[Showa-Era Graduation Songs] Nostalgic? Emotive? A curated selection of timeless classics loved across generations

Even though it’s springKashiwabara Yoshie

Harunanoni

In 1983 (Showa 58), everyone had school days filled with unfading memories.

The song that gently, wistfully brings those memories back is Yoshie Kashiwabara’s “Haru na no ni.” This piece, which depicts the season of partings known as graduation, was written by Miyuki Nakajima.

It captures the loneliness of farewells that arrives with spring.

The heart-wrenching poignancy that tightens the chest amid the brilliance of the season etches itself deeply into the listener’s heart.

As fleeting yet beautiful as blossoms before they fall, the lyrics are likely why the song continues to be loved by many, even as times change.

It’s a masterpiece that colors a page of bygone youth.

Song of FledgingSakushi: Murano Shirō, Sakkyoku: Iwakawa Saburō

[Graduation Song] “Sudachi no Uta” (Song of Leaving the Nest), mixed chorus; lyrics: Shiro Murano, music: Saburo Iwagawa #GraduationSong

As a choral piece themed around graduation, this work has been sung in schools for many years.

The lyrics were written by Shiro Murano, a poet who represents early Showa-era modernist poetry.

The composer is Saburo Iwagawa, known for numerous school choir works, and the piece was created in 1965.

It begins with imagery that evokes the signs of spring, then reflects on days spent at school, culminating in a moving expression of gratitude and farewell to teachers and friends.

It has been loved across generations, having been included in the 2005 compilation “Tabidachi no Hi ni ~ Graduation Song Best ~,” and covered by Anemoneria in 2021 as the theme song for the TV anime “Wonder Egg Priority.” It’s a classic that gives courage to take a hopeful first step—not only for those who remember singing it at their graduation, but also for anyone about to embark on a new journey.

12th graderFunaki Kazuo

Kazuo Funaki / High School Senior

It’s a classic packed with memories of high school life, such as the school building bathed in the red setting sun and scenes of students dancing the folk dance.

Released in June 1963, it became a huge hit, selling over one million copies within a year.

It was also Kazuo Funaki’s debut single, and with this song he made his first appearance at the 14th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year.

It was adapted into a film of the same name, with Funaki himself in the leading role.

The lyrics portray the complex feelings of a high school senior on the verge of graduation; while they regret parting, they also feel the anticipation of a new beginning—making it a perfect song for high school students living fully in the present.

Ya Ya (I Won’t Forget That Era)Sazan Ōrusutāzu

Yaya, I Won’t Forget That Era — Southern All Stars

A single released in 1982 by Southern All Stars, one of Japan’s iconic rock bands.

Though they’re often associated with summer and a lively image, this work is a ballad that tenderly reflects on days gone by, and it has left a deep impression on many fans.

The lyrics mention the name of the light music club that Keisuke Kuwata belonged to during his time at Aoyama Gakuin University, and it’s said that scenes from the campus are woven into the song.

These depictions, grounded in real experience, resonate with listeners’ own youthful memories and evoke empathy across generations.

In 1995, the song was included in high school music textbooks, a recognition of its excellence as a piece of pop music within educational settings.

It was also used in a commercial for Mazda’s MPV.

It’s a perfect song to listen to during graduation season for anyone wishing to look back on irreplaceable moments.

Youth—When the Sun Rises in the Sky AgainZa Burodosaito Fō

Youth—When the Sun Rises in the Sky Again

This song, which left its mark on many hearts as the theme for the 1966 Fuji TV drama series “Wakamonotachi” (The Young Ones), features lyrics by Toshio Fujita and music and arrangement by film-score master Masaru Sato, performed by The Broadside Four.

Eschewing flashy technique, its melody carefully shapes the contours of each word, giving it a singable strength that anyone can hum.

Rather than loudly proclaiming hope, the lyrics portray people gritting their teeth and continuing to walk on; the ethic of repetition—setting out again when dawn breaks—resonates deeply.

Selling around 300,000 copies at the time, it was later covered by many artists, including Kyu Sakamoto and Naotaro Moriyama, and has been adopted in school music curricula.

It’s a song I especially recommend to those stepping onto a new path at graduation or facing a turning point in life.

Strawberry Statement, Once Againbanban

Let's Do the 'Strawberry Statement' Once More

This folk song classic vividly revives the bittersweet memories of school-days romance through the medium of cinema.

Released in August 1975 as Banban’s fifth single, the track was written and composed by Yumi Matsutoya, who was then active under the name Yumi Arai.

It became the group’s biggest hit, topping the weekly charts and selling a total of about 750,000 copies.

The film title included in the song’s name refers to an American movie released in 1970, serving as an emblematic sign of youth.

Years later, the song was also used as an insert track in the TV drama “To Friday’s Wives II: Men, Are You Doing Well?” and has been loved across generations.

It’s a song for anyone whose heart is stirred by simple memories—ditching class to catch a movie, a rain-soaked poster—brought back in a rush.

Love Dial 6700Fingā 5

Koino Dial 6700

With an intro that mimics the ring of a rotary telephone and a spirited call that grabs your attention, this is a signature song by Finger Five.

Written and composed by Yu Aku and Tadao Inoue, it’s a breezy dance number that blends R&B and rock ’n’ roll elements into Japanese pop.

The catchy phone-number motif, set on the eve of a graduation ceremony, leaves an unforgettable impact once you hear it.

Released in December 1973, the song topped the Oricon weekly chart for four consecutive weeks and became a massive hit with over 1.6 million copies sold.

The following year, it was also used as the theme song for the film “The Great Adventure of Finger Five.” The soulful groove created by the five Okinawan siblings, paired with the charming vocals of the youngest sister, Taeko, weaves a harmony that lifts the spirits across generations.

It’s a perfect pick for those who want a bright boost during the season of farewells.