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!
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- An iconic song by a female artist that Gen Z can get hyped about with their peers
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- 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 (11–20)
You don’t listen to rock.aimyon
Aimyon is a singer-songwriter whose nostalgic acoustic sound has won support from a wide range of listeners.
This is her major-label third single, released in August 2017—a youthful love song that expresses feelings for a crush who doesn’t listen to rock music.
Its refreshing melody is striking, making it a perfect choice for band performances at school or cultural festivals.
The storytelling lyrics that evoke young love are sure to resonate with many listeners.
With a gentle voice and delicate sound that linger in your ears, it’s also a great number to use as background music.
Run!Momoiro Kurōbā Zetto
This song overflows with the dynamism of youth and a forward-looking energy.
Released in 2010, it is one of Momoiro Clover’s signature tracks.
It gained wider recognition when it was used in the 2011 film “Moteki,” and later covered for a TV commercial in 2017.
The lyrics portray the feelings of a young person who harbors a crush but struggles to put those feelings into words, while conveying the importance of being honest with oneself and facing one’s emotions wholeheartedly.
This piece is a perfect number for Gen Z listeners who are dedicating themselves to clubs or hobbies and spending precious time with friends, all while trying to confront their own feelings.
Love WindIkuta Rira
This song gently wraps around a heart that’s become timid about love, like a spring breeze.
It carefully depicts the protagonist, who carries past wounds, meeting someone who looks at them with unwavering eyes and slowly trying to move forward.
The moment when the wish for love to be simpler intersects with the courage to take a step anyway is achingly poignant, and as you listen, it resonates with your own feelings of love.
Lila Ikuta’s clear, translucent voice delicately conveys these wavering emotions and truly strikes a chord.
Released in April 2025, it was chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s dating reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita.
New Zealand Edition.” This marks the third time Lila Ikuta has provided a theme song for the series, following “Romance no Yakusoku” and “Sparkle.” It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you don’t quite have the courage to start a new romance, or when you’re feeling your heart race over a new encounter.
Teenager ForeverKing Gnu
King Gnu is a four-piece rock band that continues to lead the J-pop scene with songs born from each member’s exceptional performance skills and diverse musical backgrounds.
Featured on the album “CEREMONY,” this track was also used in a commercial for Sony’s wireless headphones/Walkman.
Released in January 2020, the song portrays the feelings of struggling with the gap between ideals and reality experienced in one’s teens, while wishing to become closer to the self one once dreamed of.
It’s a must-listen for members of Gen Z who spent their youth in that era.
One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
A signature song by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS that powerfully sings of summer youth.
It drew attention as a cheer song for high school baseball and resonated with many people.
The track celebrates the courage to face hardships and the bonds between friends, featuring a catchy melody and a heartwarming message.
Released as a single in August 2010, it also garnered attention for featuring professional baseball player Masahiro Tanaka in its music video.
Highly recommended for those striving toward their dreams or aiming to accomplish something together with friends.
A powerful pop tune that gives you courage every time you listen.
Pissed Off -another story- feat. Koma Takanashi (CV: Manaka Iwami)HONEY WORKS
A digital single released in November 2025.
Created as an alternate story to the original track “Mukatsuku,” this piece is told from the perspective of Koma Takanashi, voiced by Manaka Iwami.
While struggling with her role as the heroine’s friend, her growing jealousy and possessiveness toward the person she loves are portrayed with aching poignancy.
Set to an up-tempo band sound, the down-to-earth inner conflict should resonate with many who feel inferior to their romantic rivals.
A bittersweet yet forward-looking youth anthem.
Packed with everything from friendship to romance! Youth anthems for Gen Z (21–30)
Starting Oversumika
A youth-anthem packed with the courage to take a step toward the future and the passion to chase dreams with your friends.
Released in June 2023, this track was written as the opening theme for the TV anime MIX MEISEI STORY: The Second Summer, Headed for the Far Side of the Sky.
While carrying anxieties and impatience about a new environment, it powerfully sings of the resolve to keep moving forward without abandoning what you love.
It’s okay to cry, to have regrets, and not to rush.
The positive message—to start walking in the direction the wind blows, following the quickening of your heart—will gently encourage anyone beginning a new chapter in life or continuing to pursue their dreams.