Graduation songs that move the hearts of people in their twenties
Around February, you start hearing graduation songs more often on TV and around town.
When the topic of graduation songs comes up with friends or at work, there can be a bit of a generation gap—some people mention the big hits from that year, while others bring up the timeless staples.
In this article, we’ll focus on songs that hit the mark for people in their 20s—tracks they sang or listened to as graduation songs.
We’ll introduce many songs that stirred up the J-POP scene back then, as well as those that are still beloved today as classic graduation tunes.
Graduation songs that move the hearts of people in their 20s (1–10)
C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK
A heartfelt song by ONE OK ROCK that sings of the brilliance of friendship and youth.
Included on the album “Zankyo Reference,” this track powerfully conveys the bonds with friends and the pursuit of dreams.
Its lyrics carry the message of “living in the moment,” gripping listeners’ hearts and never letting go.
Released in October 2011, it was also used as the ending theme for the TV program “To the Top of the Earth: Nobukazu Kuriki’s New Challenge.” Embraced as a warm, uplifting song that supports those graduating or embarking on a new journey, it continues to be loved by many.
March 9Remioromen
When graduation season arrives, the familiar melody flowing through the streets—Remioromen’s “March 9th”—is a classic engraved in many people’s hearts.
Released on March 9, 2004, this song conveys friendship and hope for new beginnings, and gained even wider support through its use in the drama “1 Litre of Tears.” As a song that colors the day of departure, it enriches irreplaceable memories.
How about listening again to Remioromen’s warm message that accompanies each person’s graduation? It will surely bring back memories of that day when you stood shoulder to shoulder and sang.
YELLIkimonogakari
Ikimono-gakari’s “YELL” is a song many young people sang at their graduation ceremonies, sharing in the emotion together.
It evokes memories of youth and gives you the courage to step into the future.
Its heartwarming melody and moving lyrics color moments of friendship and farewell.
In 2009, it was chosen as a set piece for NHK’s National School Music Competition and sung by many junior high school students, leaving a deep impression on countless listeners.
If you play this one song at the milestone of graduation, the memories of that day will come flooding back anytime.
Blue BenchSasuke
As a song that captures the ache of unrequited love, it resonates with many listeners.
It portrays regret and longing for a lost love, contrasting beautiful memories of the past with the melancholy of the present.
Through memories at the station, along the tree-lined avenue, and on the symbolic “bench,” the protagonist’s deep emotions are expressed.
Released in April 2004 as Sasuke’s debut single, it became an extraordinary hit despite being an indie release.
Spreading by word of mouth, it has remained a beloved song over time.
It’s a track you’ll want to hear during graduation and farewell seasons, recommended for those who wish to look back on past romances.
On the day of departure…Ai Kawashima
Ai Kawashima’s “Tabidachi no Hi ni…” (“On the Day of Departure”), long sung at countless graduation ceremonies, never fades as part of the season’s emotional landscape.
Graduation, a celebration of farewells and new beginnings, has been colored by this song with innumerable tears and smiles.
Even years after its 2006 hit release, the reason it continues to be loved by so many may lie in its universal lyrics and melody.
Each time it’s sung, it warmly encourages students embarking on a new journey and evokes a rising sense of hope.
For those in their twenties who remember those days, listening to “Tabidachi no Hi ni…” will surely bring back memories of graduation.
Graduation Song ~Let Me Say Thank You Over and Over~NEW!GReeeeN
I wish I could stay like this forever, but I have to set off.
.
.
This is a message song that sings of the bittersweet feelings and gratitude right before graduation.
Created by GReeeeN, it’s the coupling track to the single “Aisubeki Ashita, Isshun to Isshō o,” released in March 2014, and it’s also included on the best-of album “C, D desu to!?”.
It was featured in an AOKI commercial, cheering on the first steps into a new chapter of life.
Carried by a refreshing, warm melody, the straightforward lyrics make you want to say “thank you” over and over again, striking straight to the heart.
The harmony woven by the four voices is moving, making it a perfect song for a slideshow of memories with friends or an Instagram story to express your gratitude.
friendKetsumeishi
This is a song themed around friendship and growth, featuring heartfelt lyrics and a pleasant melody.
It depicts memories with childhood friends and the reality of walking separate paths, skillfully expressing a changing cityscape alongside an unchanging bond of friendship.
Released in February 2002, it became the group’s first entry into the top 10 of the Oricon Singles Chart.
It was also used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s “JAPAN COUNTDOWN,” helping to raise Ketsumeishi’s profile.
It’s a track filled with memories and hope, perfect for listening during graduation season or times of parting with friends.