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

Unable to become an adultkujira

Unable to become an adult

This work gently sings of the importance of embracing loneliness and ordinariness.

Through images of the stillness of a moonless night and scattering light into the darkness, its warm lyrics, which handle a fragile heart with care, resonate deeply.

Kujira centers themes of self-acceptance and growth, beautifully expressing young people’s emotions within a unique worldview.

This piece serves as the theme song for the February 2025 film “My Senpai Is a Boy: Rain, Then Clear,” showcasing the delicate musicality honed on the albums “Until I Can Love Life” and “Vegetable Drawer.” It’s a wonderful song that stays close to the subtle feelings of youth—days at a school festival spent with dear friends, the anxiety and confusion felt while searching for one’s true self.

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”?

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.

PRAY.makaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Empitsu “PRAY.” Music Video

Macaroni Enpitsu is a four-piece rock band that has won popularity with songs that keep a pop sensibility while unfolding at a dizzying, ensemble-driven pace.

PRAY., included as the opening track on their first EP, wheel of life, was selected as the official theme song for the 95th Senbatsu by MBS.

Its message—that winning and losing aren’t all that matters—will likely remind those heading into matches, such as in school clubs, to enjoy the experience.

It’s a heartfelt pop tune whose relaxed shuffle-beat rhythm soothes the soul.

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Hoshino Takashi

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greatest common divisorRADWIMPS

Saidai Kouyakusuu

Among RADWIMPS’ songs, this one doesn’t sit too high in range, so you don’t need to belt.

As long as you stay mindful of the rhythmic timing, you can aim for a high score! In particular, the A verse stays mostly in the mid–low (mid1) range, so it’s good to sing gently, as if speaking.

The range gradually rises from the B verse, but there’s no need to push your voice.

If you keep the breath flowing and imagine resonating in the head, your head voice will take on a chesty quality, and once you find your comfortable spot, it becomes much easier to sing.

Also, some may find the rhythm tricky where the melody gets fast, but since the range isn’t too high, you’ll be fine if you place the notes carefully and sing with precision.

As the pitch climbs, imagine resonating in the head and try keeping it light!

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Kubota Mami

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primary colorsYOASOBI

YOASOBI “RGB” Official Music Video

This song is perfect for expressing friendship.

Released in July 2021, it was also used as the theme for NTT Docomo’s “ahamo” commercial and is based on the novel RGB.

Considered one of YOASOBI’s signature works, it vividly depicts a heartwarming story in which three friends who had grown apart reunite after 15 years and rediscover their bond.

It beautifully conveys the power of friendship—that hearts remain connected even when apart—paired with a melodic composition.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who has experienced parting from or reuniting with a friend.

It’s also recommended as background music for message videos or slideshows to express your feelings to someone special.

Moonlight FlowerJanne Da Arc

Janne Da Arc - Gekkouka

It’s the theme song from the anime Black Jack.

I remember it being really cool and popular across a wide range of age groups.

As for Black Jack itself, I have a strong impression of it being very scary, and it’s one of the works that left me a bit traumatized.

But back then, the opening and ending themes were very soothing to my heart.