightening the song’s sentimental mood.

The delicately drawn lyrics convey both the sorrow of parting and hope for the future, capturing listeners’ hearts.

That’s why this song has been loved by so many people for years.

In particular, those who spent their youth in the 1980s may find their feelings from that time vividly revived.

And those about to graduate will surely discover new emotion in the song’s universal message.