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 (11–20)
Best FriendKana Nishino
Kana Nishino’s “Best Friend” is a heart-stirring song that’s perfect for graduation season.
The song is filled with gratitude and love for friends, resonating especially with people in their teens and twenties.
Nishino’s clear voice and relatable lyrics touch the hearts of many young listeners.
As farewells draw near, why not use this song to express the gratitude that’s hard to put into words? To forever cherish the precious memories with your friends, give “Best Friend” a listen.
It’s sure to bring back wonderful moments.
road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE
EXILE’s 2007 song “Michi” (The Road) is a ballad that’s perfect for the graduation season.
The bittersweet yet powerful vocals of ATSUSHI and TAKAHIRO gently support everyone embarking on a new beginning and give them the courage to face forward.
The CD featuring a choral version was selected as a recommended graduation-season song by the National Karaoke Operators Association, and it has become a staple sung at many schools’ graduation ceremonies.
It’s truly a moving piece—one that evokes a special poignancy when listened to in the in-between of farewells and new encounters.
far; distant; by farGReeeeN
GReeeeN’s song Haruka, also known as the theme for the film ROOKIES: Graduation, was released in 2009.
The song portrays the feelings of people taking their first steps toward graduation and a new future, and many in their twenties keep listening to it while overlapping it with their own departures.
Its melody and lyrics, which evoke each person’s graduation ceremonies and moments of farewell, resonate deep in the heart.
GReeeeN’s warm vocals gently envelop the anxieties and hopes of a new life, which is why this song brings tears to your eyes no matter when you hear it.
It’s a special graduation song for people in their twenties—one you want to listen to while thinking of family and friends as you set off for a town far away.
Letter ~To You at Fifteen~Angela Aki
Among the many songs given as send-offs at the start of youth, Angela Aki’s “Tegami: Haikei Jugo no Kimi e (Letter: To My Fifteen-Year-Old Self)” stands out for the profound emotion it evokes.
Since its 2008 release, it has been chosen as a choral piece by many junior high schools and continues to be loved across generations.
The song is a message of encouragement to young people standing at a crossroads, where anxiety and hope intertwine.
Its concept of writing a letter to one’s fifteen-year-old self invites self-reflection while empowering you to move forward.
Simply listening to it can give you the courage to keep going, even amid uncertainty.
It’s the kind of experience that makes you recall that graduation day and, at the same time, feel a gentle push on your back as you live in the present.
Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu
A signature song by Yuzu that sings of graduation, parting, and the feelings of setting out on a new journey.
Its beautiful harmonies and warm vocals resonate in the heart.
Released in September 2013, it was selected as the set piece for the Junior High School division of NHK’s National School Music Competition.
It was also broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” becoming beloved by many.
This work gently embraces themes of friendship, gratitude, and hope for the future.
Often performed at graduation ceremonies and farewells, it is cherished as an encouraging song that gently supports those taking their next step.
Graduation DaySasuke
Sasuke’s “Graduation Day” is a heartwarming ballad that accompanies many people facing the milestone of graduation.
The gentle melody woven by acoustic guitar and soft piano sets the scene for a down-to-earth portrayal of graduation, stirring memories of youth.
The memorable lyrics bring back days from student life, and listening to this song with friends on the day of the ceremony will make you feel the strength of your bonds that surpasses the sadness of parting.
Offering a sense that is both nostalgic and fresh, “Graduation Day” resonates with those about to graduate as well as those who fondly look back on their school days.
Graduation songs that moved people in their 20s (21–30)
Farewell, YouthChatmonchy
This song delicately portrays the end of youth and a new beginning.
It carefully weaves everyday scenes and emotions, beautifully capturing the complex feelings of young people facing graduation.
Included on Chatmonchy’s debut mini-album, “chatmonchy has come,” it was released in November 2005.
In 2007, it was featured as a commercial song for Recruit’s graduation season campaign, resonating with many listeners.
This piece is perfect for students approaching graduation and for anyone standing at a turning point in life.
Each listen brings a warm sense of nostalgia and the courage to look ahead.