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 (11–20)
On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai
Ai Kawashima’s “Tabidachi no Hi ni…” is a song she wrote while imagining her own high school graduation.
It traces friendship and youthful days over a soft, gentle melody.
Carrying on the spirit of I WiSH’s “Ashita e no Tobira,” which was used in the dating reality show Ainori and loved by many, it expresses the milestone of graduation in an emotional way.
Its acoustic sound is soothing, and it will make you feel as if you’ve opened a graduation album.
For those in their thirties in particular, it’s a track that vividly brings back the scenes of that time.
Best FriendKiroro
There are many graduation songs, but Kiroro’s “Best Friend” is a special one for many people in their 30s.
Released in 2001, it gained popularity as the theme song for the NHK morning drama “Churasan,” and its lyrics celebrating friendship were perfect for the season of farewells and gratitude.
Written by Chiharu Tamashiro for keyboardist Ayano Kinjo, the song is also used to express thanks to loved ones and has been cherished as a wedding song.
Its warm lyrics and comforting melody have never faded with time.
cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro
At the milestone of graduation, many emotions intersect.
In a corner of our memories, Naotaro Moriyama’s “Sakura,” which once reached us, is a song that gently embraces that bittersweet feeling.
Sung by Moriyama, known for his high-toned voice, the beauty and transience of cherry blossoms resonate with many listeners, conjuring scenes of farewells and reunions with friends.
Having drawn renewed attention as the theme song for “Synchronous Sakura,” this track is filled with a timeless charm that doesn’t fade with the years.
It’s an especially recommended song for those in their thirties.
The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP
When it comes to songs that come to mind at graduation time, SMAP’s “The Only Flower in the World” stands out.
It’s one of their biggest hits, beloved by many, and its narrow vocal range and gentle melody make it a karaoke favorite.
In fact, it has been used as background music and sung as a chorus at many school ceremonies.
Written and composed by Noriyuki Makihara, its message continues to resonate without fading even after the group’s breakup.
With no metaphors, the song celebrates the “only one” value that everyone carries in their hearts, remaining forever linked with graduation memories.
March 9Remioromen
Remioromen’s “March 9th” is a song that, carried by a light guitar melody, portrays the tension and anticipation of a day of departure.
The song was born in 2004.
Originally composed for a wedding, its melody has resonated with many reflecting on farewells at graduation, and it has become a fixture in the scenery of graduation ceremonies.
Loved across time as a song that colors the moment when not only graduates but also the teachers and parents who supported them take a new step forward, it’s the perfect track not only for the graduation season but also for reunions, where it brings back memories of the time spent together.
I can’t put it into wordsOda Kazumasa
A masterpiece born during the Off Course era still moves the hearts of many people today.
Kazumasa Oda’s delicate vocals, lyrics filled with deep emotion, and the gentle melody paired with powerful piano and strings are captivating.
Released in February 1982, the song is said to reflect feelings about the band’s breakup.
It drew renewed attention in 1999 when it was used in a commercial for Meiji Life Insurance.
It’s a song I highly recommend to anyone grappling with complex emotions about parting or lost love.
Graduation Songs for Those in Their 30s: Nostalgic Classics That Bring Back the Emotion & Timeless Favorites Still Popular Today (21–30)
MiracleGReeeeN
When it comes to youth anthems, you just can’t leave this one out! Released in May 2008 as the theme song for the drama “ROOKIES,” GReeeeN’s signature track “Kiseki” is a pure love song that celebrates the joy of meeting the person you love and the resolve to walk into the future together.
True to its title, the lyrics call the couple’s meeting a “miracle” (kiseki) and describe the path they’ve walked as a “trace” or “trajectory” (also kiseki)—a wordplay that stirs the heart every time you listen.
In 2009, it was also chosen as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, making it beloved across generations.
It’s a moving song you’ll want to play at graduations, thank-you parties, and those final moments with dear friends or a loved one, to express your gratitude.