[2025] A Collection of Graduation Songs That 40-Somethings Remember [Japanese Music]

It's goodbye, but it's not goodbye.Yamada Katsuzenai Wink

It's goodbye, but it's not goodbye.

Yamada Kuniko, who made a name for herself in the world of comedy, teamed up with Chie Yokoyama to form “Yamada Katsutenai Wink.” The song they released in 1991 has been etched in many people’s hearts as an indispensable classic for graduation season.

While depicting the emotions of two people facing a parting, this uplifting track also sings of the hope of meeting again.

Even within the word “goodbye,” it uniquely carries an expectation for the future.

Born from a popular Fuji TV variety show, the song reached No.

2 on the Oricon charts, and the jacket illustration drawn by Yamada herself also became a hot topic.

It’s a song that resonates not only at graduation ceremonies but in any farewell with someone important.

Hum it at a get-together with your generation, and it may spark not just nostalgia, but new bonds as well.

my graduationSPEED

SPEED / my graduation -Music Video-

SPEED’s “my graduation” is a masterpiece that captures the complex emotions of the moment you step onto a new path at graduation.

The gentle resonance of the piano that spreads through the heart, shifting into a powerful vocal performance, stirs the listener’s emotions.

Lyrics that express the resolve to step into the future while holding dear the memories of days gone by have resonated with many graduation scenes, making it a song etched in the hearts of people in their 40s.

Combining the freshness and individuality of a girls’ group, it’s recommended not only as a graduation ceremony staple but also for reminiscing with friends at karaoke.

Precious thingsRoad of Major

Lord of Major / Precious Things

Released in 2002, this song drew attention as Road of Major’s indie debut.

While looking back on lost time and the past, its lyrics emphasize the importance of facing forward and moving on, resonating deeply with listeners.

It was featured on TV Tokyo’s program “Hamaraja” and performed well on the Oricon charts.

With its driving melody and powerful lyrics, the song focuses on recognizing the important things we tend to overlook in everyday life.

It’s a track you’ll want to hear when reflecting on nostalgic memories, such as at graduation ceremonies or reunions.

As one of Road of Major’s signature songs, it continues to touch the hearts of many more than 20 years after its release.

Song of a Friendyuzu

Yuzu “Tomodachi no Uta” Music Video

Released in 1999, this song expresses gratitude for the little things in everyday life and the importance of friendship.

Through the small, ordinary moments of each day, it portrays the joy and bittersweet feelings of time spent with friends, as well as the struggles of growing up, leaving a warm impression with lyrics that gently resonate with listeners.

Issued as Yuzu’s seventh single, it was later included on various albums.

Starting in January 2019, it was also used in commercials for The Idolmaster Cinderella Girls: Starlight Stage and became playable in the game.

It’s a song you’ll want to hear during graduation season, and one you might find yourself humming at reunions or gatherings with friends.

cherry blossomNaotaro Moriyama

Sakura

A song that beautifully depicts a spring scene of cherry blossoms fluttering is a classic themed around graduation and farewell.

Naotaro Moriyama’s gentle, heartrending vocals deeply resonate with listeners.

Released in March 2003, the song was chosen as the ending theme for TBS’s “Sekai Ururun Taizaiki,” creating a major buzz.

In an extraordinary achievement, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon chart in its ninth week after release, instantly making Moriyama’s name known nationwide.

It’s also beloved as a go-to song for graduation ceremonies, and singing it at reunions is sure to stir nostalgic memories of youth.

It’s especially recommended listening during the season when you can feel spring’s arrival.

A graduation song, a song of friends.19

A graduation song, a song of friends.

As graduation approaches and a new chapter begins, 19’s classic song is one that brings those precious moments to mind.

Released in March 1999 as the B-side to “Ano Kami Hikōki Kumorizora Waatsu,” this track pairs the warm tones of acoustic guitar with gentle lyrics that celebrate the value of days gone by.

Its words—recognizing that the “ordinary days we thought were boring” were actually treasures, and offering courage to overcome hardships—resonate deeply with listeners.

It’s a perfect song to hum at graduations, reunions, or when meeting old friends again.

For those in their 40s, it’s a cherished piece that remains etched in the heart alongside memories of youth.

Just a little longer until graduationGLAY

Just a little longer until graduation

When it comes to songs etched in our hearts alongside memories of graduation ceremonies, you can’t leave out this track by GLAY.

Released in February 2002 as the B-side to the single “Way of Difference,” this piece is a graduation song woven from TAKURO’s own experiences.

From the nostalgic handwriting found on the pages of a borrowed dictionary to the longing to reunite with friends, it delicately portrays the complex emotions felt on the verge of graduation.

Also included on the album “UNITY ROOTS & FAMILY, AWAY,” it’s a mid-tempo rock ballad distinguished by a moving melody centered on the theme of graduation.

Its lyrics, brimming with memories of the past and hopes for the future, resonate especially strongly during graduation season and strike a chord with many.