![[Yutori Generation] Looking back at the cute songs that colored our youth](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/q57rZgurLHw/sddefault.jpg)
In the 2000s and 2010s, when the yutori generation spent their youth, countless adorable songs were born that make your heart feel warm and light.
Do you have any songs packed with memories—ones you hummed with friends on the way home from school, or listened to alone in your room with a flutter in your chest? Pop and catchy melodies, down-to-earth lyrics, and bright, uplifting sounds that give you energy just by listening.
In this article, we’ll introduce cute tracks that vividly capture the atmosphere of that time.
Let yourself sink into nostalgia and remember how you felt back then.
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[Yutori Generation] Looking back at cute songs we spent our youth with (1–10)
CHE.R.RYYUI
Released in 2007, this signature spring song by YUI portrays the fluttery feelings of a one-sided crush through the lens of flip-phone email exchanges.
The protagonist’s heart leaps at emoji-filled messages from their crush, frets over when to reply, and, unable to play it cool, answers right away—capturing the pure sincerity of a girl in love.
Set to light acoustic guitar, the bittersweet emotions are sung in a charming, cute way.
The track drew attention as the CM song for KDDI’s “LISMO!” and debuted at No.
2 on the Oricon chart.
It’s also included on the album “CAN’T BUY MY LOVE.” Perfect for when you want to reminisce about a gentle first love or get excited chatting about youthful memories with friends.
I am a bear.Utada Hikaru
Released in November 2006 as Hikaru Utada’s first children’s song, this piece was inspired by a teddy bear she received from a friend for her birthday.
It’s a heartwarming song that makes you feel cozy inside.
It aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” and, along with animation by Keirō Gōda, became beloved by a wide audience, from children to adults.
Within its compact running time of about two and a half minutes, it packs a simple yet charming melody and lyrics full of humor.
Her vocals are gentle, as if speaking directly to the listener, and the use of uncomplicated language gives it a comforting clarity that reaches everyone.
Cherished to the point of being rebroadcast many times since its release, this track is perfect for moments when you want a bit of calm in a busy day or when you want to reconnect with a pure, uncomplicated feeling.
Chocolate DiscoPerfume
This song, with its shimmering synth sound and catchy, repetitive phrases, is included on the single “Fan Service [sweet],” released in February 2007.
It’s a poppy electro track that delivers a Valentine’s Day confession of love, lightly portraying the inner worlds of a calculating girl and an expectant boy.
The refined production by Yasutaka Nakata and the three members’ clear, transparent vocals make for an exceptionally pleasing combination.
It was featured in commercials for Toyota and for sweets, and today it’s cherished every year as a Valentine’s Day staple.
Sing it at karaoke with friends and you’re sure to get the crowd going—dance moves included.
It’s the perfect song for when you want to recall those sweet-and-sour feelings or lift your spirits.
Heavy rotationAKB48
Released as their 17th single in 2010, this song became a national hit as one of AKB48’s signature tracks, something you’d hear almost daily on karaoke and TV.
Its cute lyrics, set to a brisk rock tempo, sing honestly about a straightforward crush, capturing the fluttery excitement of love that everyone experiences at least once.
The way it surges from the chorus is irresistibly catchy, making you want to sing along, and it’s designed so friends and groups can enjoy the chorus and dance together.
It was heavily aired as the CM song for UHA Mikakutou’s “Puccho,” and in karaoke it set a record by ranking No.
1 for a total of 81 weeks in 2012.
It’s the perfect number for sharing that love-struck feeling with everyone or getting the whole room hyped at karaoke.
joyYU-KI
Released in 2005, this song stands out with its pop, cute dance sound.
Co-written by YUKI and Koichi Tsutaya, it features a four-on-the-floor beat and distinctive synthesizer tones, and its airy, crystalline vocals make your heart lift every time you listen.
The music video, which showcased a unique dance alongside dancers in full black tights, also drew attention.
Included on the album “joy,” it’s known as one of the key works in YUKI’s solo career.
Many people likely have memories of humming it with friends after school or feeling a flutter while listening to it in their rooms on weekends.
Give it a listen when you want to feel bright and positive.
Apply false eyelasheskyarī pamyu pamyu
Released in January 2012 as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s debut single, this track features Yasutaka Nakata’s dazzling electropop sound and lyrics that intertwine themes of magic and transformation inspired by false eyelashes.
Through the everyday act of putting on makeup, the protagonist’s growing confidence is portrayed with playful, pop-infused word choices.
Pre-released in 73 countries including Japan, the song drew global attention and debuted at No.
7 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
The B-side, “Kyary ANAN,” was used in a commercial for the job service “an” by Intelligence.
Its unforgettable catchy phrases and melodies have colored many people’s youth in vivid hues.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants a boost of energy or loves all things cute.
cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai
This is Ai Otsuka’s second single, released in December 2003.
It was used as the opening theme for the music program COUNT DOWN TV and as the ending theme for the variety show Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!.
The portrayal of a couple two years into their relationship—likened to two fruits joined together—is charming, conveying a bond that deepens as they overcome quarrels.
Its bright, poppy melody and lively brass arrangement are sure to lift your spirits.
It’s a recommended track for those enjoying happy times with a partner or looking to start a wonderful romance.