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)
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.
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.
my graduationSPEED

There’s a song that resonates in the heart when we reach the milestone of graduation.
One of them is SPEED’s “my graduation.” Its piano melody stirs gentle emotions while also carrying a strength that gives us the courage to take a step forward.
While expressing the pain and bittersweetness of heartbreak, the song also paints a picture of a bright future, making it deeply tied to many people’s memories of graduation.
SPEED’s passionate vocals shake listeners to the core and deliver a message perfectly suited to a new beginning called graduation.
Graduation Songs for Those in Their 30s: Nostalgic Classics That Bring Back the Feels & Timeless Favorites Still Popular Today (61–70)
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.
Graduationgagaga supi

Gagaga SP’s “Sotsugyo” (Graduation) is their major-label debut single released in 2002, combining the raw power and poignancy of punk rock that evokes the heat of youth.
Kozak Maeda’s raspy voice and the song’s driving, fast-paced melody strike a chord, and it was especially popular among students during graduation season.
The lyrics, which depict parting from someone you love as well as anxieties and hopes for the future, still resonate deeply with those experiencing these feelings now, as well as with people in their 30s who look back nostalgically on those days.
A song that vividly colored a moment of youth, it remains a staple worthy of being sung at karaoke even today.
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.



