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.
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Graduation songs that move the hearts of people in their 20s (1–10)
To the futureKiroro
This song is a staple among graduation tunes.
It’s a track by Kiroro, a female duo from Okinawa, released as their second single in June 1998.
Originally, the songwriter composed it in middle school to express gratitude to her mother, but its warm lyrics also resonate with the feelings we have for those who supported us at graduation.
Its simple, heartfelt melody has been featured as an insert song in the anime “Tsuki ga Kirei” and in commercials.
Singing of hope for the new paths ahead, this moving piece gives courage in times of parting and new beginnings.
It’s sure to be a song that gently nudges someone forward.
spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE
It’s included on rock band Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s sixth single, “Love me, Love you,” released in February 2018.
The song is said to have been written by vocalist Motoki Omori the day after his high school graduation ceremony, capturing his feelings exactly as they were at the time.
There’s a tenderness for days that, in hindsight, went by in a flash, and a loneliness you carry when you can’t quite be honest.
Many listeners may relate to the contradiction of thinking you hate your friends when, in truth, you really love them.
The track also became well known as the song used in Suntory’s “Craft Boss” commercial.
It’s a number that gently stays by your side if you’re feeling the sadness of parting with friends before graduation.
Sakura (Solo)Naotaro Moriyama
Naotaro Moriyama’s “Sakura (Dokusho)” touches many hearts with its gentle melody and deeply moving lyrics.
Composed to celebrate a friend’s wedding, the song is also a perfect fit for graduation ceremonies, powerfully evoking the emotions of parting and new beginnings.
Even in 2018, it continues to be sung at graduation milestones, which I believe speaks to its universality and lyrical strength.
It’s also striking that, despite the solo version not being included on his debut album, the song has become so familiar to so many people.
Conveying a warm, heartfelt message, “Sakura (Dokusho)” is an unforgettable graduation song for many in their twenties.
Graduation songs that move the hearts of people in their 20s (11–20)
March 9NEW!Ryota Fujimaki
Music that gently wraps the days we spent together and our cherished memories is perfect for the start of graduation, isn’t it? This is the solo version by Ryota Fujimaki of the song Remioromen released in March 2004.
Set to a calm tempo, it portrays the radiance of a new beginning.
Through images of cherry blossoms that come to mind when you close your eyes and metaphors of light illuminating the future, it conveys not only the sorrow of parting but also the feelings of setting off on a journey filled with hope.
Originally written to celebrate a friend’s wedding, it became widely known as an insert song in the 2005 Fuji TV drama “1 Litre of Tears.” This version was released in 2017 as part of Ryota Fujimaki’s solo work.
If you pair it with a message of gratitude or a memory video with friends, it may make those irreplaceable moments even more moving.
Just the two of usRADWIMPS
A touching love song that depicts a miraculous encounter and eternal love.
RADWIMPS’s distinctive word choices blend with the melody to portray the bond between lovers and their resolve to walk into the future together.
Released in May 2006, it ranked on the Oricon charts for 16 weeks.
It was also included on the album “RADWIMPS 4: Okazu no Gohan,” released in December of the same year.
It’s a perfect song to listen to during graduation and farewell seasons, and when you want to look back on memories with someone special.
Brimming with the charm of RADWIMPS, this work, with its moving lyrics and emotive performance, leaves listeners deeply moved.
Gazing up, the sky is blueMotohiro Hata
An emotionally moving ballad themed around graduation.
It skillfully captures both the sadness of parting and the anticipation of a new journey.
With a beautiful melody and resonant strings that touch the heart, this work was released digitally in March 2019.
It also drew attention as a SoftBank TV commercial song and resonated with many listeners.
The lyrics weave together memories spent with the changing seasons and hopes for the future, inspiring a positive outlook.
It’s a perfect song not only for graduates but for anyone about to take a new step in life.
Bridge of Gloryyuzu
Yuzu’s “Eikou no Kakehashi” is an iconic song for graduation ceremonies.
Embraced by many as a piece that colors the moment of stepping into a new future while holding close the days of friendship, hard work, and the pursuit of dreams from student life, it pairs an upbeat, driving melody with lyrics that blend the bittersweetness and hope of graduation, resonating deeply with listeners.
It’s a song many students remember singing through tears.
From its use in the Olympics to its enduring appeal across generations, you can glimpse why it continues to be loved.
It remains an unchanging classic that we’re likely to hear more often as graduation season approaches.