A coming-of-age song that was a hit in the ’90s. A classic and popular track in Japanese music.

BoyhoodInoue Yosui

Boyhood - Yosui Inoue

As the title suggests, this song is about the primal landscapes of boyhood.

Many listeners will likely relate to the lyrics, which seem to gently turn each page of youth, and find themselves reminiscing about fond memories of the past.

The strong and fleeting onesCocco

Cocco “The Strong and Ephemeral Ones” Music Video

A lyrical melody that portrays the feelings of a traveler setting out to protect a loved one resonates deeply.

It explores the reality faced in a haven of peace and the conflict over what is lost in the pursuit of ideals.

Cocco’s delicate depiction of human strength and fragility shakes the listener’s heart.

Released in November 1997 as her second single, the song was also included on the album “Kumuiuta” and chosen as the CM song for JAL’s Hawaii campaign.

Its delicate yet powerful vocals and poetic expression struck a chord with many, earning it Gold Disc certification.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when thinking of someone dear or standing at a crossroads in life.

A youth anthem that particularly resonates with those who grew up in the ’90s.

To the futureKiroro

Kiroro “To the Future” Official Music Video

This is a heartwarming ballad that depicts the strong bond between mother and child.

Born from experiences in junior high school, the piece carries a message filled with love for a child and hope for the future.

Its gentle piano melody is striking, and Chiharu Tamashiro’s clear, pure vocals are deeply moving.

Released in June 1998 as Kiroro’s second single, it achieved an impressive No.

4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It has been covered by numerous artists and was also featured as the theme song for P&G’s “Bridge of Feelings Project” commercials.

Brimming with a parent’s love for their child and a child’s gratitude for their parent, this song is also beloved as a graduation anthem—sure to evoke memories of youth.

beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko

aiko - 'Kabutomushi' music video

This renowned song, which portrays the joy and poignancy of love through the changing seasons, was released as a single by aiko in November 1999.

In this work, each season symbolizes a different stage of romance, and from the distinctive perspective of a beetle, it delicately conveys the protagonist’s emotions.

Chosen as a program tie-in, it served as the ending theme for TBS’s “CDTV” in December 1999 and for Fuji TV’s “Jobireba!?” and has since been covered by various artists, including Keisuke Kuwata.

Embracing those moments when the beauty and fragility of love are most keenly felt, this piece was likely a youth anthem for many who came of age in the ’90s.

cherrysupittsu

Spitz / Cherry

A song that delicately captures the joys and bittersweet moments of youth was released in April 1996 and continues to be loved across generations.

The magical fusion of Spitz’s gentle melodies and poetic lyrics tenderly embraces a range of feelings—love, parting, and hope for the future.

Included on the album Indigo Chiheisen, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart despite having no tie-in.

Since 2019, it has also been used in NTT East’s commercials, continuing to resonate with many people.

It’s a heartwarming track that stays close to those who carry feelings for someone dear and a faint sense of wistfulness, while holding hope for the future.

I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu

Spitz / I Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky

A gem of a love song delivered with a breezy melody that seems to float through the air and a voice brimming with vitality.

It weaves the wavering feelings unique to youth—where anxiety and expectation mingle—into a warm sound that gently embraces the heart.

Spitz’s eighth single, released in April 1994 and included on the album “How to Fly in the Sky,” later drew major attention when it was chosen as the theme song for the 1996 drama “Hakusen Nagashi.” Tenderly sung with poetic expression, capturing pure love and aching longing, this piece deeply resonates with young people struggling with romance and continues to shine just as brightly today.

When you want to connect heart-to-heart with someone special, this song will gently give you a push.

YAH YAH YAHCHAGE and ASKA

[MV] YAH YAH YAH / CHAGE and ASKA

It is an aggressive track emblematic of the ’90s, infused with power and passion for the future.

Even when faced with difficult circumstances, its message of unwavering resolve to stay true to oneself and keep moving forward, along with hope for the future, continues to resonate across generations.

The song channels the passion of chasing dreams and an unyielding stance in the face of trials through a powerful rock sound.

Released by CHAGE and ASKA in March 1993, it was used as the theme song for the drama “If You Turn Around, He’s There,” topped the Oricon Weekly Chart for two consecutive weeks, sold 2.419 million copies, and ranked first on the annual singles chart.

It’s highly recommended for those who want to challenge themselves in pursuit of their dreams without fear of failure, or for anyone standing at a major crossroads in life.

It’s sure to give you courage.