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!