[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!
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[2025] A Collection of Memorable Graduation Songs for People in Their 40s [Japanese Music] (21–30)
Light of Fireflies
Beloved for many years, “Hotaru no Hikari” is a classic that resonates across generations.
With lyrics by Inoue Kaoru set to the Scottish folk song “Auld Lang Syne,” it has become a standard piece symbolizing farewells and endings, often heard at graduation ceremonies and farewell gatherings.
As the music begins, many are moved to recall days spent at school and joyful times with old friends.
Its melody has taken root as part of Japanese culture and continues to move countless people.
It’s a nostalgic song that you can’t help but hum at the start of a new chapter.
10-year cherry blossomsAKB48
A song themed around graduation, parting, and reunion has arrived from AKB48 with the coming of spring.
Centered by Atsuko Maeda and Jurina Matsui, it weaves a story of farewells and reunions with fresh, vivid expression.
Set to an 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.
SAKURA GoodbyeSCANDAL
A number that became one of SCANDAL’s signature early works, beautifully capturing both the bittersweetness and freshness that accompany graduation scenes.
Its message, told from a true-to-life perspective, carries a power that evokes universal empathy.
The song had existed since the band’s formation and drew attention when it was used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s variety show “Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!” Its up-tempo rock sound and the sense of parting—and anticipation for a new journey—set against the season of cherry blossoms are sure to resonate as spring arrives.
It can be called a gem of a pop tune that colors a page of youth, perfect for listening to at life’s important milestones.
GraduationGagaga SP
A bittersweet love song that likens a breakup between a man and a woman to “graduation.” Carefully crafted by the youth punk band from Kobe, Gagaga SP, the lyrics vividly capture the pain of heartbreak, lingering attachment, and the determination to move forward.
Released in January 2002 as their major-label debut single and peaking at No.
30 on the Oricon chart, this track has become one of their signature songs and a staple of their live shows, as the band is known for leading the youth punk boom.
With its straightforward lyrics and powerful sound, this song is sure to be a source of comfort when you’re healing from a breakup or trying to overcome a farewell with someone important.
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.
Even though it's springYoshie Kashiwabara
As if heralding the arrival of spring, the poignant song “Haru nanoni” gently carries heartfelt feelings for a cherished person on a tender melody.
Interwoven with a faint sense of nostalgia, this classic was released by Yoshie Kashiwabara in 1983 and became a major hit.
With lyrics and music by Miyuki Nakajima, it continues to resonate over time with enduring appeal.
It remains a staple at graduation ceremonies and a popular karaoke choice, and for many in their 40s, it is an unforgettable song that colored their youth.
“Haru nanoni” offers a timeless emotion that makes you want to look back on days gone by—not only in spring, but in any season.
MY GRADUATIONThe Checkers
A gemlike ballad that richly portrays the milestone of graduation.
Set to a gentle melody, it tenderly depicts scenes like exchanging buttons on school uniforms and walking together to the station.
Looking back on memories from ages 16 to 18, it masterfully conveys both the sweetness of young love and the poignancy of parting.
Included on The Checkers’ album “GO” and released in 1987, it was the group’s first self-produced work, with lyrics by Fumiya Fujii and music by Susumu Takeuchi.
Deeply rooted in Japan’s music scene as a staple to hear during graduation season, this song is wholeheartedly recommended for anyone who cherishes memories of their youth.