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

Last chance, last danceNEW!≠ME

≠ME (Not Equal Me) / 1st Album Lead Track 'Last Chance, Last Dance' [MV full]

It’s a heart-wrenching song where the brilliance of youth coexists with a touch of sadness.

Produced by Rino Sashihara for the idol group ≠ME, it was included as the lead track on their album “Springtime In You,” released in March 2024.

Nanaka Tomita serves as the center for this song.

The lyrics, written from the perspective of “me” gazing from afar at the school’s Madonna, evoke a scene of unrequited love that is beautiful yet tinged with pain.

Takahiro Furukawa’s exhilarating, classic pop sound is also striking.

You might even be moved to tears by the contrast between the bright melody and the heartrending lyrics.

The album, which includes this track, also reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

Give it a listen when you want to sink into a sentimental mood in the springtime.

≒JOYNEW!≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / 1st Song “≒JOY” [MV full]

An exhilarating, upbeat tune that feels like a clear blue sky opens up before you the moment you listen.

With lyrics penned by Rino Sashihara, the song conveys a straightforward message of determination to chase one’s dreams and the bonds between friends.

Released digitally in July 2022 as the group’s first original song, it was also included on their debut mini-album “Kitto, Zettai, Zettai,” released in January 2024.

Hailed as a standout record, it debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Album Chart, reflecting its passionate support.

The music video, set in a school where the members search for yellow fragments, is filled with the sparkle of youth and is a must-see.

It’s a highly recommended track that will naturally bring smiles—perfect for when you’re feeling down or want to brighten the mood at karaoke!

B-b-but.NEW!≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / 2nd Single c/w 'Dadada, Datte.' [MV full]

From the peppy rhythm of the intro, this song instantly sweeps you into a bittersweet world of youth.

Included as the B-side of the single “First Love Cinderella,” released in October 2024, it became a hot topic as the group’s first unit track.

Sung by Ayumi Ichihara, Mizuki Oshida, and Yuka Murayama, this love song uses onomatopoeia-like phrases to express the fluster of a love that leaves you lost for words, making your heart skip a beat every time you listen.

The down-to-earth lyrics penned by Rino Sashihara are deeply relatable, and the music video’s must-see storyline cheers on its clumsy protagonist.

This work is an anthem that gives you courage when you feel timid about love.

Why not listen to it when you want to confess your feelings to someone you like, or when you need a little push forward?

Peach tea and peach pieNEW!≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / 2nd Single c/w 'Peach Tea and Peach Pie' [MV full]

This is a love song where a sweet, pink-tinted worldview intersects with a slightly bold crush.

It’s included as the B-side to the single “First Love Cinderella,” released in October 2024, and marks the first time member Anka Yamada served as center.

The cute sound that makes your heart flutter just by listening and the lyrics that adorably portray a possessive “Only look at me” are striking.

As an important number that brightens a single which reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly rankings, it’s widely supported by fans.

In the music video, you can also enjoy the members dancing in café staff outfits.

Perfect for when you want a cute karaoke boost or to bask in a sweet mood.

Be sure to listen while thinking of your oshi!

Blue Hawaii LemonNEW!≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / 3rd Single Title Track “Blue Hawaii Lemon” [MV full]

A refreshingly exhilarating summer tune themed around a fleeting summer escape.

The lyrics liken the feeling of being in love to shaved ice—cold yet sweet—evoking bittersweet, vibrant scenes of youth.

With Reon Esumi at center, the transparent vocals fuse with a driving sound to whisk listeners away to a distant seaside.

Released as the 3rd single in June 2025, this song—penned by Rino Sashihara—became a hit that symbolizes the group’s momentum, peaking at No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

Amid classic pop stylings, it also conveys a fragility that melts away like summer in an instant.

Perfect for amping up summer outings like drives or beach trips, and a great listen when you want to forget the everyday and feel refreshed.