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)
A graduation song, a song of friends.19
A song by 19 that reflects fondly on the time spent with friends and expresses a wish for happiness on each person’s path.
With a gentle, acoustic-centered sound that blends with a straightforward vocal, it evokes the image of speaking softly to someone dear.
The lyrics convey that the time shared together becomes the strength to move forward into the future, and that even when far apart, we still wish for each other’s happiness.
It’s a track that communicates the strength of will—the bond deepened by the length of time spent together, and the belief that as long as our hearts remain connected, we can support one another.
Graduation Songs for People in Their 30s: Nostalgic Classics That Bring Back the Emotion & Timeless Favorites Still Popular Today (51–60)
Farewell, YouthChatto Monchī
Chatmonchy’s “Saraba Seishun” is a perfect song for the sentimental mood of graduation season.
Behind the band’s bright, pop image lies a wistful ballad.
The lyrics, which sing of the bittersweet memories of youth, carry a special resonance for those in their thirties.
In 2007, it was featured in a Recruit commercial, coloring memorable scenes at graduation ceremonies across the country.
Looking back on school days and reminding us of precious times, this song is a moving piece that marks the end of youth along with graduation.
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.
GraduationOzaki Yutaka
Yutaka Ozaki delivers a work that captures the clumsy emotions of youth in their entirety with his powerful voice.
Frankly portraying the feelings of young people—such as the sense of confinement in school life and distrust of adults—this piece carries a universal message about the yearning for freedom that everyone experiences during their school years.
Released in January 1985 and peaking at No.
20 on the Oricon chart, it debuted as the lead single from the album “Kaikisen” (Tropic of Cancer).
Later, in 2016, it was featured as the commercial song for a web-exclusive short movie by a casual apparel chain, continuing to resonate across generations.
It’s a song to listen to when you find yourself wavering between ideals and reality or questioning the norms of society.
Song of a Friendyuzu
Yuzu’s “Tomodachi no Uta” is a perfect song for the season of partings and new encounters, and for graduation ceremonies.
Anyone who remembers that time will feel the melodies and lyrics deeply.
Their warm vocals, as if cheering on anxious friends, are still loved by many today.
It also gained popularity as the theme song for Glico’s Pocky commercial.
Singing about thinking of old friends who’ve grown distant and wishing to see them again, this track is guaranteed to be a hit at karaoke.
Yuzu’s characteristically honest and straightforward singing style gives the power to connect hearts.
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.
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.