RAG MusicNostalgic Youth songs
A wonderful youth song

A classic, bittersweet youth song. Recommended popular tracks.

It’s nice to take some time now and then to reminisce and get a little sentimental, isn’t it?

This time, I’ve gathered Japanese songs that sing about those passionate yet fickle days of youth.

I hope that by listening to these tracks, you’ll be able to say, “The past is the past!” and move on.

Masterpieces of bittersweet youth songs. Recommended popular tracks (31–40)

Robinsonsupittsu

A 1995 song that propelled Spitz to major stardom.

It’s a work with an evergreen appeal that never fades with time.

The melody and lyrics, imbued with delicacy, still move the heart even today.

Its distinct youthful transparency is also part of its charm.

The strong and fleeting onesCocco

Cocco “The Strong and Ephemeral Ones” Music Video
The strong and fleeting onesCocco

A lyrical melody that portrays the feelings of a traveler setting out to protect a loved one resonates deeply.

It explores the reality faced in a haven of peace and the conflict over what is lost in the pursuit of ideals.

Cocco’s delicate depiction of human strength and fragility shakes the listener’s heart.

Released in November 1997 as her second single, the song was also included on the album “Kumuiuta” and chosen as the CM song for JAL’s Hawaii campaign.

Its delicate yet powerful vocals and poetic expression struck a chord with many, earning it Gold Disc certification.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when thinking of someone dear or standing at a crossroads in life.

A youth anthem that particularly resonates with those who grew up in the ’90s.

Cherry blossom petalsAKB48

AKB48 – Cherry Blossom Petals
Cherry blossom petalsAKB48

This is AKB48’s debut song.

Starting with a school bell chime, it was always performed at AKB48’s milestone events.

The phrase “sakura no hanabira-tachi” (cherry blossom petals) is lovely, and the chime sounds sprinkled throughout are very emotional.

I want to take only you away just like this.DEEN

DEEN “I Want to Steal You Away Just Like This <Kiseki Version>”
I want to take only you away just like this.DEEN

This work is DEEN’s debut single, released in 1993.

The setting of the song is likely somewhere in the city.

The male protagonist happens to run into an ex-girlfriend by chance, and his old feelings suddenly resurface.

He finds himself wishing he could just take her and go far away—at least, that’s the kind of scene it seems to portray.

Midnight ExpresswayFlower Companyz

It makes you feel that “youth” doesn’t refer only to the daily lives of teenagers.

The simple repetition in the chorus, together with Keisuke Suzuki’s voice, makes it a beautiful song that really resonates.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to for a wonderful night.

Masterpieces of poignant youth songs. Recommended popular tracks (41–50)

STAND BY MEGOING STEADY

It starts off very slowly, and the bittersweet melody grabs your heart.

About half of the lyrics are in English, but they’re not difficult and are easy to understand.

From the faster section in the middle, you can feel GOING STEADY’s characteristic youthful vibe and wistfulness.

It’s a really wonderful song.

Sakura SongKANA-BOON

KANA-BOON “Sakura no Uta” Music Video
Sakura SongKANA-BOON

This is a song that used to play often on the radio during cherry blossom season.

The chorus is especially memorable, and a wave of bittersweet emotion wells up as you listen.

The music video also portrays a poignant springtime story of two people.

The scene where they ride together down a road lined with blooming cherry trees is truly lovely.