Packed with everything from friendship to romance! Youth anthems recommended for Gen Z

Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa

Lord of Major / Precious Things

A gem of a pop melody that portrays the precious friendships of adolescence.

Its warm feelings for friends at a parting and the vow never to forget those bonds are deeply moving.

Centered on themes of meeting and parting, growth and hope, it masterfully fuses driving rock sounds with lyrics that resonate in the heart.

Released as an indie single by Road of Major in September 2002, the song stayed in the top 10 of the Oricon chart for 19 consecutive weeks and achieved an astonishing 900,000 in total sales.

In 2009, it was also featured in a Mazda commercial in Taiwan, drawing attention both domestically and abroad.

It’s a track you’ll want to play when making up with a friend or when reaffirming the bonds with those who matter most.

It’s also a perfect cheer song for anyone facing farewells such as graduation or transferring schools.

HarukaYOASOBI

YOASOBI 'Haruka' Official Music Video

A moving work spun from the story of a mug that has watched over someone’s half a lifetime.

In YOASOBI’s music-led tale, the mug sometimes illuminates life’s milestones and at other times gently embraces small moments of growth.

Everyday scenes sprinkled throughout vividly reflect the bittersweetness of partings and growing up that everyone experiences.

Released in December 2020, this work is based on Osamu Suzuki’s novel “Tsuki Ouji” (Moon Prince).

It has also been featured as the commercial song for Takara Tomy’s LCD care toy “Puniruns” and as the image song for “Art Aquarium 2021 — Hakata: Festival of Goldfish,” garnering support from a wide audience.

It is a song that stays close to those who have parted with a cherished memento or who are facing a farewell with someone dear.

A Song for a FriendSonar Pocket

Sonar Pocket 'A Song for a Friend' [MV Short]

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

edhiii boi / Friend -Lyric Video-

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.

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

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!

I like you, please.FRUITS ZIPPER

[MV] FRUITS ZIPPER “Suki, Onegai”

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.

Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad

My Hair is Bad – Dash Through the Memories

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.