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 Those in Their 30s: Nostalgic Classics That Bring Back the Feels & Timeless Favorites Still Popular Today (61–70)
We Look Up to You with Respect
Among the many graduation songs that are played, the one that especially stirs the heart is “Aogeba Tōtoshi,” which enjoys enduring popularity.
Sung at countless graduation ceremonies, it is cherished by many as a song filled with memories.
Born in the Meiji era as a Ministry of Education song, it features lyrics by Nobutsuna Sasaki and music by Teiichi Okano.
Its lyrics convey deep gratitude to teachers, and revisiting it as an adult brings a renewed sense of emotion.
It was even covered by SMAP, showing its appeal across generations.
Wrapped in the warmth of spring, singing this song with friends of the same generation will surely bring back the scenes of those days.
On the Day of Departure
Many of you might say this song reminds you of your own graduation ceremony.
Since its release, it has been the standard of all standards, sung at graduation ceremonies across the country.
The song was originally born at a junior high school in Saitama Prefecture.
From there, it spread through the local area, caught the attention of a composer, was featured in a music magazine, and in the late ’90s it gained popularity nationwide.
It inevitably makes you feel nostalgic, doesn’t it? It’s a classic that will surely be sung for generations to come—a staple song for graduation scenes.
graduation tripNMB48
Released in March 2015, this NMB48 song is a heartwarming piece that cherishes bonds with friends and shared memories.
It portrays scenes of looking out at the passing landscape from a train while reflecting on the time spent together, accompanied by gentle piano tones.
Blending the hopeful glow of a faintly lit future with the bittersweet feeling of setting off on separate paths, the track achieves a harmonious balance.
It was included as a coupling track for “Don’t look back!” and is also featured on the album “Namba Ai ~Ima, Omou Koto~.” It is sure to resonate with those bidding farewell to graduating friends or parting from someone special.
Cherry Blossom Rainabsorb
Beloved as a Heisei-era graduation song, this track is a cover of a VOCALOID piece by absorb.
The cherry blossom–themed lyrics delicately weave memories of school days, friendship, and parting, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released in November 2008, the song gained huge popularity online and was reportedly requested by many schools for performance at graduation ceremonies.
It’s perfect for the graduation season, but even listening to it as an adult will rekindle youthful memories and stir the heart.
It’s also recommended to listen while looking back through your yearbook.
CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
This is one of Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s signature works, carrying a warm message of blessing to celebrate new beginnings.
Loved by many as an anthem cheering on those stepping onto life’s big stage, it’s a heartwarming piano folk ballad that gently stands by you and gives you the courage to move forward.
Released in September 1980, the song was born from the feeling of congratulating a friend on their wedding, then re-recorded in 1988 and became a major hit.
It also became familiar as the theme song for Kirin Lager Beer commercials in the 1990s.
It’s a powerful song of encouragement that stays close when you or your friends are at life’s milestones or starting anew, and when you need a lift yourself.