Classic songs about boys. Recommended popular tracks.

For me to be myselfOzaki Yutaka

Yutaka Ozaki — For Me to Be Myself

For those who spent their youth in the 1980s, you really can’t talk about coming-of-age songs without mentioning Yutaka Ozaki’s music, can you? Among his works, “Boku ga Boku de Aru Tame ni” (“To Be Myself”) is a song that portrays the worries and inner conflicts young people face.

Back then, many who were steadily pursuing their goals may have found encouragement by listening to this track.

It’s a song you can savor as an anthem of youth, and it’s sure to resonate with today’s younger generation as well—so by all means, give it a listen.

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Hane Keisuke

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Seventeen-Year-Old’s MapOzaki Yutaka

Yutaka Ozaki - Seventeen’s Map - Koriyama Civic Cultural Center

This is the second single by the legendary singer-songwriter Yutaka Ozaki, who achieved fervent popularity—especially among younger listeners—yet tragically passed away at the young age of 26.

The song was created based on a personal episode of its producer, Akira Sudo, and it’s still remembered today as one of Ozaki’s signature tracks.

Its message, capturing both the suffocating feelings unique to being 17—caught between childhood and adulthood—and the powerful energy of youth, seems to offer something relatable no matter when you listen to it.

With an arrangement that is both light and emotionally charged, it’s an immortal masterpiece cherished across generations.

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Hoshino Takashi

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boyhoodKaientai

Adolescence (with lyrics)

It’s a masterpiece whose nostalgic imagery, so characteristic of Tetsuya Takeda, stirs the hearts of many.

As the theme song for the classic Doraemon film “Doraemon: Nobita’s Little Star Wars,” it has been loved across generations.

The boy’s heart woven through the gentle vocals embodies a profound worldview where anxiety and hope intermingle.

My dear best friendShonan no Kaze

Shonan no Kaze “Dear Friend” MUSIC VIDEO

Shonan no Kaze’s song powerfully sings of friendship and hope for the future, resonating deeply with listeners.

Its lyrics depict overcoming hardships and growing together with friends, evoking memories of youthful days.

Released in February 2009, the track drew attention as the theme song for the film “Drop.” It was also included on the album “Shonan no Kaze ~JOKER~,” capturing the hearts of many.

It’s a recommended song for those who value bonds with friends or want to push forward toward the future.

The soulful vocals of Shonan no Kaze are sure to give you a boost.

Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

This is a collaboration track by Kenshi Yonezu, who has become one of Japan’s most beloved artists, and Masaki Suda, a hugely popular actor who also has a singing career.

The song features lyrics themed around best friends, with Yonezu and Suda each singing from the perspective of close friends.

With no vested interests involved, a friendship like this can only really exist in youth, which somehow makes your chest ache with a bittersweet feeling.

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Saitō Ayumu

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Youth SicknessFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Seishun Sick (Official Video)

Singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze is one of today’s hottest artists, admired for the superb musicality and lyricism he’s cultivated since childhood.

The song he created around the theme of youth is also profoundly compelling.

The first thing that draws attention is the lyrics.

While youth is often portrayed as something beautiful, he treats it as something fleeting, describing it with the term “dodome-iro,” a deep, dark hue of reddish black and purple.

It feels like he’s depicting the turmoil of dashing through youth, and perhaps it’s precisely this act of continuing to run while wavering that defines youth.

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Hane Keisuke

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in a blue suitFujiyama Ichirō

Ichiro Fujiyama / In a Blue Suit (Composed by Masao Koga, re-recorded in 1953, Columbia)

It’s a classic song filled with the brilliance and bittersweetness of youth.

It skillfully captures the fresh emotions of young love and resonates deeply with listeners.

With its lively rhythm and bright melody, Ichiro Fujiyama’s clear vocals enhance its charm.

Released as a single by Nippon Columbia in February 1972, it has been loved by many.

The piece portrays the exhilaration of putting on new clothes to go out with someone special, as well as the inner conflict of a young man hesitating to confess his feelings.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to relive the emotions of being in love as a young person or who feel nostalgic for their youthful days.