An idol-sung youth anthem: a roundup of songs celebrating sparkling, radiant days
Among idol songs, there are tracks with a wide range of lyrical themes, and youth-themed songs are especially popular.
From songs that depict the bittersweet romances of school days, to songs that celebrate the hard work built together with friends toward a shared goal, to songs about friendship—“youth songs” come in many varieties.
In this article, we’ll introduce a curated selection of recommended youth-themed tracks from the vast world of idol songs.
We’ve gathered songs with various themes, so try listening while reading the lyrics.
We hope you’ll find a track that sets your heart on fire.
An idol-sung youth song: A roundup of tracks celebrating sparkling, radiant days (1–10)
Twin-tails until I’m 20♡NEW!kyururin tte shite mite
The strong, defiant message that playfully rebels against society’s prejudices about what’s considered “cute” for girls really leaves an impression.
Produced by singer-songwriter Ryujin Kiyoshi, this track grips listeners with its sweet vocals laced with a poisonous edge in both lyrics and melody.
Released for streaming in November 2023, it became a major topic on social media, with the music video surpassing one million views.
It was later included on the EP “Dreamin’ Closet.” It’s a song for anyone who doesn’t want to be bound by other people’s values and wants to stay true to the version of themselves they love.
Why not add it to your commute or school playlist and channel your most unstoppable self?
Fall in love.NEW!Boku ga mitakatta aozora
It’s an upbeat track that’s both powerful and cute, perfect for firing yourself up.
Written by Yasushi Akimoto for Boku ga Mitakatta Aozora, it’s included on Type-C of their debut single “Thinking About the Blue Sky,” released in August 2023.
It portrays a shy-in-love protagonist mustering courage by shouting strong words in their heart, and that down-to-earth sense of youth is truly heart-fluttering.
It’s performed by a unit lineup, and each member’s distinctive vocals are great too! In concerts, it’s loved as a staple that instantly ramps up the venue’s energy, and it even opened a show themed around a school festival.
Give it a listen in those moments when you need a push—it’s sure to lift your spirits.
Sky-colored spray of waterNEW!Boku ga mitakatta aozora
It’s a refreshing number that feels like a distillation of youthful sparkle—blazing sunshine and streaming sweat.
Written specifically as the theme song for the theatrical anime “Ganbatte Ikimasshoi,” this piece delivers the passion for rowing atop a driving, exhilarating melody.
It’s also included on the single “Suki Sugite Up and down,” released in November 2024, and when it was first performed at the group’s first-anniversary event in August of the same year, the entire venue came together in excitement.
You can almost see the earnest figures rowing their oars toward their dreams with their teammates, and listening to it will naturally set your heart ablaze.
Give it a listen when you’re about to take on a challenge or need that last push forward.
It will leave you feeling cleansed.
First Love CinderellaNEW!≒JOY
If you’re looking for a classic idol song brimming with the flutter of a faint first love, this might be just the one.
With lyrics penned by Rino Sashihara, this sparkling number portrays the down-to-earth feelings of a protagonist in love.
Released as the second single in October 2024, it also made waves by topping major charts like Oricon.
With Reon Esumi at center, the words sung over an exhilarating sound are sure to turn every listener into the heroine of the story.
It’s perfect not only for hyping up karaoke sessions with friends, but also as a powerful ally when you need the courage to take a step forward in love.
Bashful ShortNEW!≠ME
An exceptionally cute winter song packed with the sparkle of the season and the flutter of first love.
It’s a track by the idol group ≠ME, produced by Rino Sashihara, released as their 5th single in November 2022.
First, we should note the earnest story of changing one’s hairstyle for someone they like.
The lyrics capture the bashfulness of that makeover moment and the heart-pounding anticipation of waiting for their reaction.
It also drew major attention that Nanaka Tomita, who serves as center, actually chops her long hair into a short cut in the music video.
Try playing it as BGM on your way to a winter date, or when you want the courage to change.
The brilliance of this song will give you a gentle push forward.