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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- 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)
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.
Savoring youthIkuta Rira feat. ano
A song has been born that portrays the syrupy monotony of everyday life while showing how those very days will one day shine as treasured memories.
The warm voices of Lila Ikuta and ano ride the melody and quietly resonate.
Pure bewilderment at changes in the world and our surroundings, along with a strong resolve to overcome them together with someone dear, gently seep into the heart alongside the tender tune.
Released in March 2024 as the theme song for the latter chapter of the film Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction, the work also drew attention for the two artists’ performances as voice actors.
It is a heartwarming piece that embraces those who cherish the small joys hidden in a student’s daily life, the casual conversations with friends, and those who strive to face forward without fearing change.
One Heartatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu
As a cheer song coloring a page of youth, a moving track was released by ATARASHII GAKKO! in March 2025.
Conveying the importance of living true to yourself and packed with the courage to face forward together with your friends, this work deeply resonates with the younger generation.
With powerful vocals and dynamic dance performances, it’s full of strength that seems to blow away the anxieties and doubts everyone feels.
Written specifically as the theme song for Bourbon’s “Fettuccine Gummi” commercial, the music video—filmed together with 300 fans—has been crafted into an inspiring visual that unites the hearts of its viewers.
It’s the perfect song not only for students feeling uneasy while preparing for school festivals and cultural events, but for anyone about to take a new step forward.
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.
Packed with everything from friendship to romance! Youth songs recommended for Gen Z (61–70)
HarukaYOASOBI
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.
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!