A poignant masterpiece that sings of adolescence. Popular songs you’ll want to hear during your teenage years.
I’d like to introduce Japanese songs themed around adolescence!
Adolescence is said to be the most sensitive time, swaying between childhood and adulthood.
It overlaps with one’s youth, and whether you’re a teenager living in the present or someone who has already passed those years, there are all kinds of worries and inner conflicts you can vividly remember…
In this article, we’ve gathered songs centered on the theme of adolescence: tracks you’ll want to listen to during those years, and timeless, popular songs that resonate deeply when heard in your youth.
If you’re in your teens right now, or if you’re looking for the songs you listened to back then, be sure to give these a listen!
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- Tear-jerking songs recommended for high school students: classic and popular Japanese hits
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- [For adults too] Youth songs that let you look back on your memories
- An anthem for your 30s. Beloved and popular songs that are both heart-pumping and heart-fluttering.
- Winter songs I’d recommend to teenagers who are living through their youth right now
- A collection of Vocaloid youth songs [emo, romance, etc.]
- Tear-jerking youth songs: recommended classics and popular tracks
- [Classic & Latest] Famous and Popular Songs That Sing of Youth
Heart-piercing masterpieces that sing of adolescence. Popular songs you’ll want to hear in your teenage years (61–70)
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko
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.
BeginningChekikko
A heartwarming youth song that transforms the farewells of graduation season into a refreshing sense of hope.
Released by Cheki☆Girls in March 1999, this track gently embraces the positive feelings of young people stepping onto new paths under the theme of graduation.
First unveiled on Fuji TV’s popular program “DAIBA Atteki!!,” its breezy melody and uplifting message captured the hearts of many.
Created during Mikuni Shimokawa’s pivotal graduation period, the song is also included on the album “392 ~mikuni shimokawa BEST SELECTION~,” and is cherished as one of the group’s signature numbers.
It remains as captivating as ever—an encouraging anthem for anyone taking a new step, perfect for the spring graduation season.
Fourteen-Sickmilktub
Milktub, a musical duo that dubs their sound “doping rock ’n’ roll,” thrills fans with a fast-paced punk rock style.
Fourteen-Sick, included on their first album SMILE ENERGY, is—true to its title—a track themed around the hallmarks of adolescence.
Its lyrics, which evoke the image of someone who never forgets the feelings of youth and keeps chasing dreams and ideals, are sure to resonate with anyone navigating adulthood’s many constraints.
With powerful melodies and a driving rock sound that crank up the energy, it’s an uplifting tune that reminds you of what truly matters.
Adolescence never endsAsanuma Shintarō, Washizaki Ken
This song was created as the theme for the radio program “Adolescence Never Ends.” Its content depicts the everyday life of a teenage boy, and as he grows older, he looks back on those days with nostalgia—only to realize, upon reflection, that some things haven’t really changed.
It’s a slightly lighthearted and amusing tune.
Farewell, youthElefanto Kashimashi
Elephant Kashimashi is a four-piece rock band renowned for their ever-evolving musical style from album to album and for Hiroji Miyamoto’s eccentric performance as their trademark.
“Saraba Seishun,” included as the B-side to their 16th single “Kaze ni Fukarete,” was featured as an insert song in the film “Minasan, Sayonara.” Its message—that the headlong recklessness of adolescence fades as we grow up—will stir a sentimental feeling in many adults.
Set to a waltz-like 3/4 beat, the delicate acoustic sound lingers in the ears, making it a heart-wrenching number.
Youth StrollNaoto Intiraymi
Naoto Inti Raymi is a singer-songwriter whose vision and vitality—like setting off on a round-the-world journey to make a world tour a reality—captivate his fans.
“Seishun Sanpo,” included on Adventure, his second album under his current name, lingers in the ear with its lively piano tones carried by a sprightly beat and his gentle vocals.
Looking back on a shining youth and feeling the gap with who you are now, the lyrics still urge you to move forward—a story many busy people in society will likely see themselves in.
It’s a track to play when work or life feels stressful, one that brings back those irreplaceable moments.
Adolescence AdrenalineTeam8 WEST
Team 8 WEST is a unit formed by the western Japan representatives of AKB48 Team 8.
“Adrenaline of Adolescence,” included on Type D of AKB48’s 46th major single “High Tension,” gets your energy up right from its hooky intro.
The lyrics evoke that uniquely adolescent, groundless confidence and sense of invincibility, conjuring images of the fresh, fleeting moments you can only feel in your youth—even the times when things spin out of control.
It’s a catchy pop tune with a cute yet thrilling melody that sticks in your ears.