It cleanses the soul… Great J-pop songs recommended for the yutori generation
When you hear the phrase “a good song,” what comes to mind?
Since Japanese people tend to place a lot of importance on lyrics, many of you might imagine songs with great words.
Of course, if the composition itself isn’t quite there, the message of the lyrics won’t really land, so the melody and overall tone are also crucial factors.
This time, we’ve put together a list of great J-POP tracks aimed at the so-called Yutori generation.
They’re mostly songs from the years when the Yutori generation likely spent their youth, so I hope you enjoy them.
- Relive those feelings from back in the day! Youth anthems recommended for the Yutori generation
- Songs that lift your spirits and keep you going tomorrow: energizing recommendations for the Yutori generation
- Packed with masterpieces! Karaoke songs recommended for women of the Yutori generation
- Now karaoke isn’t scary! Easy-to-sing songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- Recommended for the Yutori generation! Tear-jerking masterpieces from the J-pop scene
- Great songs recommended for people in their 80s: a collection of tracks with lyrics that touch the heart
- A number I’d recommend to the yutori generation—one I’d like women to sing
- Good songs recommended for people in their 50s: classic and popular J-pop tracks.
- Gen Z listeners, take note! Great songs that color the J-pop scene
- A lineup of classic hits! Karaoke songs recommended for the yutori generation
- Memories come flooding back! Graduation songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- Bittersweet feelings come rushing back! Recommended love songs for the Yutori generation
- Spring songs to color the season of meetings and partings—recommended for the Yutori generation
It cleanses the soul… Great J-POP songs recommended for the Yutori generation (1–10)
March 9Remioromen
This song, themed around graduation and new beginnings, was released by Remioromen on March 9, 2004.
The anecdote that it was created to celebrate a friend’s wedding also adds to its warmth.
It became widely known after being used as an insert song in the drama “1 Litre of Tears.” The band sound that gradually builds from a quiet start beautifully captures the mix of anxiety and hope felt before a fresh start.
With lyrics expressing gratitude to loved ones, it’s a song that accompanies not only graduation ceremonies but many milestones in life.
homeKiyama Yusaku
Yusaku Kiyama is a singer-songwriter whose warm messages filled with love and gratitude for family move many people’s hearts.
His major debut single, released in February 2008, is memorable for its lyrics depicting everyday happiness and the bonds of family.
Set to a gentle melody, it sings of children’s growth and the preciousness of ordinary moments spent with loved ones.
The song drew a huge response, recording a peak viewership rating of 23.5% when performed on Nippon TV’s “Legal Counseling Office with a Long Line” (Gyoretsu no Dekiru Horitsu Sodanjo).
It’s a soul-cleansing track, perfect for times when you want to reaffirm your feelings for your family or express gratitude to someone important.
Spot the differenceSuda Masaki
This is a number whose translucent vocals and delicate melody really sink into the heart.
Masaki Suda’s first digital single was released in May 2019 as the theme song for the TV drama “Perfect World.” Crafted by Kenshi Yonezu, the song explores the search for “mistakes” and “right answers” in life, expressing a desire to find value in the small moments of everyday life.
The striking message of the lyrics and the wistful melody truly pierce the chest.
This pop tune, which you can’t help but hum along to, invites reflection on the imperfections of human relationships and the deep connections we share with others.
Soothing for the soul... Great J-POP songs recommended for the Yutori Generation (11–20)
Thank youikimonogakari
This is Ikimono-gakari’s 18th single, written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Gegege no Nyobo.
It’s often used at graduation ceremonies and as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Championship, and it has been covered by various artists, so you’ll hear it frequently in contexts beyond the drama.
Its straightforward lyrics resonate with elementary school children, and its easy-to-remember, gentle melody is soothing—making it a popular song among both kids and adults.
Released on May 5, 2010, it peaked at No.
2 on the Oricon chart.
Letter ~To You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki
This is the eighth single by Angela Aki, a singer-songwriter of mixed Japanese and Italian-American heritage who is also active as a jazz pianist.
Written as the set piece for the junior high division of the 2008 NHK Nationwide School Music Competition and rearranged for her own performance, it’s a number whose powerful piano and vocals stir the heart.
The questions posed to her future self and the message to her past self are, precisely because they’re addressed to herself, words of unadulterated honesty.
It’s a singular song whose unique message resonates deeply, offering companionship to children in their sensitive, formative years.
dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo
This is Yo Hitoto’s fifth single, created in the wake of the September 11 attacks that shook the world.
With lyrics imbued with a wish for peace and a gentle melody that resonates deeply, it has become a karaoke standard.
Released in February 2004, the song was also featured in films, TV dramas, and commercials, and remained on the Oricon charts for over 136 weeks.
Its relaxed tempo makes it easy to sing and perfect for expressing feelings toward someone important.
A soul-cleansing classic that colored the youth of the “yutori” generation, it continues to be loved by many today.
The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP
SMAP, a five-member group that enjoyed nationwide popularity as a national idol group and disbanded in 2016.
Their 35th single, used as the theme song for the TV drama “Boku no Ikiru Michi” (The Way I Live), became a massive hit, recording triple million sales.
Written by Noriyuki Makihara, the song carries a message about valuing your true self, and the phrase “not Number One, but Only One” resonated with many people.
Released in March 2003, the track is characterized by its acoustic arrangement and approachable melody.
Loved by listeners of all ages, it’s perfect for livening up a karaoke session.