The songs you fall in love with in high school will become vivid memories adorning a page of your youth.
It’s a strange feeling that they never fade and you can still listen to them decades later.
In this article, we’ve put together a selection of tracks we recommend for those of you right in the middle of your youth right now!
We’ll introduce a wide range—from songs that fire you up, to ones that heighten the mood for romance, to heart-wrenching pieces that might make you cry.
Be sure to read to the end.
You just might discover the best music of your life.
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Top 10 coming-of-age songs recommended for high school students (1–10)
Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE
When people think of youth anthems, many high schoolers probably think of this song.
It’s one of the signature tracks by the band Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, which is hugely popular among high school students—a classic of the youth-song genre.
It weaves in summery imagery and views on love, making it especially recommended for those who feel that summer symbolizes youth.
True to their style, it features a driving, refreshing sound, which also contributes to its youthful vibe.
DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE
“Darling” is a song by the rock band Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, released in January 2025.
It was written as the theme song for NHK General’s special program “Mrs.
GREEN APPLE 18 Festival.” Centered on themes of self-identity and love, it reflects the struggles and growth of youth.
Its appeal lies in a rich sound arrangement that incorporates pop-rock elements.
On the program, it was performed together with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation, creating a major buzz.
It’s an uplifting song that resonates with everyone.
Live in the present.Saucy Dog
A refreshing yet fiery coming-of-age anthem that teaches us the importance of spending our days striving desperately alongside many teammates toward the same goal! Chosen as the support song for the 101st All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, this track by the rock band Saucy Dog encouraged countless students.
What you’re pouring your heart into right now may not yield results easily.
Even so, the song’s message—“No matter how tough and painful it is, the effort you’ve built up will never be in vain”—will surely be a great source of strength for high schoolers giving their all to their studies and club activities.
Youth DiaryRyukku to soine gohan
Ryuku to Soinene Gohan is a three-piece band popular among junior and senior high school students as well as their peers.
Their signature song, Seishun Nikki (Youth Diary), is the title track included on their first mini-album, which was released exclusively through Tower Records in 2020 while they were still in high school.
Despite the title Youth Diary, the lyrics actually look back with a touch of nostalgia on days that have already passed.
The song gives an impression of being a little worn-out or tired, but it’s not just about reminiscing over those radiant days—by the end, it leaves you with a positive feeling, making it a true youth anthem.
MiracleGReeeeN
Released in 2008, this is one of GReeeeN’s signature songs, which was also chosen as the theme for the drama ROOKIES.
In 2017, a film titled Kiseki: Sobito of That Day was made about the song’s creation, so I think many high school students are familiar with it as well.
With lyrics full of passionate, love-song-style words, a piano-featured track, and the members’ unadorned vocals, it never fails to strike a chord no matter how many times you listen.
It’s a youthful classic loved across generations.
horizonback number
Back Number’s “Suiheisen” (Horizon) is famously known as a song dedicated to high school students who had set their sights on the 2020 Inter-High School Championships, which were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s a track that especially resonates with those who pour their hearts into club activities—one that can move you to tears.
And for those studying hard every day with entrance exams ahead, it will surely be an encouragement as well.
The lyrics don’t claim that effort is always rewarded; by approaching that idea from a different angle, they may help heal wounded hearts.
We againSG
This song features vocals that seep into the heart, carried by a gently resonant melody.
Its message centers on parting and reunion, infused with compassion for friends setting off on new paths and the hope of meeting again someday.
Released in April 2021, it resonated widely on social media and gained support among young listeners.
Starting in November 2024, it was also featured in Calorie Mate’s exam-season support commercial, with a new version performed by the Hanazono Tokuei High School Wind Ensemble drawing attention.
SG’s clear, transparent vocals bring back warm memories of cherished times spent together.
It’s a track that gives you the courage to look ahead in moments of graduation, class reunions, or farewells with someone important—highly recommended.
It will especially strike a chord with high school students approaching graduation.