[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)
Goodbye once moreChekkāzu
A gem-like ballad that gently weaves the pain of parting, set against a scene of lights drifting beyond the window and ice clinking in a glass.
Among The Checkers’ band sound, it’s a masterpiece that delicately portrays the feelings of a grown-up love.
Fumiya Fujii’s poignantly resonant vocals and Naoyuki Fujii’s beautiful melodies tenderly enfold the end of a love that still lingers with regret.
Upon its release in November 1990, the song reached No.
7 on the Oricon charts, and it was also included on the album “THE CHECKERS THE BEST,” soothing the hearts of many listeners.
It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who has experienced parting from someone dear with the arrival of spring.
Why not listen alone on a quiet night and immerse yourself in cherished memories?
Good-bye School Dayshaifaisetto
Hi-Fi Set is a chorus group formed by former members of Akai Tori, which disbanded in 1974.
The closing track of their 12th album, “PASADENA PARK,” titled “Good-bye School Days,” leaves a lingering impression with its spacious, floating ensemble.
The lyrics, which portray the heartache of drifting apart and changing even as memories grow more beautiful, resonate with the feelings we so often experience at graduation, no matter the era.
It’s a sentimental number whose rich choral work heightens the emotion.
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.
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.
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.