Also great for karaoke with friends! Youthful songs that hype up the Reiwa era
In the past, “youth songs” often brought romantic themes to mind, but in recent years more songs have portrayed youth in a variety of ways.
Of course, youth and romance are inseparable, but there’s been a rise in broader takes on youth songs—tracks about friendship or songs that evoke club activities, for example.
So this time, we’re introducing youth songs released in the Reiwa era.
They’re the kind of tracks that not only lift your spirits just by listening, but also get everyone hyped when sung together at karaoke.
Be sure to check them out!
Also great for karaoke with friends! Youthful songs that hype up the Reiwa era (1–10)
You don’t listen to rock.aimyon
A signature song by Aimyon, whose lyrics are packed with distinctive imagery and wordplay and whose music carries a touch of nostalgia, captivating a wide range of listeners.
Released in August 2017, the track won over many hearts, surpassing 300 million streams.
Set to a sprightly acoustic guitar, its unrequited love story vividly portrays youthful romance and is likely to resonate especially with male listeners.
The universal theme of wanting to share the same music with the person you like makes this a compelling song that strikes a chord with anyone who hears it.
Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism
A digital download–only single by the four-piece piano pop band Official HIGE DANDism, used as the opening theme for the TV anime Tokyo Revengers.
Its heavy rock sound and the complex melody and song structure, with repeated key changes, are undeniably addictive.
Released in May 2021, this track showcases a new side of Higedan, blending a rock-oriented feel that brings the band’s presence to the forefront with poppy melodies carried by a shuffle beat.
Its intricate arrangement mirrors the twists and turns of club activities, evoking a youth that was anything but straightforward.
Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai
The digital-only single released by Ryokuoushoku Shakai in July 2024 was chosen as the theme song for the ABEMA drama “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita Summer Vacation 2024.” Its exhilarating sound and lyrics that sing of the fleeting nature of youth are striking.
The message—let’s sprint through our youth with everything we’ve got precisely because it’s limited—really resonates, doesn’t it? The band’s clear, transparent vocals and pop melody evoke dazzling memories of summer.
It’s a song that’s sure to get everyone hyped if you sing it with friends at karaoke.
Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu
Macaroni Enpitsu’s songs sing about the importance of cherishing every single moment of youth.
Even the dull days and the sight of young people striving toward their dreams—all of it is a treasure of youth.
Released as a digital single in March 2019, this track was written specifically for a McDonald’s ¥500 Value Set commercial.
If you sing it together at karaoke, it’ll surely bring back memories of your youth.
It’s the perfect song for getting hyped with friends.
So in love I’m gonna perish!NEW!M!LK
A pure love song that comically and poppily portrays an uncontrollably explosive crush, it’s a number that instantly warms up the karaoke vibe.
The repeated chants in the chorus and the irresistibly clap-along rhythms will send listeners’ excitement soaring.
Released in October 2025 as the work that caps off the 10th anniversary of the vocal dance unit M!LK, this track lets you feel their remarkable momentum—especially after their previous song “Ii jan” sparked a huge reaction, surpassing 2.4 billion total plays on social media.
Designed with call-and-response in mind, it’s perfect for lively sing-alongs with friends, tossing in ad-libs together.
Gate of GloryHirai Dai
Selected as the theme song for summer high school baseball, this piece is an impressive number featuring Dai Hirai’s warm vocals and a positive message.
Released digitally in July 2022, it also gained attention as the theme song for “Nettou Koshien.” Through the world of high school baseball—a realm of competition—it conveys the importance of continuing to take on challenges positively in various moments of life.
Its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics are sure to resonate with every student dedicating their youth to club activities.
It’s a powerful, emotional track that gives you a push to move on to the next stage with a positive mindset.
Philosophy[Alexandros]
![Philosophy[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jIysnJZewLQ/sddefault.jpg)
[Alexandros] is a four-piece rock band that has gained popularity for its polished rock sound and emotional messages.
Their digital-only single released by Universal Music in January 2020 was written specifically for NHK’s youth program “18-Fes.” Spanning about six minutes, the track features powerful guitar riffs and standout vocals, with lyrics that capture youthful defiance and inner conflict.
The gradual build from the intro is striking, culminating in an emotional climax.
Its message, which speaks to the real struggles of adolescence, is likely to resonate especially deeply with younger listeners.
It’s a highly recommended track for a school festival BGM—one that many will inevitably see themselves in.