![[2025] A Collection of Graduation Songs That 40-Somethings Remember [Japanese Music]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/h-kQw4JqCHE/hqdefault.jpg)
[2025] A Collection of Graduation Songs That 40-Somethings Remember [Japanese Music]
Even if the word “graduation” feels far behind you now, when spring approaches, you probably find yourself humming along to one or two songs that bring back those days.
In this article, we’ve handpicked nostalgic graduation songs for people in their 40s, selected by the author—who is also in their 40s! Alongside classic tunes often sung at actual graduation ceremonies, we also include popular ’90s J-pop graduation songs that might bring tears to your eyes from the very first notes.
It’s perfect for choosing tracks for karaoke with friends of the same generation.
Enjoy!
[2025] A Compilation of Memorable Graduation Songs from the 1990s (Japanese Music) (1–10)
I should be able to fly (in the sky).Spitz
Spitz’s classic song “Sora mo Toberu Hazu” (“We Could Even Fly”) gained popularity as the theme song for the drama “Hakusen Nagashi” and is also beloved as a karaoke staple.
It’s often sung in graduation scenes, and the sense of new beginnings and gratitude for encounters that the song conveys feels perfectly suited to the milestone of graduation.
Kusano’s gentle yet powerful voice rekindles the sparkle of youth.
This song, which sings of both nostalgia for days gone by and hopes for the future, is sure to resonate with many people.
Lingering Snowdolphin
Sung by Iruka and etched in many people’s hearts, the graduation song “Nagori Yuki” is a gem that portrays the tranquil winter scenery of the countryside.
Its lyrics delicately weave together the emotions of meeting and parting, warming the listener’s heart.
Originally performed by the group Kaguyahime, the song is notable for Masataka Matsutoya’s beautiful arrangement.
When it plays during a graduation ceremony, the surrounding scene feels all the more precious.
Its melody, perfectly suited to a season of new beginnings, continues to be covered by many artists to this day.
Blown by the windElephant Kashimashi
A masterpiece that brilliantly portrays universal emotions found in everyday life.
Hiroji Miyamoto’s powerful vocals and the gritty sound resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in 1997 as their 16th single, it was a single cut from the album “Run Toward Tomorrow – Tsukiyo no Uta.” It was also used in a Glico “Almond Chocolate” commercial and was loved by a wide audience.
The work explores parting and new beginnings, expressing the subtleties of relationships and feelings between men and women through the contrast of the sun and the moon.
It depicts people sharing joy and sorrow and growing together in the same familiar breeze.
Listening to it during graduation season will vividly bring back memories of those days.
Graduation PhotoYumi Arai
When I look back in my memory, Yumi Arai’s classic “Graduation Photograph” immediately comes to mind.
This gem of a ballad, which Yuming composed for Hi-Fi Set, has struck a chord with countless listeners and become an immortal masterpiece covered by many artists.
Its gentle, delicate melody is so evocative that, with the arrival of spring and the approach of graduation season, you find yourself humming it without thinking.
I imagine many people are moved to tears as they recall those days.
The lyrics depict scenes layered with time after graduation, stirring a longing for days gone by.
Listening to this song, you can understand why it continues to be loved across generations.
To the futureKiroro
This song gently sings of joy, sorrow, and feelings for loved ones, and it has continued to resonate with many people.
Released in June 1998, it drew significant attention as Kiroro’s second single.
It was also featured as the commercial song for P&G’s “Bridge of Feelings Project,” making it a beloved piece across generations.
Often performed at life’s milestones—such as graduations and weddings—it touches the heart in moments of parting from loved ones and embarking on new beginnings.
Alongside nostalgic memories, it inspires hope for the future, and it’s also a great choice to sing at karaoke.
If I Could Become a StarMr.Children
A song that sings of the passion and determination of young people spreading their wings toward their dreams.
It beautifully captures the emotions of high school students on the verge of graduation and resonates deeply with listeners.
The refreshing sound of the acoustic guitar paired with a powerful yet gentle vocal delivers a track that gives you the courage to move forward.
Included on the December 1992 album “Kind of Love,” it was also used as the theme song for a music program on TV Kanagawa.
As a representative track from Mr.
Children’s early years, it has been beloved by fans for many years.
Listening to it at graduations, reunions, and other moments of parting or new beginnings with important people is sure to stir your heart.
Where Smiles GoDREAMS COME TRUE
When graduation season arrives, the song that you can’t help but hum along to is this classic by DREAMS COME TRUE.
Chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “Sotsugyo (Graduation),” it became a milestone for the group as their first entry into the Oricon Top 10.
Showcasing the perfect harmony between Miwa Yoshida’s powerful vocals and Masato Nakamura’s masterful composition, the track features a bright, upbeat melody and uplifting lyrics.
It paints vivid images of carefree smiles in graduation albums and heartfelt reflections on one’s own growth, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released in February 1990, the song played a key role in rapidly boosting DREAMS COME TRUE’s popularity.
It’s a perfect choice not only for graduation ceremonies, but also for reunions, coming-of-age celebrations, and any moment spent reminiscing with loved ones.