Graduation Songs for Those in Their 30s: Nostalgic Classics That Rekindle Emotions & Timeless Favorites Still Popular Today
When graduation season arrives, you hear graduation songs everywhere.
There are massive hits from the Showa and Heisei eras, songs that have become beloved staples of the season across generations, and new tracks released each year to mark the time of farewells.
In this article, we’ll introduce songs that were hits when people in their 30s were graduating, or that were commonly used at graduation ceremonies.
Listening to the tracks you heard back then—songs you actually sang at the ceremony or that played as background music—might bring back those nostalgic, bittersweet feelings.
They’re also great picks for karaoke at class reunions.
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Graduation Songs for People in Their 30s: Nostalgic Classics That Bring Back the Emotion & Timeless Favorites Still Popular Today (51–60)
GraduaterShiina Hekiru
Known for its powerful vocals and positive message that cheer on youth, this is a must-have favorite at Hekiru Shiina’s live shows.
It vividly portrays the protagonist’s feelings as they cherish bonds with friends and companions while stepping forward toward their own future.
Even when faced with setbacks and doubts, the unwavering will to keep looking ahead and fighting on resonates deeply atop a passionate melody.
Since its release in January 1998, it has been loved by many fans and was also included on the album “Baby Blue Eyes.” The guitar work featuring DAITA from SIAM SHADE further enhances the song’s appeal.
It’s a recommended track for anyone taking a new step or for those who want to encourage someone striving toward their dreams.
I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu
For those in their thirties, the quintessential graduation-season song has to be Spitz’s “Sora mo Toberu Hazu” (“We Should Be Able to Fly”).
The track was played at countless graduation ceremonies, and the memories of singing it together in classrooms and gymnasiums remain vivid even now.
Masamune Kusano’s vocals awaken the bittersweet feelings of youth, while the guitar melody gently envelops the heart.
This song, which earned the band their first No.
1 on the Oricon singles chart and sold an astounding 1.48 million copies, still feels fresh today and will continue to be loved across generations.
It’s also a highly recommended karaoke staple.
bookmarkkuriipuhaipe
A song depicting the feelings of spring, included on the album “Nakitakunaru hodo Ureshii Hibi ni,” released in September 2018.
It was written specifically for the campaign “FM802 × TSUTAYA ACCESS!” jointly organized by FM802 and TSUTAYA, and is notable for CreepHyp’s distinctive rock sound.
With great care, it portrays the delicate emotions of someone trying to move forward while holding past memories close to their heart, unfolding a story of parting and rebirth alongside scenes of cherry blossoms.
Blending an emotional melody with Seikaikan Ozaki’s uniquely expressive vocals, this work is sure to resonate deeply with anyone experiencing a springtime farewell.
It’s a song to help organize your heart—one we hope everyone standing at the threshold between an ending and a beginning will listen to.
10-year cherry blossomsAKB48
A song themed around graduation, parting, and reunion was delivered by AKB48 with the arrival of spring.
Centered by Atsuko Maeda and Jurina Matsui, it weaves a story of farewells and reunions with fresh, vivid expressions.
Set to a light, upbeat rhythm, its wishes for the future offer a reassuring message that resonates with the graduation scenes everyone experiences.
Released in March 2009, the single reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to during this season when partings and encounters intersect, as you reflect on memories with someone special.
SAKURA GoodbyeSCANDAL
A number that became one of SCANDAL’s signature early works, beautifully capturing both the bittersweetness and freshness that accompany graduation scenes.
Its message, told from a true-to-life perspective, carries a power that evokes universal empathy.
The song had existed since the band’s formation and drew attention when it was used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s variety show “Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!” Its up-tempo rock sound and the sense of parting—and anticipation for a new journey—set against the season of cherry blossoms are sure to resonate as spring arrives.
It can be called a gem of a pop tune that colors a page of youth, perfect for listening to at life’s important milestones.