There are so many songs that evoke youth—friendship and bonds with peers, club activities, romance, and more.
Whether you’re a student in the midst of your youth right now or an adult who enjoys listening to remember those days gone by, there’s something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of especially upbeat youth-themed songs all at once!
If you’re looking for songs that don’t have a somber mood but instead lift your spirits as you listen, these are particularly recommended.
Be sure to listen to each track while feeling the passion of your youthful days.
- [Youth Anthems] A curated selection of popular and latest songs to hype up your school cultural festival
- A collection of upbeat friendship songs that brighten your mood, themed around friends
- Club Activity Youth Songs: Motivational Anthems and Timeless Tracks of Memories with Teammates
- A roundup of youth-themed songs recommended for high school students
- Bright friendship songs recommended for high school students. A collection of hype-up tracks.
- [Clubs, Friendship, Romance] Youth songs middle schoolers should listen to
- [For adults too] Youth songs that let you look back on your memories
- A bright song about comrades. A roundup of classic tracks that make you feel the bonds.
- Upbeat, bright songs: a collection of tracks that lift your mood when you listen
- A poignant masterpiece that sings of adolescence. Popular songs you’ll want to hear during your teenage years.
- Packed with everything from friendship to romance! Youth anthems recommended for Gen Z
- Summer songs that get middle schoolers excited: Popular tracks you’ll want to listen to in your youth
- A love song that feels like youth. Love songs you want to listen to—and remember—during your adolescent years.
A collection of uplifting, youth-themed songs that set your heart on fire (1–10)
If you laugh at the skywacci
This is a song that cheers on everyone who’s worked hard.
Wacci, known for delivering heartwarming tracks that fit into everyday life, released it in July 2018.
It was also included on their album Ultramarine Refrain, released in November of the same year.
In 2019, it was chosen as the support song for Fuji TV’s Mezamashi TV “Japan Connects Project,” gaining attention as it resonated with the struggles and triumphs of athletes.
There are days when things don’t go your way as you devote yourself to club activities or entrance exam prep.
In those moments, this song gently reminds you that the friends who have been striving alongside you can be your support.
It’s a friendship anthem that gives you the strength to keep looking forward, even while carrying frustration.
Give it a listen, and let it take you back to the time you spent with your cherished friends.
OrangeSPYAIR
A bittersweet anthem of youth by SPYAIR, released in February 2024 as the theme song for the film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle, which poignantly portrays sweet-and-sour coming-of-age moments.
With fresh, vibrant vocals and an energetic band sound, the song captures the hearts of young people where hope and anxiety intertwine, conveying a strong resolve to keep moving forward even as they reluctantly part from friends.
Its refreshing yet heartrending melody and empowering message that points toward the future make it perfect for spring—the season of new beginnings like moving up a grade or graduation.
It’s a song that gently gives a push to everyone setting out on a new path with memories of cherished friends close to their hearts.
Mela!Ryokushokushakai
This song celebrates the heart of someone who keeps their inner passion burning.
The lyrics portray the impulse born from the pure wish to “become a hero,” and the courage to act driven by that feeling, stirring the hearts of listeners.
Released digitally in April 2020, it was featured in Darya’s “Palty Coloring” commercial, and later adopted as a JRA commercial song in 2025.
It was also chosen as the theme for a dance project supporting high school dance teams across Japan who lost opportunities to perform during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving courage to many young people.
Its exhilarating, fast-paced feel makes it especially appealing to listen to in the summer.
Critical HitRADWIMPS
This is a rock anthem packed with a grand message that resonates with young people, included by RADWIMPS in their December 2013 album “X to O to Tsumi to.” Riding on powerful guitar riffs and driving drum rhythms, it portrays the struggles and growth of a protagonist trying to find their own path in the midst of youth.
Its uncompromising alternative sound is brimming with energy, making it perfect for opening or closing ceremonies at school sports days.
The music video was filmed at Ageo Municipal Baseball Stadium in Saitama Prefecture and features a massive scale with 1,500 extras.
This work strongly supports students in the thick of their youth and those standing at life’s crossroads.
It’s the perfect song when you need the courage to take a new step forward.
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE
A song by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE that feels like a snapshot of a sparkling, shining page of youth.
With a driving, exhilarating sound, it sings about a forward-looking feeling where anxiety and anticipation intertwine.
Chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime “Oblivion Battery” starting in April 2024, it’s been drawing a lot of attention.
This piece captures the emotions of seeking beautiful moments amid the passage of time—truly a song right in the heart of youth.
It’s recommended for those stepping into a new world or hoping to find something precious.
Perform it at a school or cultural festival, and the whole venue is sure to be swept up in the excitement!
ANTENNAMrs. GREEN APPLE
A refreshing song that feels like a page of youth coming to life before your eyes.
In the story of your life, the leading role belongs to no one but you.
The lyrics gently wrap you up, encouraging you: “Stay just as you are—let’s keep living with our heads held high as we spend our days full of smiles!” Included on Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s album ANTENNA, released in July 2023, this track also served as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama Sunday Night Probably….
You may find your worry-filled mind gradually being replaced with a sense of excitement.
PUZZLEShimizu Shota
It’s a gospel-style cheer song that fills your heart with the bonds of friendship and hope for the future.
The fact that Shota Shimizu returned to his hometown of Osaka and created it together with students from his alma mater adds an extra layer of warmth to the piece.
Released in October 2024, it was later included on the album “Pulsatilla cernua.” The choral performance with around 20 students on THE FIRST TAKE is truly overwhelming.
If you’re taking on a challenge with your team or stepping into something new, listening to it will surely give you courage.
Its polished sound also pairs perfectly with a leisurely café time on your day off.