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)
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! Coming-of-age songs recommended for Gen Z (51–60)
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.
Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu
This song portrays the brilliance of youth precisely because it is fleeting.
It quietly speaks to the importance of accepting and sincerely facing those seemingly pointless, boring moments we all go through.
Released digitally in March 2019, it gained wider recognition as a McDonald’s commercial song the same year.
It was also included on the album “season” and is beloved by many fans as one of Macaroni Empitsu’s signature tracks.
In addition, it was chosen as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s Drama 24 series “I Had a Dream About That Girl.” With a sound that gently embraces the universal worries and uncertainties of all young people and Hattori’s warm vocals that resonate deeply, this is a highly recommended track for Gen Z listeners in the midst of their youth right now, as well as for anyone who wants to look back on those irreplaceable days.
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.
Youth DiaryRyukku to soine gohan
An impressive song that beautifully balances the fresh innocence of first love with the bittersweetness of parting.
It’s a track from the album “Seishun Nikki,” released in March 2020 while Ryoku to Soinen Gohan were still in high school, and it’s filled with down-to-earth feelings born from the members’ real experiences.
From small everyday moments to farewells with friends and the courage to take a new step, the delicate emotions of youth are portrayed alongside refreshing guitar sounds.
In March 2023, it was featured in a tie-in with the online learning service Study Sapuri’s video for graduates, “Genzai Chiten.” It’s a song you’ll want to listen to at life’s turning points, such as advancing to higher education or starting a job.
no planRozarīna
A song by Rosalina that celebrates the preciousness of friendship.
The lyrics, which depict the everyday moments shared with friends, resonate deeply.
You can feel the sentiment: “Even without a plan, just being with you is enough.” It’s included on the album “sweet ring” and was also used as an insert song in the film “Aibō na Keiji Returns.” The music video, released in May 2024, features Rosalina’s real friends, capturing the natural feel of their friendship.
It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to cherish the time spent with dear friends.
Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa
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.