[Yutori Generation] Stylish, Youthful Anthems You'll Want to Listen To
For those born between 1987 and 2004—the so-called Yutori generation—music is synonymous with youth.
As listening habits shifted from CDs to streaming, iconic J-rock and J-pop songs helped shape a uniquely stylish culture through the streets, cafes, and social media.
Do you remember that song tied to your memories from back then? In this article, we’ll introduce tracks the Yutori generation encountered during their formative years—songs that still exude a chic vibe and continue to be loved today.
- Relive those feelings from back in the day! Youth anthems recommended for the Yutori generation
- [Yutori Generation] Looking back at the cute songs that colored our youth
- [Yutori Generation] Songs That Feel Emoi: Youthful Anthems That Stir Up Nostalgia
- Millennial Generation: Iconic Heisei-Era Songs That Defined Our Youth
- It cleanses the soul… Great J-pop songs recommended for the yutori generation
- Bittersweet feelings come rushing back! Recommended love songs for the Yutori generation
- Masterpieces that color the hot season! Summer songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- Recommended for the Yutori generation! Tear-jerking masterpieces from the J-pop scene
- Memories come flooding back! Graduation songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- Songs that move you to tears from the Yutori generation: Japanese music that shakes the soul
- [Yutori Generation] Heart-piercing, bittersweet songs & lyrics that touch the soul
- Just by listening, you’ll feel braver! Cheer songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- Iconic scenes overlap! Anime songs recommended for the yutori generation
[Yutori Generation] Stylish, Feel-Good Youth Anthems (1–10)
New Treasure IslandSakanakushon
The comical music video, reminiscent of retro Showa-era music programs, caused quite a stir.
The lyrics, which parallel a manga artist drawing lines with a pen and the struggles and joys of making music, are especially striking.
Many fans are moved by the earnest dedication to creation, as they aim for a yet-unseen destination.
Released in September 2015, the song was written as the theme for the film “Bakuman.” Among Sakanaction’s tracks, it remains beloved as an exceptionally catchy, danceable number.
Once you listen, your body will naturally start to move and you’ll feel like stepping to the beat.
It’s a perfect pick when you want to amp up a drive with friends or get the energy flowing at karaoke.
Beautiful WorldUtada Hikaru
This is the 19th single by Hikaru Utada, who continues to shine as one of Japan’s leading divas.
Released in August 2007 as the theme song for the film Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, the single’s lyrics capture a pure longing for someone while gently accompanying the protagonist’s loneliness and earnest wishes—tightening your chest every time you listen.
Its stylish, airy synth sound and whisper-like vocals blend exquisitely to envelop listeners in a mysterious sense of calm.
Also included on the 2008 album HEART STATION and the 2024 best-of collection SCIENCE FICTION, it continues to be loved across generations.
A classic that colored many people’s youth, it’s a song to enjoy at ease in comfortable settings—like a café or a drive.
SUNHoshino Gen
Gen Hoshino is a singer-songwriter who also displays multifaceted talent as an actor and writer.
The work that helped him break into households nationwide is a stylish dance number that brilliantly fuses the groove of Black music with J-pop.
Its lyrics, which convey a positive life force directed at people struggling to live even as they feel like they’re about to break, can really lift your spirits.
Released as a single in May 2015 and included on the acclaimed album “YELLOW DANCER,” it also drew attention as the theme song for the drama “Kokoro ga Pokitto ne” (Crazy for Me).
It’s the perfect track for those moments when you can’t shake a gloomy mood or when you just want to start dancing without thinking.
Why not forget your everyday anxieties and let yourself be carried by the pleasant rhythm?
What is it? lolFuji Kaze
Singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze, who’s gaining attention for his unique style that fuses Okayama dialect with R&B.
Released in November 2019, his debut track deeply resonates with the generation that loves ’90s music.
Opening the album “HELP EVER HURT NEVER,” this number became a hot topic mainly on social media despite lacking a major tie-in, captivating many fans.
Give it a listen when you feel like you’re losing yourself, or when you want to relax at a stylish café.
Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN
It’s a song you can’t forget after just one listen, with a bouncing rhythm and lyrics that capture the sweetness and bitterness of life.
That sharp social perspective woven into a pop sound is exactly what you’d expect from the skilled band UNISON SQUARE GARDEN! Released as a single in May 2015, it became a hot topic when it was chosen as the ending theme for the anime Blood Blockade Battlefront.
It has an exhilarating feel that blows away everyday gloom and makes you want to start dancing, so it’s perfect for when you need a boost or for a stylish night drive!