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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- [For adults too] Youth songs that let you look back on your memories
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- [Classic & Latest] Famous and Popular Songs That Sing of Youth
A moving masterpiece that captures adolescence. Popular songs to listen to during your teen years (51–60)
The uniform gets in the way.AKB48
This is a song released in 2007 by the idol group AKB48, with Minami Takahashi and Atsuko Maeda—both members of the original “Kami 7”—serving as centers.
For all the girls wearing school uniforms: have you ever felt that your uniforms restrict your freedom when you’re in love? This song frankly expresses the feelings of a girl who wants to get closer to the person she likes, but can’t because she’s still a student.
Teen girls are sure to relate! And if you’re a student in a relationship with someone already working, you might especially share the kind of inner conflict felt by the girl in this song.
youth↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓
↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓ is a four-piece rock band formed around Hiroto Kōmoto and Masatoshi Mashima, formerly of THE BLUE HEARTS.
Their 14th single, “Seishun” (“Youth”), was used as the theme song for the TV drama Legend of the Teacher, starring Hitoshi Matsumoto of Downtown and Masahiro Nakai, formerly of SMAP, in dual lead roles.
The lyrics depict various scenes that evoke adolescence, inviting anyone to overlay them with their own experiences and feelings.
Its straightforward rock ensemble conveys both the drive and the wistfulness of youth, making it an emotional rock tune.
Farewell to Youthful DaysFanky Katō with Hotei Tomoyasu
Singer Funky Kato, also known as a member of FUNKY MONKEY BΛBY’S, who resumed activities in 2021.
His cover of “Saraba Seishun no Hikari” on Tomoyasu Hotei’s tribute album ALL TIME SUPER GUEST drew attention for featuring a track produced by Hotei himself.
The lyrics tell a story that feels like looking back on an adolescence lived with everything at full throttle, and may remind us of things we’ve forgotten as adults.
It’s a nostalgic number with a comfortable off-beat groove that sets it apart from the original version.
Youth CollectionMōningu Musume.
Morning Musume is an idol group that produced numerous hit numbers from the 1990s through the 2000s and continues to be active today.
Their 43rd single, “Seishun Collection,” used as the theme song for the BS-TBS 10th anniversary stage production Fashionable, lifts your spirits right from its invigorating intro.
Its positive lyrics, depicting a youth brimming with hope, carry a refreshing feel that seems to blow away minor worries.
It’s a catchy pop tune with a breezy melody that lingers in your ears.
Heart-piercing masterpieces that sing of adolescence. Popular songs you’ll want to hear in your teenage years (61–70)
Don’t take off my sailor uniformo nyanko kurabu
This song was released as a single in 1985 and became Onyanko Club’s debut track.
It’s a song that perfectly captures the feeling of adolescence! Students at the time were glued to the original idol group, Onyanko Club.
You could even say that idol groups began with Onyanko Club!
To the futureKiroro
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.
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.