A classic, bittersweet youth song. Recommended popular tracks.

BetelgeuseYuuri

Yuuri “Betelgeuse” Official Music Video

This ballad by Yuuri beautifully portrays the bonds between people, using stars shining in the night sky as its motif.

Its warm lyrics, which liken encounters with loved ones and mutually supportive relationships to stars nestling close together, resonate deeply.

The emotional vocals, piano, and strings weave a grand sound that makes the message even more striking.

Released in November 2021, the song was written as the theme for the popular drama “SUPER RICH.” In October 2023, it achieved the milestone of surpassing 500 million total streams.

It’s a heartwarming piece perfect for moments when you want to feel the bonds with someone special from your youth or express gratitude to someone.

Close your eyesHirai Ken

Close Your Eyes / Ken Hirai (Cover)

A massive hit by Ken Hirai that knocks listeners out with pure poignancy.

After the one you love has gone, it still feels as if they’re right by your side.

Then comes the loneliness when you realize they’re no longer there.

Their figure returns only behind your eyelids when you close your eyes.

It delicately depicts the emotions that anyone who has experienced parting from a loved one will understand.

A Midsummer IncidentHirayama Miki

Miki Hirayama / Midsummer Incident ~ Now and Then

A bittersweet love story woven with a gentle, husky singing voice.

It’s a masterpiece that vividly captures the emotions of a man and woman traveling by car on a midsummer night.

Jun Hashimoto’s bold lyrics and Kyohei Tsutsumi’s funky sound are a perfect match, while Miki Hirayama’s vocal prowess further elevates the song’s appeal.

Released in May 1971, it reached No.

5 on the Oricon charts.

A remake in 1999 breathed new life into the track when it was used as the ending theme for the film Adrenaline Drive.

With its distinctly American groove and striking string arrangements, this song is perfect as BGM for driving scenes or for sinking into the bittersweet memories of summer.

Reach me.wasureranneeyo

"Wasureranneyo" I Played "Ore yo Todoke" (Guitar/Piano Cover)

This song is also well-known for being sung by actor Masaki Suda in the film “Nanimono.” With straightforward lyrics that convey sincere feelings, it’s a track that lets you understand the protagonist’s emotions—nostalgic in a way—and makes you feel very envious of the “you” who is being loved.

Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

Naotaro Moriyama is a singer-songwriter who has been active since 2001.

There are three versions of “Sakura”: chorus, solo, and accompaniment, but here I’ve focused on the most commonly heard “Solo” version.

A blizzard of cherry blossoms is one of the most beloved scenes for the Japanese.

And the image of friends parting within it, saying to each other, “Farewell.

We’ll meet again someday,” is almost too picturesque.

It was released in 2002.

Our FailureMorita Doji

Bokutachino Shippai

Starting with a scene bathed in spring sunlight, Morita Doji’s classic masterfully portrays the delicate feelings and subtle shifts of a young person’s heart.

Many will be moved by the protagonist, who acknowledges their fragility yet strives to move forward.

Featured on the album Mother Sky, the song initially garnered support for its unique worldview upon its November 1976 release.

Later, in 1993, it was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama High School Teacher, becoming a major hit with over 900,000 copies sold.

Its melody—woven from a softly spoken, intimate vocal and the gentle timbre of an acoustic guitar—is the perfect companion when you’re carrying something in your heart or want to immerse yourself in memories of someone dear.

Kiss me here.Shiina Ringo

Ringo Sheena – Kiss Me Here.

Back then, Ringo Sheena, who styled herself as “the Shinjuku scene” in opposition to the “Shibuya-kei,” released this single in 1999.

She had reportedly written the song already in her teens, and her unmistakable worldview was fully formed—an astonishing early maturity.

In the latter half’s English lyrics, she sings of a bittersweet plea: don’t say goodbye—please kiss me once more.