On March 13, 2025, Fuji TV will air the special program "Music Generation" from 19:00 to 21:54, focusing on the impactful theme of graduation and parting songs, which resonate deeply during this poignant time of year.
This three-hour celebration aims to capture the essence of farewells associated with graduations, promotions, and new beginnings as guests share their heartwarming experiences with songs from the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras. Notable MCs Kazuki Otake and Masakazu Mimura, collectively known as Saya-zu, will guide the audience through the emotional rollercoaster of music tied to memories of youth.
Among the featured guests are Rina Sakurai and Kanami Sugiura from the popular group Cho Tokimeki Sendenbu, Nicole Fujita, along with Hayato Komori from GENERATIONS and Shinobu Hasegawa from Sissonne. Special guest Saki Takaoka, recognized for her evocative performances, will also share her unique perspective with viewers.
The program encompasses 50 graduation and parting songs, offering nostalgic tunes from various generations—songs by iconic artists such as the Candies, Yoshiko Sai, and RADWIMPS will stir emotions and memories from the audience. The show is anticipated to highlight the top 15 songs most sung at karaoke venues across Japan over the last 30 years, with the beloved "Sakura" expected to feature prominently.
This focus on graduation themes marks March as the quintessential "season of parting"—a time for students to bid farewell to familiar environments and embrace the new paths they are about to take. Reflecting on this, music has always held the power to shape and influence these monumental life transitions. The rich variety of songs will not only evoke memories but also create new connections across the generations who share them.
The show will include segments like "Generational Music Matching," where guests select songs suited to poignant life moments, featuring stories like Anji’s—the protagonist preparing for her forthcoming wedding, mirroring the emotions tied to graduation sentiments.
Saki Takaoka expressed her heartfelt reaction, stating, "I was moved by listening to RADWIMPS for the first time; their lyrics reminded me of my children, which was touching." This sentiment reiterates the program's goal—to stir powerful emotional reflections within the viewers.
Each generation represented will offer insights and memories attached to their favorite graduation songs, fostering intergenerational dialogue about what these songs mean to them personally. MC Masakazu Mimura anticipated the effects of the program, saying, "This time was full of emotion. From the very first graduation songs played, I believe viewers will be moved. Prepare to cry when you watch!"
Viewers will also discover new interpretations of classic songs, with Kazuki Otake commenting, "Each generation has different pivotal songs. Some tracks I never saw as graduation songs make sense now, evoking nostalgia and adding new layers to our memories."
The episode is not just for nostalgic reflection but aims to bridge gaps between different age groups as they connect over shared experiences, demonstrating the unifying power of music. Expect to see various performances, exciting segments, and potentially emotional moments where audiences may find themselves reminiscing about their pasts.
Overall, "Music Generation" on Fuji TV promises to be not just about songs but about shared experiences and emotions surrounding significant life transitions. It is sure to create memorable moments for viewers of all ages as they reminisce about their own journeys through education, growth, and change.