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!
- Recommended picks for karaoke! Easy-to-sing songs recommended for Gen Z
- [Guaranteed to resonate!] Youth songs that strike a chord with teens. Recommended coming-of-age tracks.
- For those chasing dreams and goals! Support songs recommended for Gen Z
- Songs that make you want to fall in love just by listening! Classic love songs recommended for Gen Z
- Winter songs I’d recommend to teenagers who are living through their youth right now
- [Clubs, Friendship, Romance] Youth songs middle schoolers should listen to
- From bittersweet tracks to party anthems: fall songs recommended for Gen Z
- Perfect for karaoke song choices too! Hype tracks recommended for Gen Z.
- An iconic song by a female artist that Gen Z can get hyped about with their peers
- Recommended love songs for junior high school students! Carefully selected J-POP classics and popular tracks
- When you want to hype it up with your peers! Karaoke songs recommended for Gen Z
- A roundup of youth-themed songs recommended for high school students
- A love song that feels like youth. Love songs you want to listen to—and remember—during your adolescent years.
Packed with everything from friendship to romance! Coming-of-age songs recommended for Gen Z (51–60)
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.
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.
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.
Packed with everything from friendship to romance! Youth songs recommended for Gen Z (61–70)
Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai
This is a Ryokuoushoku Shakai song that depicts the brilliance and inner struggles of youth.
Released as a digital-only single in July 2024, it was written as the theme song for ABEMA’s dating show “Kyou, Suki ni Narimashita.
Summer Break 2024.” Its upbeat, powerful sound is paired with lyrics that capture young people sprinting forward with everything they’ve got.
The track conveys the importance of living to the fullest within the limited time of one’s youth, resonating with many young listeners.
The music video, featuring a grand collaboration with a 40-piece orchestra, also became a hot topic.
It’s a must-listen for anyone in the thick of their youth.
In conclusion
How was it? This time, we introduced youth-themed songs we’d like to recommend to Gen Z.
Since the theme is “youth” in a broad sense, you’re sure to find tracks that resonate with you! And because they’re all great songs, people from other generations should definitely give them a listen too!