Recommended coming-of-age songs for women
This is a playlist of Japanese pop youth songs recommended for women.
It features a selection of bittersweet classics with female vocals that will lift your spirits when you listen.
We hope not only junior and senior high school girls in the midst of adolescence, but also grown-up women will enjoy it.
Recommended coming-of-age songs for women (1–10)
Silent majorityKeyakizaka46
It was released in 2016 as Keyakizaka46’s debut single.
Yurina Hirate served as the center for the song, and the lyrics carry a strong message, essentially saying that “those who don’t raise their voices are agreeing.” It’s a song that gives courage during the often-troubled years of youth.
Bluebirdikimonogakari
It was released in 2008 as Ikimonogakari’s 10th single.
Chosen as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime series Naruto: Shippuden, it became their first single to enter the top three on the Oricon charts.
It’s an uplifting youth anthem that really gets you fired up.
More Berry SummerCUTIE STREET
It’s a song packed with phrases about youth, friendship, and first love, so it really resonates with teenagers and is easy to sing in your own words.
It’s also performed at summer festivals and has lots of live-style callouts, so it should get everyone hyped at karaoke! The melody is catchy, and the vocal range doesn’t go that high.
Up to the chorus, there’s more call-and-response than “singing,” so enjoy it together with everyone, then switch to a “singing” mindset from the chorus to add dynamics and really bring the song to life.
For the high parts, try singing as if you’re sending your voice far away—your voice will come out more easily, so give it a try! And since the groove is key, the best way is to keep the rhythm with your body while you sing.
SWEET 19 BLUESAmuro Namie
It was a re-cut single from Namie Amuro’s seventh, self-titled album SWEET 19 BLUES, released in 1998.
The lyrics, composition, and production were handled by Tetsuya Komuro, and it was chosen as the theme song for the Toei-distributed film That’s Cunning! The Biggest Con in History?, in which she co-starred alongside TOKIO’s Tatsuya Yamaguchi.
The song conveys the struggles and inner feelings of Amuro in her teenage years.
I want to be lovedYumcha
The work “Aisaretai,” which gained popularity mainly among teenagers, is a piece by Yumcha that portrays the feelings of a girl who can’t let go of her love for her somewhat deadbeat boyfriend.
While the lyrics are negative, the melody is brimming with pop charm, resulting in an overall bright tone.
Although the song is on the higher side, the vocal range itself isn’t particularly wide.
With proper key adjustment, most women should be able to sing it without issue.
navel orangeNogizaka 46
A gem of a song infused with a sweet-and-sour freshness and a touch of wistfulness that symbolize the spring season.
With double centers Nagi Inoue and Aruno Nakanishi of Nogizaka46’s 5th generation, it expresses feelings for a lost youth as they look back on past love.
Under the blue sky, the protagonist’s memories of a nostalgic romance vividly come back through the piece of fruit they hold.
Set for release on March 26, 2025, the single will be available in six formats: First-Press Limited Edition TYPE-A through TYPE-D, a Regular Edition, and a Special Edition.
The melody and arrangement carry a sense of nostalgia, with beautiful, Showa-era-style phrasing and a memorable refrain.
It’s a perfect song for anyone experiencing new encounters or farewells with the arrival of spring, or for those who want to bask in bittersweet memories.
Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai
It’s a song packed with the charm of Ryokuoushoku Shakai that grabs the hearts of those in the midst of their youth.
It vividly portrays the embarrassment and earnestness of adolescence, expressing the feeling of cherishing each fleeting, finite moment through clear vocals and a pop melody.
Released digitally in July 2024, it was also chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s drama “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita: Summer Vacation 2024.” If you’re someone who wants to live fully in the present, this track will surely resonate with you.
It’s a supportive anthem that will brighten your heart.