[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)
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.
[Showa-Era Graduation Songs] Nostalgic? Emotional? A carefully selected list of timeless classics loved across generations (51–60)
Graduationkyandīzu
Candies’ “Sotsugyo” (Graduation) was released back when the term “graduation song” didn’t even exist.
Its portrayal of a relationship that never quite became love because they were friends for too long feels very Showa-era and deeply bittersweet.
The lyrics can also be read as “graduating from you,” which reportedly left fans of the time feeling anxious and torn.
Released in 1975, it’s a recommended track that’s enjoyable even if you’re not into Showa retro vibes.
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.
Graduationsaitou yuki
Yuki Saito’s “Sotsugyo” is a song released in 1985 that symbolizes a page of youthful days.
It captures the fleeting emotions at the end of school life and the start of something new, leaving a strong impression on many people.
Saito’s pure, soothing voice carries a refrain that evokes farewells at graduation ceremonies, rekindling the emotions of that moment for listeners.
This song, which colored an era, still feels fresh today, and it conveys the precious “Showa emo” blend of transience and hope.
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.
Graduation -GRADUATION-Kikuchi Momoko
Released in 1985, Momoko Kikuchi’s “Sotsugyo – GRADUATION -” remains beloved by many as a classic song for graduation ceremonies.
The lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto portray the bittersweet feelings of a young woman at the milestone of graduation, resonating with a wide audience.
With its gentle, easy-to-sing melody, the song is cherished as a springtime tune and is recommended for performances at thank-you parties during the graduation season.
Combined with Kikuchi’s pure image, it will continue to be remembered as a famous song that brightened the Showa era.
CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
Released in 1980, Kanpai is a timeless classic sung not only during graduation season but at many of life’s milestones.
Written and composed by Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi as a gift to celebrate his close friend’s wedding, its warm message also perfectly suits the bittersweet moments of parting at graduation ceremonies.
Listening to this song reminds us that beyond the closed door lies a future full of hope.
The lyrics, filled with heartfelt blessings and prayers for the road ahead, leave an unforgettable impression after just one listen.