[Showa-Era Graduation Songs] Nostalgic? Emotive? A curated selection of timeless classics loved across generations
Graduation songs are ones you start hearing everywhere from around February.
Every year, numerous tracks related to graduation are released.
And many people can vividly remember the songs that were hits when they graduated.
In this article, we’ve gathered graduation songs that were released during the Showa era and became hits.
Among these classics are songs that are still beloved decades after their release, as well as tracks experiencing revival hits on social media.
If you’re from the Showa generation, enjoy the nostalgia; if not, discover them with fresh ears and enjoy these Showa hit songs.
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[Showa-Era Graduation Songs] Nostalgic? Emotional? A curated selection of timeless classics loved across generations (41–50)
Lingering Snowiruka
A song by Kaguyahime written and composed by Shozo Ise in 1972 (Showa 47).
Two years earlier, in 1970 (Showa 45), Iruka’s cover single became a huge hit.
The lyrics begin with phrases so beautiful they read like a literary work from the very first line.
This simple, lyrical poem depicting a young person setting off on a journey resonates with anyone about to take a new step forward.
It’s deeply heartrending, and precisely because of that, the vivid, beautiful scenes rise before your eyes and move listeners’ hearts.
Even now, it continues to be covered by many artists—such as Ken Hirai and Hideaki Tokunaga—and is truly a timeless masterpiece loved across generations.
[Showa-Era Graduation Songs] Nostalgic? Emotional? A carefully selected list of timeless classics loved across generations (51–60)
Yours sincerelyushiroyubi-sasaregumi
Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi was a two-member unit formed by members of Onyanko Club, who enjoyed immense popularity in the idol scene of the 1980s.
Their sixth single, Kashiko, was used as the opening theme for the TV anime High School! Kimengumi.
Its lyrics evoke the image of being unable to convey one’s feelings to someone you love, even at the moment of parting—something many listeners may find resonates with their own memories.
It’s a bittersweet yet comical idol song, marked by a catchy and light pop ensemble.
A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe
Released in 1978 (Showa 53), Momoe Yamaguchi’s “Ii Hi Tabidachi” is a song that symbolizes the farewells of graduation season and the hope for a new life.
Like opening a time capsule, Shinji Tanimura’s words still resonate with many people today.
While many songs sing of a bright future, this one conveys both the joy of setting out and a sense of poignancy, which helps explain why it continues to be loved across generations.
Yamaguchi’s refreshing voice and the song’s melody lend an appropriate weight to graduation, a major milestone in life.
Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako
A timeless, heartwarming classic by Takako Okamura.
With its powerful melody and lyrics that resonate, it gives you the courage to pursue your dreams.
Since its release in February 1987, it has been beloved as a cram school commercial song and as an insert song for “Nettou Koshien.” Whether at graduation or at a crossroads in life, listening to this piece mysteriously gives you the strength to look ahead.
It’s a highly recommended song not only for young people chasing their dreams, but also for anyone feeling lost in life.
Let Okamura’s gentle voice give you a push to take that first new step.
Violet-colored tearsIwasaki Hiromi
Celebrated as a classic that captures the ache of unrequited love, this song continues to resonate with many.
It depicts the loneliness and sorrow that love can bring through the beautiful phrase “violet-colored tears,” and Hiromi Iwasaki’s pure, translucent voice perfectly conveys the song’s world.
Released in June 1981, it was also featured in a commercial for Fuji Heavy Industries (now Subaru), making it beloved by a wide audience.
It’s recommended listening when you want to heal the pain of heartbreak or when you’re mourning a farewell with someone dear.
Why not let Iwasaki’s voice envelop you as you face the emotions deep within your heart?
The last spring breakMatsutōya Yumi
A song from Yumi Matsutoya’s “Yuming” era, included on the album OLIVE.
Released in 1979 (Showa 54), it’s a cherished piece filled with memories.
It delicately portrays the bittersweet feelings of a girl on the verge of graduation.
The lyrics vividly conjure scenes from the final spring break of her school days, and the gentle melody resonates in the heart.
It has remained a beloved classic, even inspiring a 1991 (Heisei 3) TBS drama adaptation, “Rouge no Dengon.” A perfect song for those who want to bask in the warmth of spring and sink into nostalgic memories.
uniformMatsuda Seiko
Seiko Matsuda’s “Seifuku,” released in 1980, enjoys a quietly fervent following as a graduation song.
Like “Akai Sweet Pea,” it features lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and composition by Yumi Matsutoya.
Despite being a B-side, its refined melodic line captured the hearts of many.
The lyrics, where wistfulness intertwines with hope, evoke unrequited love and the radiance of youth from one’s school days.
The scene where a note with a new address is handed over gently conveys delicate emotional shifts, making it a song that softly nestles close to the listener’s heart.