RAG MusicNostalgic Youth songs
A wonderful youth song

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.

Youth songs by Japanese bands: recommended classics and popular tracks (51–60)

Farewell, youthElefanto Kashimashi

It was included as the B-side to the single “Kaze ni Fukarete,” released in 1997.

It was used as an insert song in the 2013 film “Goodbye to All.” Elephant Kashimashi is a four-member rock band from Tokyo formed in 1981.

The heartfelt vocals, as if on the verge of tears, strike you right in the chest.

Cowardly FlameMAGIC OF LiFE

MAGIC OF LiFE (formerly DIRTY OLD MEN) – Cowardly Flame [TV Anime “Yowamushi Pedal” Opening Theme] (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)
Cowardly FlameMAGIC OF LiFE

This song is a single released in 2014.

MGIC OF LiFE is a four-member rock band from Tochigi Prefecture, formed in 2003.

It’s a youthful rock number featuring powerful vocals that pierce the heart, carried by a strong, positive melodic line.

Incidentally, in the same year this song was released, they changed their name from “DIRTY OLD MEN” to their current band name.

hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake

Omoinotake | Hundreds of Millions of Light-Years [Official Music Video]
hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake

This song, which sings of unwavering feelings for a lover far away, is one that deeply resonates with listeners.

It’s characterized by Omoinotake’s characteristically warm vocals and a pleasant melody.

Released in January 2024, it drew attention when it was selected as the opening theme for the TBS drama “Eye Love You.” The lyric “across a distance of billions of years” conveys the strength of love that transcends time and distance.

It’s a track I’d love people who’ve just experienced heartbreak, or those longing to reunite with someone precious, to hear.

It’s sure to kindle a warm glow deep in your chest.

Let’s give it a tryWANIMA

au Santaro TV commercial: “Let’s Try It” edition (60 seconds + making-of footage)
Let's give it a tryWANIMA

The song stands out for its bright vibe and WANIMA’s energetic vocals.

The lyrics, which basically say “just try anything for now,” remind me of my beginner self.

Entering school, starting a job, changing careers—firsts are scary, but once you try, you remember this feeling.

It’s a coming-of-age song that brings that back.

Youth songs by Japanese bands: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks (61–70)

youth↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓

[Official] The High-Lows “Seishun” [14th Single (2000/5/24)] THE HIGH-LOWS / Seisyun
youth↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓

It’s a rock track included on the 2000 album “Relaxin’ WITH THE HIGH-LOWS.” It was used as the theme song for the drama “Legendary Teacher.” THE HIGH LOWS is a band formed mainly by Hiroto Kōmoto and Masatoshi Mashima, formerly of THE BLUE HEARTS.

It’s a powerful song that evokes the essence of THE BLUE HEARTS.

19 years oldchakura

Chakura – 19 Years Old (Official Music Video)
19 years oldchakura

As the title suggests, I especially want 19-year-olds to give this a listen! It’s a song by the girls’ band Chakra, formed in 2022, released in April 2023.

It’s packed to the brim with the sound and vocals that only come at the moment when “every member is 19.” The lyrics capture the feeling of “wanting to live true to myself even while I’m struggling,” and their down-to-earth words are truly moving.

Please listen to their ‘right now’!

single bedSha ran Q

Sharam Q “Single Bed” (Music Video)
single bedSha ran Q

This is a wistful ballad that poignantly sings of lingering feelings for a former lover, a classic that gently teaches the preciousness of love.

As the protagonist looks back on memories left behind on a single bed, they realize that a romance once taken for granted was in fact more valuable than jewels, weaving a moving drama.

Released by Sharam Q in October 1994, the song became a major hit, ranking 24th on the year-end charts.

It was also used as the ending theme for the anime D.N.A²: They Were Once a Thing, and included on the album Inferiority Complex.

It’s the perfect track for reminiscing about youthful love while sharing memories with friends.