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

Youth DiaryRyukku to soine gohan

Cuddling with My Backpack, Bedside Rice / Youth Diary [Music Video]

An impressive song that beautifully balances the fresh innocence of first love with the bittersweetness of parting.

It’s a track from the album “Seishun Nikki,” released in March 2020 while Ryoku to Soinen Gohan were still in high school, and it’s filled with down-to-earth feelings born from the members’ real experiences.

From small everyday moments to farewells with friends and the courage to take a new step, the delicate emotions of youth are portrayed alongside refreshing guitar sounds.

In March 2023, it was featured in a tie-in with the online learning service Study Sapuri’s video for graduates, “Genzai Chiten.” It’s a song you’ll want to listen to at life’s turning points, such as advancing to higher education or starting a job.

A friend of a friendOkazaki Taiiku

A friend of a friend

Have you ever had that awkward experience of going over to a friend’s house and finding a kid you don’t know there? Taiiku Okazaki’s hit song takes that relatable “we’ve all been there” moment as its theme! With a catchy melody and humor-packed lyrics, it tickles the listener’s heart.

Broadcast on “Minna no Uta” since October 2024, it’s loved by people of all ages, from kids to adults.

This piece is filled with the unique charm of Taiiku Okazaki, who excels at expressing the subtleties of human relationships through music, and the more you listen, the more you relate.

Listen with your friends—you’ll be saying, “So true!” together for sure!

People and PeopleYugeda Kensuke

"Hito to Hito" (Lyrics: Tomohiro Iwai, Music: Kensuke Yugeda, Performance: Toin Gakuen Elementary School) — a choral piece for a music concert

This is a warm piece that sings about the importance of encounters through music.

The fresh melodies woven by Kensuke Yugedate carry a gentle calm while conveying a moving message.

In clear, resonant words, it speaks of the joy born from human connections and the inevitable meaning hidden within chance meetings.

Delivered by the pure voices of the Toin Gakuen Elementary School Choir, the work is also slated to appear in elementary school music textbooks starting in 2024.

Its kind, uplifting message is perfect for children who are about to meet new people in a new environment.

As they take their next step in school life, this wonderful song will give them courage and hope—please give it a listen.

Everyone, everyone is shining.Yugeda Kensuke

Everyone, everyone is shining (unison chorus)

Riding on a cherry-blossom-colored breeze, this heartwarming song by Kensuke Yugeda gently sings of the hopeful arrival of spring.

It carries a message of encouragement for children taking their first steps forward, conveying a sense of anticipation for a shining future.

Its melody, expressing both endearing freshness and the courage to walk toward one’s dreams, tenderly nestles against the listener’s heart.

The piece is included on the album “Shiawase ni Naare” and is a beloved song performed at entrance ceremonies and welcome events for new students in elementary schools across Japan.

Since June 2018, it has been passed down in schools nationwide, and through more than 2,000 school concerts, Mr.

Yugeda has delivered it directly to children.

It is a springtime song brimming with joy, one we hope new students, teachers, and families will listen to.

Yo, you there, kid.Takehara Pisutoru

Takahara Pistol – 'Hey, you there, youngster'

A warm, encouraging song whose gentle acoustic guitar and powerful vocals resonate deeply.

Takahashi Pistol offers a track that gifts courage to live and celebrates the small happiness found in everyday life, especially for young people.

It conveys the message of finding your own path, not being swayed by others’ opinions, and striving in a way that is true to yourself.

Included on the album “youth,” it was released in November 2015.

Widely known as the theme song for a Sumitomo Life Insurance commercial, its sincere message has struck a chord with many.

It’s a song recommended for those about to step into a new environment or standing at a crossroads in life.

This work can be called a cherished piece that combines warmth that stays close to the heart with a powerful push from behind.

Eternal BlueHitsuji Bungaku

Hitsujibungaku – Eternal Blue (Official Music Video)

Hitsujibungaku is a three-piece alternative rock band whose name was chosen to express a worldview not limited to music alone.

Their 10th single, Eternal Blue—featured in NTT DOCOMO’s “Docomo Youth Discount” commercials, the Unwavering Youth and Unwavering Departure editions—stands out with its exhilarating guitar ensemble and crystalline vocals.

Its message of forging straight ahead with your own feelings, no matter what others think, seems perfectly poised to sweep away the doubts of anyone giving their all in club activities.

It’s an emotional pop tune with a distinctive sense of weightless drift and refreshing clarity.

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Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru

Wataru Ochiai – Because We’re Friends (Music Video)

This song gently sings about memories and farewells with dear friends, carried by a warm, heartfelt vocal.

Wataru Ochiai’s comforting voice resonates, bringing to mind scenes from school days and moments of parting.

Set to a ballad-style melody, it carefully expresses the importance of friendship and feelings of gratitude, and was released in February 2022.

A simple arrangement centered on piano and acoustic guitar further highlights the emotional depth of the lyrics.

It’s recommended not only for those facing graduation or goodbyes, but also for anyone who wants to fondly recall their school-day friends.

The song has gained buzz on social media and continues to be cherished as an anthem of youth.