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 Masterpieces That Bring Back the Emotion & Timeless Favorites Still Popular Today (41–50)
To the futureKiroro
This song is a staple among graduation tunes.
It’s a track by Kiroro, a female duo from Okinawa, released as their second single in June 1998.
Originally, the songwriter composed it in middle school to express gratitude to her mother, but its warm lyrics also resonate with the feelings we have for those who supported us at graduation.
Its simple, heartfelt melody has been featured as an insert song in the anime “Tsuki ga Kirei” and in commercials.
Singing of hope for the new paths ahead, this moving piece gives courage in times of parting and new beginnings.
It’s sure to be a song that gently nudges someone forward.
I want to become a cherry blossom tree.AKB48
A gentle medium-tempo ballad by AKB48 that portrays the beauty of spring and memories of graduation.
As it likens eternal love watching over those who set out on a new journey to a cherry tree, it warmly sings of the courage and hope to take the first step forward.
Depicting the touching image of young people heading toward a bright future while carrying their anxieties, this work was released in February 2011.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “A Letter from the Cherry Blossoms” and also gained attention as a CM song for UHA Mikakuto.
With a message perfect for graduation season and a gentle melody line that evokes the arrival of spring, it will wrap you in the desire to revel in cherished memories.
cherry blossomKetsumeishi
Ketsumeishi’s “Sakura” has long been loved by many as a classic that colors the season of graduation and farewells.
Since its 2005 release, it’s a song that, whenever the cherry blossoms bloom, brings back bittersweet memories and irreplaceable friends.
It drew renewed attention when Sonoko Inoue covered it, and with its power to connect old and new generations, the song livens up many karaoke parties.
Listening to “Sakura,” a track that distills Ketsumeishi’s creative charm, makes anyone nostalgic for their youth and is sure to warm the heart.
YELL ~Support~Kobukuro
Kobukuro’s “YELL” has been loved by many since its release in 2001.
For graduates in their 30s in particular, it can be called a treasured melody that colors a page of their youth.
The song is popular as BGM for graduation ceremonies and for karaoke at reunions because it stirs the heart, strengthening it and giving courage for new beginnings.
The gentle harmonies of Shunsuke Kuroda and Kentaro Kobuchi resonate with people experiencing times of parting and encounter.
Looking back now, you’ll realize that the cheers embedded throughout the lyrics had been supporting your past self all along.
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.
Graduation DaySasuke
Sasuke’s “Graduation Day” is a heartwarming ballad that accompanies many people facing the milestone of graduation.
The gentle melody woven by acoustic guitar and soft piano sets the scene for a down-to-earth portrayal of graduation, stirring memories of youth.
The memorable lyrics bring back days from student life, and listening to this song with friends on the day of the ceremony will make you feel the strength of your bonds that surpasses the sadness of parting.
Offering a sense that is both nostalgic and fresh, “Graduation Day” resonates with those about to graduate as well as those who fondly look back on their school days.
Tsubasaandāgurafu
As one of Under Graph’s signature songs, it is a track that has been deeply etched into the hearts of many.
With lyrics themed around days of youth and setting out on new journeys, it resonates powerfully with listeners.
Its emotional melody carried by a robust rock sound is distinctive, garnering support across generations.
Released in September 2004, the song peaked at No.
6 on the Oricon chart.
It also enjoyed strong popularity on cable broadcasts and radio, becoming a long-running hit with 14 consecutive weeks at No.
1.
Listening to it during graduation season or when embarking on new challenges will surely give you the courage to take a bold first step.