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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- [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 (31–40)
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE is a three-piece rock band whose colorful body of work, reflecting a wide range of backgrounds, has been drawing attention from a broad spectrum of listeners.
Selected as the opening theme for the anime “Oblivion Battery,” this song delicately portrays the feelings of waiting to reunite with one’s past self or a cherished person, as well as the anxieties and inner conflicts we experience in life.
Its exhilarating guitar-rock sound and clear, translucent vocals inspire the courage to move forward into the future.
Having won the Grand Prize at the 66th Japan Record Awards and surpassed 300 million streams, this remarkable track is sure to become a powerful anthem for teenagers taking their first steps into a new chapter with the arrival of spring.
BetelgeuseYuuri
This ballad by Yuuri beautifully portrays the bonds between people, using stars shining in the night sky as its motif.
Its warm lyrics, which liken encounters with loved ones and mutually supportive relationships to stars nestling close together, resonate deeply.
The emotional vocals, piano, and strings weave a grand sound that makes the message even more striking.
Released in November 2021, the song was written as the theme for the popular drama “SUPER RICH.” In October 2023, it achieved the milestone of surpassing 500 million total streams.
It’s a heartwarming piece perfect for moments when you want to feel the bonds with someone special from your youth or express gratitude to someone.
secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE
This is a heartwarming song that leaves an impression with its theme of youthful memories and friendship.
It sings of parting from friends and the hope of reunion, with feelings woven in a secret place carried by a beautiful melody.
ZONE’s charming harmonies and vocals that convey hope even within a sense of melancholy make this a moving piece.
Released as their third single in August 2001, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama-30 series “Kids War 3: Zakenna yo” and reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
The song also won the Best New Artist Award at the 34th Japan Cable Awards.
It’s an approachable track for beginners in rock to practice, so definitely give it a try!
Someone more important than a friendGoriki Ayame
This is Ayame Gouriki’s captivating debut work, portraying a deep bond that goes beyond friendship.
When you realize that someone is irreplaceable to you, the relationship begins to mean more than just friends.
Like magic, the moments when your bond warms your heart are expressed with a bright, pop melody.
Released in July 2013, the song was also featured in Yamazaki Baking’s “Lunch Pack” commercial, earning broad support across generations.
When you’re struggling with a relationship with someone important, listening to this song will help you reaffirm the depth and value of that bond.
ObsessedAyumu Imazu
This song captures the sweet-and-sour feeling of first love with a pop sound.
The protagonist, who easily falls at first sight, expresses delicate emotions carried by a pleasant groove and a catchy chorus melody.
A chill, casual track and bilingual lyrics perfectly portray Gen Z’s down-to-earth approach to romance.
Released in January 2024, it sparked a wave of dance challenges on social media and topped the Billboard JAPAN chart in Korea, resonating across Asia.
It’s the kind of track you’ll want to listen to while strolling through the city under a fresh spring sky—perfect for anyone who wants to be honest about how it feels to be in love.
Packed with everything from friendship to romance! Youth anthems recommended for Gen Z (41–50)
STEADYSPEED
Accompanied by a music video memorable for its sepia-toned seaside scenes, SPEED’s second single was released in November 1996.
It sold 1.5 million copies, earning a spot at No.
5 on the 1997 annual singles sales ranking.
While its bittersweet lyrics speak of love, the song conveys a forward-looking spirit.
Chosen as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Itazura na Kiss,” it captured the hearts of many viewers.
Beyond the allure of their vocals and dance, the track lets listeners feel the group’s growth through its melodic lines.
Filled with feelings for a cherished person swayed by love, it remains beloved by many listeners even today.
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN
BUMP OF CHICKEN’s signature song “Tentai Kansoku” (Stargazing).
Watching this music video reminds me of how I used to look up at the sky over and over with the telescope we had at home, almost every night.
Even though it’s a song from the very beginning of the 21st century, it’s a timeless classic!