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 moved people in their 20s (21–30)
AgainWANIMA
This is a powerful message song by WANIMA that passionately sings of second chances and hope.
The protagonist’s strong will to face forward after overcoming failure and setbacks resonates with an energetic melody.
Included on the single “Good Job!!,” released in March 2019, and used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Maison de Police,” the track expresses the resolve to rise again despite carrying past pain and regret, as well as the courage to believe in oneself and move forward.
It’s a perfect song for those looking back on both the good and tough times of their school days and trying to lift their heads and keep going.
We againSG
This work by SG has gained support as an encouraging song that resonates deeply during graduations and farewells.
Its gentle melody, which accompanies young people as they overcome partings and take new steps forward, and its lyrics filled with hope for reunion are especially appealing.
Released in April 2021, it has become a popular track with a cumulative 150 million streams.
Starting in November 2024, it has also been featured in Calorie Mate’s exam-season support commercial, and a concert band version by the Hanazono Tokuei High School Wind Ensemble has been making waves.
It’s a heartwarming song for farewells, graduation ceremonies, and moments when you long to see someone special again.
It’s a recommended track for times when you want to cherish your memories while looking ahead and doing your best.
Graduation songs that move the hearts of people in their 20s (31–40)
GraduationYutaka Ozaki
Yutaka Ozaki delivers a work that captures the clumsy emotions of youth in their entirety with his powerful singing voice.
Frankly portraying the feelings of young people—such as the sense of suffocation in school life and distrust toward adults—this piece carries a universal message about the thirst for freedom felt within the school days that everyone experiences.
Released in January 1985 and peaking at No.
20 on the Oricon charts, it was issued as the lead single from the album Kaikisen (Tropic of Cancer).
Later, in 2016, it was also featured as the commercial song for a web-exclusive short film by a casual clothing chain, continuing to resonate with many people across generations.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you’re wavering between ideals and reality or questioning the norms of society.
I want to become a cherry blossom tree.AKB48
A gentle medium-tempo ballad by AKB48 that portrays the beauty of spring and memories of graduation.
As it likens eternal love watching over those who set out on a new journey to a cherry tree, it warmly sings of the courage and hope to take the first step forward.
Depicting the touching image of young people heading toward a bright future while carrying their anxieties, this work was released in February 2011.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “A Letter from the Cherry Blossoms” and also gained attention as a CM song for UHA Mikakuto.
With a message perfect for graduation season and a gentle melody line that evokes the arrival of spring, it will wrap you in the desire to revel in cherished memories.
graduation tripNMB48
Released in March 2015, this NMB48 song is a heartwarming piece that cherishes bonds with friends and shared memories.
It portrays scenes of looking out at the passing landscape from a train while reflecting on the time spent together, accompanied by gentle piano tones.
Blending the hopeful glow of a faintly lit future with the bittersweet feeling of setting off on separate paths, the track achieves a harmonious balance.
It was included as a coupling track for “Don’t look back!” and is also featured on the album “Namba Ai ~Ima, Omou Koto~.” It is sure to resonate with those bidding farewell to graduating friends or parting from someone special.
CorrectRADWIMPS
A song by RADWIMPS that resonates with students’ hearts.
It delivers a powerful yet warm message to young people standing at the crossroads of graduation.
Originally created for the 18 Fes, an event for 18-year-olds in 2018, it was released digitally in January 2024.
Its lyrics delicately portray the journey of searching for the right answers in life and the shifting nature of friendship, sure to deeply touch students on the brink of graduation.
It’s a perfect track for the spring graduation season—why not give it a listen?
Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46
A song by Hinatazaka46 themed around graduation.
It gently sings of the bittersweet feelings of the cherry blossom season and the love that went unspoken.
Memories and regrets sealed in graduation photos resonate deeply, intertwined with clear, transparent vocals.
Set for release on January 29, 2025, the track features Nao Kosaka as center and will be available in five editions: limited first-press versions and a regular edition.
It was premiered at their Tokyo Dome concert on December 26, 2024.
It’s a recommended listen not only for students entering graduation season, but also for anyone who wants to reflect on past loves.