A wonderful youth song

A poignant masterpiece that sings of adolescence. Popular songs you’ll want to hear during your teenage years.

lighterutatane
A person from the melodic hardcore boom generation who loves music, photography, and eating. I’ve been going to live houses for over 20 years. I’m at the age where summer festivals are starting to feel tough physically. I sometimes try shooting live photos and videos for MVs. I’m not great at English, so I often listen to straightforward Japanese rock that hits directly, but if someone recommends something, I’ll listen to anything—Western or Japanese—broadly and casually. I like cooking while listening to music; it’s a nice way to relieve stress.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

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!

A poignant masterpiece that sings of adolescence. Popular songs to listen to during your teen years (31–40)

Dear Sir or Madam, on this day when cherry blossoms fluttermafumafu

[MV] Dear Sir/Madam, On This Day When Cherry Blossoms Flutter Down / Mafumafu [Shonen Janmaga Gakuen]

Dear Sir or Madam, on this day when cherry blossoms fluttermafumafu

A heartwarming coming-of-age story by Mafumafu that vividly captures the emotion of spring as cherry blossoms dance in the air.

The song’s structure is striking, beginning with gentle piano melodies and unfolding into an exhilarating, fast-paced rhythm.

It delicately weaves universal themes of school-day memories, friendship, and farewells, highlighted by a warm vocal delivery that feels close to the listener’s heart.

Included on the album “Kagurairo Artifact,” released in October 2019, it was also used as the theme song for the website Shonen Janmaga Gakuen.

It’s a track to listen to when you want to feel the tender memories of student days, the arrival of spring, or when you’re going through a parting from someone important.

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Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Is Youth Embarrassing?' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Hazukashiika Seishun wa

Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it's embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai

A song by Ryokuoushoku Shakai that brilliantly captures the conflicts and radiance of adolescence.

Released digitally in July 2024, it was selected as the theme song for the ABEMA drama “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita: Summer Vacation 2024.” The feelings of cherishing each fleeting moment of youth—precisely because it is finite—are conveyed through clear, transparent vocals and a pop melody.

Carefully weaving together the complex emotions of adolescence, where embarrassment and earnestness coexist, this piece will resonate with anyone who wants to live fully in the present.

It’s an uplifting track that cheers on your youth and leaves your heart feeling refreshed.

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cherrysupittsu

Spitz / Cherry

cherrysupittsu

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.

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ContrastTOMOO

TOMOO – Contrast [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

ContrastTOMOO

A heartwarming song that honestly weaves together the sweet, wistful emotions of youth.

Released in January 2024 by TOMOO as the ending theme for the second cour of the TV anime “Blue Box,” the piece beautifully captures the contrasting feelings in love—joy and melancholy, closeness and distance.

Its emotive vocals over a comfortable melody that fuses piano and pop leave a strong impression.

Created by layering teenage experiences with the artist’s current perspective, the song blends pure emotions with the reflections that come with adulthood.

It’s a perfect track for those who can’t quite be honest about their feelings of love or who struggle with the distance between themselves and someone important.

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Blue Springback number

back number – Aoi Haru (full)

Blue Springback number

Back number has put out numerous hits with bittersweet love songs, but this track evokes the life hurdles you run into in your teens.

It was used as the theme song for the drama “High School Entrance Exam,” so many students probably picture a test answer sheet when they hear it.

Entrance exams are one thing, but there are also plenty of teens striving toward their dreams.

It’s easy to get thrown off by what the adults around you say, or to feel anxious when you see friends who seem to be doing well.

Aoi Haru (“Blue Spring”) is a pep song we hope you’ll listen to in those moments.

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A collection of piercing masterpiece songs about adolescence. Popular songs you’ll want to hear in your teenage years (41–50)

CHE.R.RYYUI

CHE.R.RY – YUI (Full)

CHE.R.RYYUI

When it comes to YUI’s love songs, “CHE.R.RY” is the one! It’s a classic you should listen to at least once.

The lyrics, which capture the heart-pounding feeling of thinking about someone you like and being head over heels for them, have the power to make everyone who listens think, “Love is wonderful.” Are you in love right now? If you’re in your teens, many of you might have someone you like.

Whether you’re keeping in touch with your crush, or you have someone you like but only admire from afar—this is for you!

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Eternal BlueHitsuji Bungaku

Eternal Blue – Hitsujibungaku [guitar cover]

Eternal BlueHitsuji Bungaku

There are times when you feel excited and anxious about what kind of adult you’ll become, right? That state of mind is portrayed in “Eien no Blue.” It’s a song written by the rock band Hitsujibungaku for a Docomo commercial.

The fragile yet beautiful vocals of Moeka Shiotsuka delicately express the emotions depicted.

Taken as a whole, the song carries a message that gives you a gentle push toward tomorrow, so it’s perfect for when you want to lift your spirits.

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