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! Youth anthems recommended for Gen Z (41–50)
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.
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.
Young SongKawasaki Takaya
An uplifting song for adults who, overwhelmed by the busyness of daily life, have forgotten how to laugh from the heart.
With his warm vocals, Takaya Kawasaki helps you recall the sparkle of your younger days.
The melodic style and the refreshing sound of the acoustic guitar leave a strong impression.
Included on the album “Calendar,” it was also used as the commercial song for the National Federation of Mini Vehicle Associations in October 2021.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when starting a new chapter in life, standing at a crossroads, or feeling worn out by the everyday.
Wrapped in Takaya Kawasaki’s gentle voice, you’ll be able to reset your heart.
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.
Marigoldaimyon
Released in August 2018, this is a tender coming-of-age love song woven by Aimyon’s gentle vocals.
Its acoustic sound, though simple, draws out deep emotions, perfectly harmonizing with lyrics that capture the fragility and beauty of love.
The music video, filmed in rainy Shanghai, is also striking; under the direction of Tomokazu Yamada, it expands into an even more poetically rich world.
It’s a recommended track for those moments when you want to quietly look back on the time spent with someone precious in your everyday life.