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

CheersTsuyoshi Nagabuchi

Cheers

This is one of Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s signature works, carrying a warm message of blessing to celebrate new beginnings.

Loved by many as an anthem cheering on those stepping onto life’s big stage, it’s a heartwarming piano folk ballad that gently stands by you and gives you the courage to move forward.

Released in September 1980, the song was born from the feeling of congratulating a friend on their wedding, then re-recorded in 1988 and became a major hit.

It also became familiar as the theme song for Kirin Lager Beer commercials in the 1990s.

It’s a powerful song of encouragement that stays close when you or your friends are at life’s milestones or starting anew, and when you need a lift yourself.

ff (fortissimo)HOUND DOG

ff (fortissimo) HOUND DOG

A powerful rock tune that depicts passionate love and determination has captured the hearts of many as one of HOUND DOG’s signature works.

With a strong message about believing in the power of love and the importance of holding on to dreams and passion, this song stands out.

After its release in August 1985, it was featured in Nissin Foods’ Cup Noodles commercials and became a major hit, reaching No.

11 on the Oricon charts and No.

8 on The Best Ten.

Since March 2018, it has been used as the departure melody at JR East’s Sendai Station, and it has inspired cover versions by Akiko Wada and LGYankees.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you need courage to pursue your dreams or when you want to convey your feelings to someone important.

RunnerBakufū Slump

Bakufu Slump “Runner” MUSIC VIDEO (HD)

The iconic song by Bakufu Slump, capturing the vibrant spirit of youth and the bonds of friendship, continues to move countless hearts even today.

Its lyrics, depicting the everyday life of boys on the track team, vividly portray scenes like talking in the locker room after the rain and gazing at the stars on the field at night, stirring up nostalgic memories.

Since its release in October 1988, it has been featured as insert music on Nippon TV’s “Genius! Takeshi’s Energy Giving TV” and in a Hitachi video commercial, and has since remained a beloved cheer song for high school baseball.

This piece is perfect for times when you face parting from friends, need the courage to take a new step forward, or want to cheer on someone important.

Its powerful melody and passionate message will gently nudge listeners onward.

Sneaker BluesMasahiko Kondo

Sneaker Blues - Masahiko Kondo

A classic song that strikingly combines poignancy and strength, depicting the breakup of lovers who raced through the season of youth.

With fond memories of time spent together in matching sneakers held close to their hearts, the pure emotions of young love overflow in a stirring melody and vocals that many listeners will find relatable.

Released in December 1980 as Masahiko Kondo’s debut single and used as the theme song for the film “Youth Graffiti: Sneaker Blues,” it debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

It’s a track that resonates even more deeply now with nostalgic memories as the years have passed.

Perfect for reliving past romances and getting fired up at karaoke with friends.

Goodbye once moreThe Checkers

Goodbye once more

A gem-like ballad that gently weaves the pain of parting, set against a scene of lights drifting beyond the window and ice clinking in a glass.

Among The Checkers’ band sound, it’s a masterpiece that delicately portrays the feelings of a grown-up love.

Fumiya Fujii’s poignantly resonant vocals and Naoyuki Fujii’s beautiful melodies tenderly enfold the end of a love that still lingers with regret.

Upon its release in November 1990, the song reached No.

7 on the Oricon charts, and it was also included on the album “THE CHECKERS THE BEST,” soothing the hearts of many listeners.

It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who has experienced parting from someone dear with the arrival of spring.

Why not listen alone on a quiet night and immerse yourself in cherished memories?

GraduationYutaka Ozaki

Yutaka Ozaki – Graduation (Official Music Video)

As graduation season approaches, many people can’t help but think of a song they find themselves humming.

Yutaka Ozaki’s “Graduation” is exactly that kind of song.

Since its release in 1985, it has continued to be loved by many and is still not uncommon to hear at graduation ceremonies today.

Ozaki’s intense lyrics captured the hearts of students at the time, and it’s no wonder he still has a large and devoted following.

The piano melody and Ozaki’s voice, which bring back the feelings of those days, still resonate deeply even as we grow older.

Why not listen to this moving song and look back on your youthful days?

Don't give up on your dreamsTakako Okamura

Takako Okamura “Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

With the arrival of spring comes graduation season.

At such times, hearing Takako Okamura’s “Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams” can bring back memories of youthful days gone by, even in the most ordinary moments.

Since its 1987 release, this classic has been sung at many graduation ceremonies and used in countless settings, warmly watching over graduates as they embark on new paths.

While it may have been written by Okamura as a song about heartbreak, the indomitable spirit it carries has made it a timeless anthem of encouragement, beloved by many.

It is a wonderful song that, at any time, gives us the strength to never give up on our dreams.