A roundup of youth-themed songs recommended for high school students

BLUE DIZZINESSshiritsu ebisu chūgaku

[MV] Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku “BLUE DIZZINESS”

Known by the nickname “Ebichu,” the 10-member idol group Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku performs under the concept of being “eternal junior high schoolers.” BLUE DIZZINESS, a track released in advance from their 8th album indigo hour, is a pop tune that opens with an arresting beat and cool vocals.

Its lyrics, which evoke moving forward while wavering between adulthood and childhood, offer reassurance to people dealing with their own struggles.

With a transparent, airy melody and ensemble that soothe the heart, it’s a coming-of-age song you’ll want to hear when you’re feeling down.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

BetelgeuseYuuri

Yuuri “Betelgeuse” Official Music Video

This ballad by Yuuri beautifully portrays the bonds between people, using stars shining in the night sky as its motif.

Its warm lyrics, which liken encounters with loved ones and mutually supportive relationships to stars nestling close together, resonate deeply.

The emotional vocals, piano, and strings weave a grand sound that makes the message even more striking.

Released in November 2021, the song was written as the theme for the popular drama “SUPER RICH.” In October 2023, it achieved the milestone of surpassing 500 million total streams.

It’s a heartwarming piece perfect for moments when you want to feel the bonds with someone special from your youth or express gratitude to someone.

cadenceNatsushiro Takaaki

Takaaki Natsushiro “Cadence” Music Video (Short Ver.) / TV Anime Yowamushi Pedal: New Generation Opening Theme

How about some fast-paced guitar rock? This song was used as the theme for the anime Yowamushi Pedal: NEW GENERATION.

It’s sung by Takaaki Natsushiro, a singer-songwriter from Osaka Prefecture.

Since the anime centers on high school bicycle racing, the lyrics include words related to that theme.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

Good morning on FridayHoney Works feat.GERO

┗|∵|┓Good Morning on Friday / HoneyWorks feat. Gero

It’s a HoneyWorks song that depicts a sweet and slightly bittersweet love story: on a Friday morning, someone watches for a chance to speak to their crush on the station platform.

You can’t help but feel your heart flutter as the protagonist gets nervous, unable to say a simple “Good morning.” The fresh, fast-paced pop sound matches that frustrating feeling perfectly, making it irresistible.

The track is included on Gero’s acclaimed album SECOND and was produced in July 2015, sparked by a segment on Fuji TV’s Mezamashi TV.

It’s funny how listening to it on your way to school can make the usual scenery shine.

Why not give it a listen when you want to relive that sparkling thrill of youth?

Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya

Takanori Kawasaki - Sakura Usagi [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

It’s a heart-wrenchingly bittersweet graduation song that makes you see your timid self in a “rabbit.” After three years of pent-up feelings, all you can manage to say in the end is “thank you.” Doesn’t it make you overlay your own image onto that sweet-and-bitter page of youth? Takaya Kawasaki’s husky yet warm voice gently wraps around the protagonist’s frustrating, unrequited feelings.

Released in January 2021, this song is also included on the album Nukumori (Warmth).

For those who couldn’t say that single word, “I like you,” its message tenderly embraces those painful memories—and if you’ve ever had a one-sided crush, it will surely warm your heart.

Uniform and the SunKeyakizaka46

[Sakurazaka46 RISA WATANABE GRADUATION CONCERT] Uniform and the Sun [High Quality]

Don’t you ever suddenly feel stifled by the routine of spending every day in a prescribed uniform? Rather than just walking the path laid out by adults, you want to move forward by your own will toward a sunlit future.

This is a cheer song that carries that hidden inner cry on a refreshing sound.

Included on Keyakizaka46’s single Futari Saison, released in November 2016, this track frees the heart from a cramped everyday life.

When you’re unsure about something, you want the courage to follow your true feelings.

If you listen at such a moment, won’t your heart feel a little lighter, as if you took a deep breath under the sky of the schoolyard?

A mermaid in a uniformSakurazaka46

Sakurazaka46 “Mermaid in Uniform” Vocal Line Distribution

Casting off the uniforms that symbolize suffocating rules to become mermaids who swim freely—that earnest wish of the girls resonates at the heart of this Sakurazaka46 unit song.

It sets to upbeat electropop the delicate emotional landscape where rebellion against growing up mingles with a thirst to become someone.

The track is included on the single “Samidare yo,” released in April 2022.

The slightly sassy, precocious live performances further accentuate the song’s world.

When you feel like you’re struggling inside the “fish tank” of school regulations and others’ expectations, listening to it will gently nudge you toward staying true to yourself.