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.
Seasonal songs
Spring
10 Popular Japanese Sakura Songs
Top Japanese Spring Songs
New Japanese Graduation Songs
11 Classic Japanese Graduation Songs
Top Japanese Rain Songs
Summer
Popular Japanese Summer Songs
Winter
Top 5 Popular Japanese Christmas Songs
Top 5 Popular Japanese Christmas Songs part 2
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.