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)
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.
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?
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.
A Song for a FriendSonar Pocket
This pop tune by Sonar Pocket vividly sings about memories from a youth spent with cherished friends.
Nostalgic scenes from student life are depicted with rich emotion, and the unshakable bond with friends who have gone their separate ways is strikingly portrayed.
Released in February 2009, the song is also included on the album “Sonapokeism ①: The Shape of Happiness,” and is often performed at graduation ceremonies and farewell parties.
It’s a heartwarming piece meant to be listened to while thinking of friends who now live far away.
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.
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.