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 those feelings from back then! Recommended youth songs for the Yutori generation (21–30)
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!
Have you seen the crimson-red sky?BUMP OF CHICKEN
Born from a sunset Masukiyo Fujiwara witnessed during a creative slump, this track is a high-velocity rock number whose lyrics carry a nursery rhyme–like gentleness.
The uncertain distance—unsure whether the other person saw that red sky—evokes the ache of unrequited love.
It was included as the B-side to the single “Namida no Furusato” released in November 2006, and later collected on the B-sides compilation “present from you.” Having been completed after a period of anguish when he couldn’t write songs, the lyrics vividly reflect the struggles of creation and a thirst for expression.
It’s a song for anyone who’s ever been moved by a beautiful sunset—or who feels stuck and needs something to stir their heart.
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.
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.
Peach-Colored Unrequited LoveMatsuura Aya
Released in February 2002 as Aya Matsuura’s fifth single, this song was featured in Shiseido’s “Tissera Mune-Kyun Peach” commercial, which also drew attention for Matsuura’s own appearance.
It peaked at No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, sold over 220,000 copies, and was included on the album T.W.O.
The lyrics liken the flutter of unrequited love to a peach-pink hue, and the bouncy melody that kicks off with a shouted call is instantly memorable—just listening to it lifts your spirits.
It’s the perfect track for getting hyped at karaoke with friends after school or for those heart-pounding moments when you’re nursing a crush.
366 daysHY
This is a ballad that delicately portrays the bittersweet feeling of a love once deeply cherished that never fades from the heart, even as time passes.
The protagonist, unable to stop thinking about the person they parted with all day long, is gently and vividly depicted through Izumi Nakasone’s powerful yet tender vocals.
Included on the 2008 album “HeartY,” it was also used as the theme song for the film “Thread of Red (Akai Ito).” There’s also a well-known anecdote that the songwriter temporarily broke up with their partner at the time in order to write the lyrics.
It’s a song that quietly sits beside those whose heartbreak hasn’t healed, or on nights when you find yourself reminiscing about a past love.
Baby, I love youTEE
Woven with straightforward words of love, this piece is a love ballad carried by the warm tones of an acoustic guitar.
The feelings a clumsy man wants to convey to someone precious reach the heart alongside a smoky, soothing vocal.
Reconstructed in a major-label style from its indie-era version, it was released in October 2010 as the second single.
Chosen as the ending theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV and as a theme song for a Yomiuri TV program, it has become a long-loved track, covered by many artists.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you want to honestly express your feelings to a partner, choose a wedding BGM, or savor time with someone important.