Hi there. It’s Mr. Wada back on duty. In the previous post I introduced the classic Japanese graduation songs. However that’s just not it. There are new Japanese graduation songs as well. I don’t recall much of new ones from the 90s but the 2000s. Here are some of examples that come to my mind.
New Japanese Graduation Songs
In Japan, getting on a music class textbook is sorta status for musicians. It of course spreads their names and songs but more importantly they would be a part of memories for students. Some songs here are already on the textbooks.
Sakura by Naotaro Moriyama
Original title: さくら(独唱)
Release: 2002
I think this song got to the textbook quite fast. Well, it does sound very classy, doesn’t it? I could easily picture students singing along at the ceremony.
March 9th by Remioromen
Original title: 3月9日
Release: 2004
Not the kind for the textbook but its melody and lyrics hooked teens. I still hear this song at stores at this time of the year.
Sakura by Kobukuro
Original title: 桜
Release: 2005
This song was like made for it. They even released this CD with a music score for chorus. Clever, I’d say. Turns out, it became one of semi-classic.
Tegami (Haikei Jūgo no Kimi e) (Letter ~Greetings to a 15 Year Old~) by Angela Aki
Original title: 手紙 ～拝啓 十五の君へ～
Release: 2009
This song was made for a student chorus contest. Since then it would be picked by many schools the graduation ceremony as well. Its lyrics is a message for 15-year-old self who would be afraid of his/her future. Kinda touchy actually.
YELL by Ikimono Gakari
Original title: YELL
Release: 2009
This song wasn’t a huge hit but it’s still sang at ceremonies this year, very Kayokyoku-ish.
Lastly
How do you find it? Time’s changing and so is Graduation, but feel the core thing hasn’t changed a bit. These are all for looking back great memories.
See you around!
You may also be interested in these.
10 Popular Japanese Sakura Songs
11 Classic Japanese Graduation Songs
5 Familiar Theme Songs and Jingles in Japan
Top 5 Popular Japanese Christmas Songs
Hm… Being an old fart at heart, I’d have to say I prefer the older graduation songs. Of the newer batch, it’s hard to pick a winner. Two videos I was unable to see as they aren’t allowed to be viewed here. Lemme think…
I think I’m going to have to go with March 9 (Remioromen).
Well, indeed new stuff isn’t always better.
wonderful! So good to hear song.