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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Packed with everything from friendship to romance! Coming-of-age songs recommended for Gen Z (31–40)
DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE
A heartwarming story that portrays the brilliance and uncertainty found in a fleeting moment of youth.
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE expresses it through a lyrical melody that gently embraces young people searching for their identities.
This work delicately captures the moments when one’s true feelings from deep within intersect with honest feelings toward others.
It was born as the theme song for NHK General’s special program “18-sai Matsuri” broadcast in December 2024.
The performance, created together with a thousand 18-year-olds, has left a deep impression on viewers’ hearts.
At life’s turning points that everyone experiences, when taking a new step forward, this song will surely give you the courage to live as yourself and resonate with many people.
I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu
This song vividly portrays the wavering emotions of youth.
With poetic expressions of infatuation, anxiety, and a longing for freedom, it’s a beloved Spitz classic that resonates with listeners.
Skillfully capturing the exhilaration of pure love along with the accompanying unease and pain, the piece feels like one’s own story.
Released as a single in 1994 and included on the album How to Fly in the Sky, it gained broad support after being chosen as the theme song for the 1996 Fuji TV drama Hakusen Nagashi, and it reached No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart.
The lyrics reflect not only sweet romance but also moments of life itself, evoking empathy across generations and enduring affection.
It’s a perfect song for making memories with someone special or for lifting your spirits.
FRIENDS!!!imase
This song features a groovy rhythm and catchy pop melodies, gently singing about the beauty of friendship.
It delicately portrays various facets of friendship—from intimate bonds where a single glance says it all, to the awkwardness of a reunion after a long time apart.
It carefully expresses the importance of a bond that doesn’t change with time, and the joy of returning to a carefree connection like the old days.
Created in February 2025, the piece was written by imase as the theme song for “Everyone’s Concert,” a collaboration project between the live communication app Pococha and Yamaha Corporation.
It’s a perfect fit for capturing the feelings of friends who deepen their bonds through practice and competitions at school events like sports days and athletic festivals.
Make It CountINI
A song filled with a warm message that gently accompanies the listener’s heart.
Performed by INI, it was released in January 2025 and chosen as the opening theme for the anime “Do I Even Stand a Chance at Love?”.
With a medium‑tempo, pop sound perfectly matched by velvety vocals, this number shines.
The lyrics, expressing the fragility and preciousness of youth, remind us of the importance of the fleeting moment called “now.” When you feel lost in everyday life or want to find meaning in your own journey, why not give this track a listen?
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.
Packed with everything from friendship to romance! Youth anthems recommended for Gen Z (41–50)
Savoring youthIkuta Rira feat. ano
A song has been born that portrays the syrupy monotony of everyday life while showing how those very days will one day shine as treasured memories.
The warm voices of Lila Ikuta and ano ride the melody and quietly resonate.
Pure bewilderment at changes in the world and our surroundings, along with a strong resolve to overcome them together with someone dear, gently seep into the heart alongside the tender tune.
Released in March 2024 as the theme song for the latter chapter of the film Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction, the work also drew attention for the two artists’ performances as voice actors.
It is a heartwarming piece that embraces those who cherish the small joys hidden in a student’s daily life, the casual conversations with friends, and those who strive to face forward without fearing change.
Love songMarushii
Marcy’s latest work is a song that finds the warmth of romance in everyday life.
Released digitally in September 2023, it’s a love ballad that also carries a refreshing feel.
An original music video created in collaboration with LINE MUSIC has been released as well, highlighting the close connection with fans.
It’s recommended for those who want to cherish the small, everyday moments with their partner or have someone they wish to stay with forever.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to not only on special days but on ordinary days, too.