Relive those feelings from back in the day! Youth anthems recommended for the Yutori generation
For those from the so-called “Yutori Generation,” likely born around 1987 to 2004, their youth probably spans from about 2002 to 2019.
Music we listened to during our formative years has that mysterious power to pull us right back to that time, no matter how much time passes.
So this time, we’ve compiled a list of classic youth anthems recommended for the Yutori Generation.
From universally known hits to hidden gems, we’ll cover a wide range—so don’t miss it!
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Relive the feelings of those days! Recommended youth songs for the Yutori generation (11–20)
Good-bye daysYUI for Amaoto Kaoru
Released under the name Kaoru Amane, the character played by YUI in the 2006 film “A Song to the Sun” (Taiyō no Uta), this song is a classic of youth that portrays a fleeting, heartrending farewell.
Through the love of a girl who cannot be exposed to sunlight, it gently sings of feelings exchanged within limited time and the resolve to face an inevitable parting.
The acoustic guitar and YUI’s clear, transparent vocals vividly revive unforgettable summer memories.
It reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and was later included on the album “CAN’T BUY MY LOVE.” It’s a song that offers comfort to anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.
Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster
It’s a warm, gentle song that wraps youthful memories in a soft embrace.
The complex emotions of students on the verge of graduation are beautifully expressed through Little Glee Monster’s clear harmonies.
Released in March 2015, the track resonated with many as the ending theme for the MBS program “Hayashi-sensei ga Odoroku Hatsumimigaku!” With lyrics themed around photographs, it reminds us of the preciousness of everyday moments.
For the yutori generation, it may well be the soundtrack of their youth.
It’s a heartwarming pop tune that’s also recommended for adults who feel nostalgic about their school days.
Blue SpringSUPER BEAVER
SUPER BEAVER captivates fans with moving messages and a powerful rock sound.
This track was featured as the web commercial song for Taisho Pharmaceutical’s Lipovitan D.
The lyrics vividly portray the pure feelings of youth and memories with loved ones, leaving a strong impression.
Beginning with the chorus, the song’s structure and Ryuta Shibuya’s emotionally rich vocals strike a chord.
Released in March 2016, it peaked at No.
16 on the Oricon charts.
It was also included on the album “27,” becoming one of the band’s signature works.
It’s a recommended listen not only for those nostalgic for their youth, but also for anyone in the midst of it right now.
YELLikimonogakari
A song by Ikimono-gakari that continues to resonate with many as a cheer anthem themed around the end of youth and a new beginning.
Released in September 2009 as their 15th single, it was written as the set piece for the junior high school division of the NHK National School Music Competition.
Its soothing arrangement centered on piano and strings is striking, and the lyrics send hope and encouragement for the future, gently supporting those anxious about graduation or stepping into a new environment.
The song won an Excellence Award at the 51st Japan Record Awards in 2009 and is loved by listeners across generations.
It’s a heartwarming ballad recommended both for those embarking on a new path and for those seeing off someone important.
Youthful AmigoShūji to Akira
A song that sings of youthful friendship and dreams continues to capture the hearts of many.
Released in November 2005 as the theme song for the drama “Nobuta wo Produce,” it debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon charts and became a major hit, surpassing one million shipments in just four days.
Performed by the duo Shuuji to Akira—Kazuya Kamenashi and Tomohisa Yamashita—the track resonates deeply through universal themes of friendship, dreams, and farewell.
It portrays the strong bond of two people supporting each other through difficult times, celebrating the days they spent together and their determination to pursue big dreams.
This heartwarming pop tune offers nostalgia and courage, especially to the yutori generation.
Happy DaysOtsuka Ai
This is a summer-themed single by Ai Otsuka released in July 2004, with a double tie-in as the CM song for Morinaga’s ICE BOX and the theme song for Nippon TV’s 24th National High School Quiz Championship.
Her performance singing with a megaphone is striking, and it’s a refreshing rock tune that brings back memories of summers from that time.
The lyrics, written in down-to-earth language, depict days spent with friends and loved ones becoming happier and happier, and when everyone sings the chorus together, the energy instantly skyrockets.
It’s perfect for girls’ nights or when you want to pump up the mood at karaoke—a classic that lifts your spirits and fills you with positivity!
Relive those feelings from back then! Recommended youth songs for the Yutori generation (21–30)
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.