Packed with everything from friendship to romance! Youth anthems recommended for Gen Z
When you hear the phrase “youth anthem,” what kind of songs come to mind?
Some people immersed themselves in clubs or hobbies, others treasured time with friends, and some were swept up in romance.
Because each person focused on different things during their youth, there are as many youth anthems as there are listeners.
This time, we’ve curated songs we especially recommend for members of Generation Z.
We selected tracks released roughly between 2011 and 2024—the years when many in Gen Z likely spent their formative youth—so put them on and let the memories come flooding back!
- Recommended picks for karaoke! Easy-to-sing songs recommended for Gen Z
- [Guaranteed to resonate!] Youth songs that strike a chord with teens. Recommended coming-of-age tracks.
- For those chasing dreams and goals! Support songs recommended for Gen Z
- Songs that make you want to fall in love just by listening! Classic love songs recommended for Gen Z
- Winter songs I’d recommend to teenagers who are living through their youth right now
- [Clubs, Friendship, Romance] Youth songs middle schoolers should listen to
- From bittersweet tracks to party anthems: fall songs recommended for Gen Z
- Perfect for karaoke song choices too! Hype tracks recommended for Gen Z.
- An iconic song by a female artist that Gen Z can get hyped about with their peers
- Recommended love songs for junior high school students! Carefully selected J-POP classics and popular tracks
- When you want to hype it up with your peers! Karaoke songs recommended for Gen Z
- A roundup of youth-themed songs recommended for high school students
- A love song that feels like youth. Love songs you want to listen to—and remember—during your adolescent years.
Packed with everything from friendship to romance! Coming-of-age songs recommended for Gen Z (51–60)
I like you, please.FRUITS ZIPPER
This is a coming-of-age tune that captures a girl’s longing for an ideal, drama-like romance.
The song, performed by FRUITS ZIPPER, was released in February 2025.
Its charm lies in the sparkling world created by the members’ fresh vocals and the sleek, urban sound.
The lyrics, brimming with the pure emotions of a girl wavering between nightly fantasies and reality, are enough to make your heart flutter just by reading them.
Chosen as the opening theme for ABEMA’s romance reality show “Koisuru ♥ Shuumatsu Homestay 2025 Winter,” it drew attention not only from fans but also from the show’s viewers.
Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad
This is a youthful rock ballad by My Hair is Bad, also included on their sixth album, “ghosts.” Released digitally in June 2024, it was written as the theme song for the film “Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary,” which premiered in August of the same year.
The lyrics, depicting the shifting emotions from meeting to parting and then to a new departure, leave a strong impression.
The song captures a sense of hope for the future while cherishing precious memories.
Its warm tone makes it a perfect fit for a movie ending theme and resonates deeply.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to reminisce about their youth or overcome a farewell with someone important.
Blue SpringSUPER BEAVER
This is a 2016 song themed around memories of youth and human connections.
It features a powerful band sound and emotional vocals, portraying the bonds with loved ones and the idea that the friends from our youth live on in our hearts.
With its focus on clubs, friendship, romance, and everyday life, it’s a song that encourages and supports listeners—sure to be a source of strength for those in the midst of their youth.
It’s a track that brims with the freshness of youth, and one I truly hope you’ll listen to.
friendedhiii boi
This song features a poppy melody that resonates with younger generations and carries a heartwarming message.
Written by edhiii boi about memories with friends he met in Tokyo, it’s filled with positive expressions that convey the importance of friendship.
With sound production by Neon Genesis Sekichan, the upbeat techno track vividly paints scenes of eating and hanging out with friends.
Released in November 2023, it was performed on TBS’s “CDTV Live! Live!” and later included on the album Manshin Sōi.
Created by a rising star from the BMSG label, this track is recommended for anyone who cherishes the irreplaceable time spent with friends.
Stay by my side.Yuika
This song portrays a special relationship—love that grows from the extension of friendship.
Released by Yuika in October 2021, it was also selected as the theme song for the TikTok short film “Natsu, Futari” (“Summer, Us Two”).
It paints many scenes that anyone can relate to, capturing the hearts of many listeners.
Its gentle melody and clear, transparent vocals create a warm atmosphere that feels close to the listener.
It’s a recommended track for moments when you want to reflect on a relationship with someone important or reminisce about your youth.