Youth songs by Japanese bands. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
Listening to youth-themed songs can stir your heart—making your chest feel tight or filling you with nostalgia.
I think many people love youth songs, not only those in the midst of their youth right now but also adults who once sprinted through their youthful days.
In this article, we’ll focus especially on tracks by rock bands among the youth songs and introduce a selection of recommended tunes all at once! We’ve chosen many songs with lyrics and melodies that truly hit home on the theme of youth, so please take your time and give them a careful listen.
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Youth songs by Japanese bands: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks (81–90)
LullabyRADWIMPS
This song delicately portrays the brilliance of youth and the bittersweetness of parting.
Its lyrics, filled with kindness and love, resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in March 2005, the track showcases RADWIMPS’ distinctive musicality to the fullest.
Yojiro Noda’s clear, pure vocals blend beautifully with the band’s performance.
It’s especially recommended for the start of a new school term or graduation season.
For those experiencing new encounters or farewells, this song offers comfort and the courage to look ahead.
Listen to it with the warmth of spring, and your heart is sure to dance.
Samurai HeartSPYAIR
This song is included on the album “Rockin’ the World,” released in 2011.
It was used as an ending theme for the anime Gintama.
SPYAIR is a four-piece rock band from Nagoya formed in 2005.
The lyrics carry a message of living while loving yourself, weaknesses and all.
With its aggressive melody and soulful vocals, it’s a cool track.
Our JourneyKaneyori Masaru
When you think of Kaneyori Masaru’s youth anthems, this is the song.
With its poppy melody and sweet, cute vocals, it’s been creating a buzz especially among women in their teens and twenties.
The lyrics, which capture small everyday thrills and memories, are sure to resonate with listeners.
Released digitally in June 2023, it was also chosen as the theme song for the Lemino original drama “Afterschool Embankment Diary.” In February 2024, it was included on their 4th mini album, “With a Heart That Ripples.” The music video features actress Riko, portraying themes of friendship, romance, and the unfading days of youth.
A perfect track to energize any school or cultural festival.
Bring it onKishidan
This song is one of the anthems of my youth.
When you think of youth, there are kids who grow up straight and narrow, and others who struggle with something and go off the rails.
When you’re young, you can mess up and cause trouble for your parents all you want, but as you become an adult, you can’t keep doing that forever.
That’s why these lyrics feel so bold and cool, and listening to it makes you want to sing and dance along.
ChessboardOfisharu Higedan Dism
Chessboard reached 1 million views on the video site in just one week after its release.
As expected from Official HIGE DANDism, it’s a song filled with heartfelt feelings toward youth.
Since this track has been chosen as the set piece for the Junior High School Division of the 90th NHK National School Music Competition, it looks like it will be a song sung for a long time to come.
The lyrics, which say, “On a chessboard, the footing is fixed in black and white, but we want to choose our own path,” are quintessentially a Hige Dan–style anthem for youth.
And of course, it’s a must-listen even if you’re no longer in your youth!