Classic songs about boys. Recommended popular tracks.

contrailArai Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – Vapor Trail (Yumi Arai The Concert with Old Friends)

The story of a boy drawn on a white slope reflects Yumi Arai’s inner landscape from her youth.

With a clear, crystalline voice and beautiful piano lines, she gently sings of a longing for the heavens and a parting from the earthly world.

Inspired by feelings for a classmate from her elementary school days, the piece takes flight on a fragile yet refreshing melody, brimming with the radiance of life and hope for liberation.

Released in November 1973 as the title track of the album “Hikōki Gumo,” it drew renewed attention in 2013 as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s “The Wind Rises.” It is a gem of a song that tenderly supports those who have experienced the loss of someone dear, as well as young people standing at a crossroads in life.

magicaLDa’vid no shito: aL

Da’vid's Apostle: aL – magicaL [1998.06.24]

It paints a fantastical, playful world like something out of a boy’s dreams.

The song is bright, catchy, and easy-to-listen-to rock.

The sprightly, pop-tinged phrases of the interweaving guitar and bass, along with the innocent, boyish vocals, are delightfully charming.

Boy of Speculative SciencePorno Graffitti

Porno Graffitti “Kūsō Kagaku Shōnen” (“BITTER SWEET MUSIC BIZ” LIVE IN BUDOKAN 2002)

This song is about a boy who is swept up by his emotions and wishes to become a heartless robot.

Its bright melody blends well with the slightly sad, ironic lyrics, while the metallic synth tones create a near-futuristic atmosphere.

BoyhoodInoue Yosui

Boyhood / Yosui Inoue

It gently sings with tender nostalgia about summer memories from boyhood.

The calm, choral-like harmonies of piano and strings are classically beautiful, coloring the piece with music that evokes nostalgic scenery.

12th graderFunaki Kazuo

12th grader

This is a masterpiece whose nostalgic, march-like melody and warm vocals—enveloping the bittersweet farewell of youth—resonate deeply.

It begins with the scene of the setting sun reflected on the school building, moves through images of boys and girls dancing a folk dance, and gently depicts the end of high school life with memories shared among friends before parting.

Released in June 1963 as Kazuo Funaki’s debut single, it became a massive hit, selling over one million copies within a year.

In November of the same year, a film of the same title was produced, with Funaki himself in the starring role.

It’s a song I’d recommend to those who cherish memories of their youth or feel nostalgic for their school days.

Why not give it a listen in the springtime, when you want to spend your days with a calm and peaceful heart?