[Clubs, Friendship, Romance] Youth songs middle schoolers should listen to

A bouquet for meAdo

[Ado] Bouquet for Me Official Audio

This piece sings about the importance of recognizing yourself through the joys and sorrows you feel every day.

Its clear, pop-tinged melody blends with Ado’s powerful vocals to leave a warm, heartfelt impression.

It carries a message of moving forward while cherishing the ups and downs of our emotions and the small words of praise we give ourselves.

Chosen as the Coca-Cola commercial song released in March 2025 and slated for inclusion on the album “Ado’s Best Album,” this track is perfect for the start of the morning or moments of taking a new step.

It’s also recommended as a friendship song for times when you and your companions are striving to achieve something together, encouraging mutual recognition and support.

rainbowAqua Timez

Aqua Timez “Niji” Music Video (Theme song for the drama Gokusen Season 3)

A song that became a huge hit as the theme for Gokusen, famous for the catchphrase “Yankumi~!!” I was very sad when Gokusen ended, and the song that played at the end, Niji, left a strong impression.

Its message, energy, comfort, and rhythm—everything about it is perfectly amazing!

Beloved daysyangusukinii

Young Skinny – Oh, Beloved Days [Official Music Video]

A masterpiece friendship song from Young Skinny.

The lyrics, woven in down-to-earth words, brilliantly capture the depth and complexity of friendship, making you instinctively go, “I feel that!” It’s impossible not to be moved by the importance of fully accepting each other’s existence and making the effort to truly understand one another.

Featured on the EP If We Could Find Happiness in Anything, released in September 2023, this track also made waves as the campaign song for Ezaki Glico’s Seventeen Ice.

It’s a song students can relate to, and I think it would be a hit to sing with friends at karaoke.

It’s sure to become an unforgettable memory!

That paper airplane breaks through the cloudy sky.19

That paper airplane splits the cloudy sky

19’s smash-hit second single.

For many, this song stirs up nostalgia and memories of their school days.

Its lyrics, which portray bittersweet farewells and hopes for the future, have a relatable charm.

Released in March 1999, it peaked at No.

6 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It was also used as a TBS campaign song, boosting its popularity.

Like launching a paper airplane into a cloudy sky, you might listen to it while sending your wishes toward the future.

It’s a track that resonates not only with junior high students in the midst of youth, but also with adults.

You don’t listen to rock.aimyon

Aimyon – You Don’t Listen to Rock [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A coming-of-age song released in September 2017 by singer-songwriter Aimyon.

Told from a male perspective, this portrayal of the ache of unrequited love became a major hit, receiving heavy rotation on radio and surpassing 100 million streams.

Moments like trying to share music on a dust-covered record evoke a heartfelt desire to convey feelings through rock.

Aimyon herself is said to have written the song after being deeply moved by a Spitz concert.

It’s the kind of track that will stir your emotions even more when you hear it at a school or cultural festival.

A must-listen for students who feel the frustration of not being able to get their feelings across to someone they like.

companion; comrade; friend; fellow; teammate; allyKetsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “Nakama” Full Ver.

Ketsumeishi is a hip-hop unit known for the heartwarming messages in their work.

Among their songs, the one I especially want people to hear during their youth is “Nakama” (Friends).

The track is crafted like a cheer sent to a friend who’s suffered a setback.

So when you’re feeling lonely, listening to it will remind you of your friends and bring comfort, and it will also help you remember how important they are.

Be sure to check out the music video featuring Kasumi Arimura as well.

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Feathers of the UniformAKB48

[MV full] The Wings of the Uniform / AKB48 [Official]

You can almost picture that bittersweet scene of a secret crush: watching you run across the schoolyard from the classroom window.

This song, which sings of the hope and heartache of sprouting invisible wings on your uniformed back and taking flight toward the future, will make listeners’ hearts skip a beat.

Included on the single “Kibouteki Refrain Type D,” released in November 2014, this track is a special one for Team 8—their very first music video was made for it! When graduation approaches and you feel anxious about becoming an adult, doesn’t this song gently nudge you forward with a reassuring “It’s going to be okay”?