Graduation Songs for Those in Their 30s: Nostalgic Classics That Rekindle Emotions & Timeless Favorites Still Popular Today
When graduation season arrives, you hear graduation songs everywhere.
There are massive hits from the Showa and Heisei eras, songs that have become beloved staples of the season across generations, and new tracks released each year to mark the time of farewells.
In this article, we’ll introduce songs that were hits when people in their 30s were graduating, or that were commonly used at graduation ceremonies.
Listening to the tracks you heard back then—songs you actually sang at the ceremony or that played as background music—might bring back those nostalgic, bittersweet feelings.
They’re also great picks for karaoke at class reunions.
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Graduation Songs for Those in Their 30s: Nostalgic Classics That Bring Back the Emotion & Timeless Favorites Still Popular Today (1–10)
cherry blossomKobukuro
A grand ballad with a cherry blossom theme.
It portrays overcoming heartbreak and growing from the experience, while celebrating the importance of loving others—resonating deeply with many listeners.
Released in November 2005 and chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Ns’ Aoi,” which began airing the following January, this work remains one of Kobukuro’s signature songs, beloved across generations.
It’s especially recommended for graduation and farewell season.
Cherishing the feelings you hold in your heart, this song gives you the courage to take a new step forward.
road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE
The ballad “Michi” (Road), released by EXILE in 2007, is known as a classic graduation song.
For many people in their 30s whose graduation coincided with its release, it surely feels like the ultimate youth anthem, stirring up a sense of nostalgia.
Listening to the lyrics that express the feelings at a time of departure and gratitude toward friends may vividly bring back memories from that time.
The warm, nostalgic melody is enough to make your heart—and eyes—well up.
Graduation PhotoYumi Arai
When we trace back our memories, many of us probably find that the classic song “Sotsugyo Shashin” (Graduation Photo) by Yumi Arai comes to mind alongside memories of our graduation ceremonies.
This gem of a ballad, which Yuming composed for Hi-Fi Set, touched people’s heartstrings and has been covered by many artists.
Hearing its gentle, pale-hued melody brings back those days, and some may even find themselves on the verge of tears.
The lyrics depict scenes layered with time after graduation, stirring a nostalgia for days gone by.
The reason it continues to be loved across generations becomes immediately clear the moment you listen to it.
Graduation Songs for People in Their 30s: Nostalgic Classics That Bring Back the Emotion & Timeless Favorites Still Popular Today (11–20)
I can't put it into wordsKazumasa Oda
A masterpiece born during the Off Course era still moves the hearts of many people today.
Kazumasa Oda’s delicate vocals, lyrics filled with deep emotion, and the gentle melody paired with powerful piano and strings are captivating.
Released in February 1982, the song is said to reflect feelings about the band’s breakup.
It drew renewed attention in 1999 when it was used in a commercial for Meiji Life Insurance.
It’s a song I highly recommend to anyone grappling with complex emotions about parting or lost love.
Cherry Blossom BookmarkAKB48
This is an AKB48 song that continues to be loved by many as a graduation anthem that evokes the arrival of spring.
Its melody conjures images of cherry blossoms, and the lyrics about parting and new beginnings resonate deeply.
Released in February 2010, it became a major hit, breaking a seven-year record by surpassing 300,000 copies in first-week sales for a female artist.
It was also used as the theme song for the TV Tokyo drama “Majisuka Gakuen,” making it popular across a wide range of generations.
It’s a favorite as a choral piece for graduation ceremonies and school events, and it has even been included in some music textbooks.
It’s a song I highly recommend to anyone about to embark on a new chapter.
Words of FarewellKaientai
Kaientai’s “Okuru Kotoba” goes beyond the realm of a typical graduation song and continues to be loved by many.
Since its 1979 release, it has also been cherished as the theme song for the TV drama “Mr.
Kinpachi in Class 3-B,” starring Tetsuya Takeda.
Although originally written as a heartbreak song, it fits perfectly with the moment of graduation—a new departure.
Its clear, transparent melody and warm lyrics resonate in the heart, making it a timeless piece that is passed down along with unfading memories.
GraduationZONE
Released in February 2004, ZONE’s song is a heartwarming track themed around the milestone of graduation.
It expresses memories overflowing from a once-cramped classroom, along with hopes and anxieties for the future, deftly portraying the emotions of a new beginning.
Issued as ZONE’s 12th major single, it debuted at No.
5 on the Oricon charts, marking the group’s 10th consecutive Top 10 entry.
An ideal song for the graduation season, it’s also sure to resonate during reunions or moments of reminiscing.