An idol-sung youth anthem: a roundup of songs celebrating sparkling, radiant days

Between YES and NO22/7

22/7 13th single “Between YES and NO” dance video (TV Anime “ATRI -My Dear Moments-” Ending Theme)

It’s a bright, exhilarating idol song with a rock flavor.

Performed by 22/7, it was released digitally in July 2024.

The track was selected as the ending theme for the anime “ATRI -My Dear Moments-.” With lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto, the song explores themes of inner conflict and hope for the future, conveying a warmth that resonates with young people’s lives.

The straightforward vocals of the 22/7 members further enhance the song’s world.

If you’re in the midst of your youth, be sure to check it out!

tightlySexy Zone

Sexy Zone “Gyutto” (short ver.)

An encouraging song by Sexy Zone that lights a warm glow in your heart, telling you to accept every version of yourself and keep going tomorrow.

Chosen as the theme song for the drama “Wagahai no Heya de Aru” starring Fuma Kikuchi, this track was released in October 2017.

It’s also known for having lyrics written by member Fuma Kikuchi and choreography created by all the members.

With a message that gently says “It’s okay” on days when things don’t go well, it’s sure to wrap listeners’ hearts in kindness.

If you listen to it when you’re a little tired or want to cheer yourself up, you might feel the tension ease from your shoulders and find a more positive outlook.

Parachute of the uniformBoku ga mitakatta aozora

The Blue Sky I Wanted to See / “Seifuku no Parachute” Music Video

The blue sky visible from the classroom window, the casual chatter with friends, that sudden flutter in your chest.

It’s a buoyant pop tune packed with the sparkle of youth.

The metaphor of a “parachute” for that irresistible rush of falling in love is brilliant, and just listening to it brings a sweet, bittersweet feeling to the surface.

This track is a unit song included on the single “Thinking About the Blue Sky,” released in August 2023 as the debut work of Bokuga Mitakatta Aozora.

Singing straight from the heart about the joy and ache of love, it turns ordinary days into something special.

Listen to it on the train to school or in those slightly sentimental after-school hours, and the scenery before you will surely look more vivid.

Our Uniform Christmas＝LOVE

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 2nd Single “Our Uniform Christmas” [MV full]

Doesn’t the idea of spending Christmas in a school uniform make many hearts flutter? Walking through town at dusk with someone you like—the exhilaration and the slightly bittersweet mood blend beautifully in this quintessential winter song.

Producer Rino Sashihara poured her strong desire to create “a Christmas song” into this track, which was released in December 2017 as =LOVE’s second single and became one of the group’s signature early hits.

It lets you relive a sparkling page of youth, bringing back those sweet and sour memories from your school days.

Give it a listen when you want to feel the excitement of a budding romance all over again.

When the fleabanes bloomNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 – When Spring Asters Bloom (Chinese Subtitles Version) 2nd ALBUM “Our Place”

A warm song by Nogizaka46 that gently embraces the farewells and encounters of spring.

Like the white-blossoming fleabane (Harujion), it serves as a symbol of departures and new beginnings, expressing the bittersweet feelings of parting through a beautiful melody.

Released in March 2016, the track was featured in commercials for sizebook and the smartphone game Nogikoi, and became a major hit, debuting at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart with first-week sales of 740,000 copies.

It’s a heartwarming piece that offers comfort to those experiencing graduation or farewells, as well as to those welcoming new connections with loved ones.

ENDLESS SUMMERKis-my-ft2

Kis-My-Ft2 / 「ENDLESS SUMMER」 Music Video

A refreshing Kis-My-Ft2 track that vividly sings about the liberating feeling of summer! Its somewhat bittersweet yet forward-looking melody and catchy dance vibe captivate fans and won’t let go.

Released in September 2020 as their 26th single, this song was chosen as the theme for the drama “Manatsu no Shonen ~19452020~.” It’s a classic you’ll want to play when looking back on this summer before autumn arrives, or when you’re ready to take a new step forward.

Sister Summer of the SeasideNEWS

Sister Summer of the Seaside

A refreshing song by NEWS that makes you want to bask in the summer sun.

This track is sung from a male perspective, capturing admiration for an older woman he meets by the seaside and sparkling summer memories—it’s enough to make your heart flutter just by listening.

Released in July 2013 as their 17th single, it debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

Frequently performed on music shows, it’s a beloved summer classic.

Put it on during a summer drive or at the beach to take the excitement to the next level!