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

The last spring breakItō Maiko

Maiko Ito “The Last Spring Break” (with lyrics)

It’s a ballad that conjures the scene of stepping into a school building during spring break after graduation, when everyone’s gone, and being suddenly overcome with loneliness.

Written and composed by Yumi Matsutoya, this classic—performed by both Hi-Fi Set and Yuming herself—was covered by Maiko Ito.

It’s included on her album “Yume no Iriguchi,” released in June 1983, and her clear, translucent vocals from her idol days—she now works widely as an actor and researcher—really touch the heart.

In 1991, a story inspired by this song aired on the TBS drama “Rouge no Dengon,” testifying to its lasting popularity.

The slightly youthful vocals make the lyrics’ poignancy feel even more immediate, and it’s a track you’ll want to listen to alone, slowly, in the season of farewells.

Before graduationOzaki 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.

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.

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.

Our JourneyNakamura Masatoshi

Our Journey

This single was released in October 1975 as the theme song for the TV drama “Our Journey,” starring Masatoshi Nakamura, who enjoyed immense popularity from the very start of his acting career.

The lyrics and music were written by Kei Ogura, who likens the long life ahead to a journey, vividly portraying both the hopes of young people pursuing their dreams and the moments of sudden loneliness and melancholy.

Capturing the hearts of the youth of its time, it became a long-running hit, staying on the Oricon charts for 45 weeks.

Nakamura’s warm, enveloping voice seems to gently nudge you forward, even when you’re filled with uncertainty.

It’s an unfading classic that we hope those taking a new step at graduation—and those who wish to reminisce about their youthful days—will listen to.