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!
- Packed with everything from friendship to romance! Youth anthems recommended for Gen Z
- Easy-to-sing youth songs for karaoke: recommended classics and popular hits
- Bright friendship songs recommended for high school students. A collection of hype-up tracks.
- [Clubs, Friendship, Romance] Youth songs middle schoolers should listen to
- An anthem for your 30s. Beloved and popular songs that are both heart-pumping and heart-fluttering.
- Colorful coming-of-age songs perfect for autumn listening
- [For adults too] Youth songs that let you look back on your memories
- [Classic & Latest] Famous and Popular Songs That Sing of Youth
- Friendship songs recommended for high school students: classic and popular J‑pop hits
- Idol Songs from the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa Eras: Classic and Latest Hits That Light Up Karaoke
- A roundup of youth-themed songs recommended for high school students
- Recommended for high school students! Fun, crowd-pleasing songs for karaoke
- Emotional friendship songs recommended for high school students
Also great for karaoke with friends! Youth songs that hype up the Reiwa era (21–30)
Happy hourKubota Kai
Singer-songwriter Kubota Kai, known for his literary lyrics, has released a track in August 2025 that can be called a “cheers anthem,” themed around the happiness of nights spent with friends.
Its rap-rooted, easygoing flow blends with a pop sound, evoking the sparkle of the nighttime city.
With a warm message that affirms the weariness and loneliness of daily life through joyful moments with companions, this song is sure to resonate with many.
It’s a perfect listen for gatherings with college friends or for unwinding on your own.
Me, looking my best—I’m unstoppable! (feat. Yurinya)Pretty Chuu
As the title suggests, it’s a positive song with lyrics that boost your self-esteem and help you love yourself! The range is comfortable, so even karaoke beginners can sing it with confidence, and it’s easy to get hyped at karaoke—singing with friends will make it even more fun.
When you sing, the chorus starts on A#4, so don’t push your voice; imagine singing lightly with a smile, which makes it easier to catch the groove and keep it sounding cute.
It might be best to sing as if you’ve actually become an idol! That way your facial muscles stay lifted, which prevents a throaty sound and lets you sing comfortably and pleasantly.
Also, waving your hand side to side like at a live concert helps you lock into the rhythm, so I recommend it!
Getting hurt is what youth is about.STU48
STU48 is an idol group based in the seven prefectures of the Seto Inland Sea region.
Kizutsuku Koto ga Seishun da (Getting Hurt Is What Youth Is About) was released as their 12th single in August 2025.
Its message—that getting hurt is never meaningless and that people grow through pain—will likely resonate deeply not only with those in the midst of their youth but also with adults who have already gone through it.
The refreshing sound perfectly matches the lyrics, too.
With translucent vocals and a beautiful melody that lingers in your ears, it’s an emotional pop tune.
1000 daysnozomi
Released in April 2025 with its music video following in August, this track layers a passionate melody over a pop-tinged guitar rock sound.
Its lyrics—singing of the bittersweet emotions born from roughly a thousand intense days of high school life and a cheer for the future—are likely to resonate with many listeners.
It’s an emotional power song that embraces the feeling of cherishing days gone by.
Kono Yubi Tomareyosugala
This song by yosugala delivers a powerful message centered on encouragement and compassion for those facing hardship.
It reaches out to anyone feeling defeat or loneliness, expressing—through an emotional melody—the importance of extending a hand and continuing to believe in their inner light.
Created by members of the band AliA, the piece premiered at the hall concert “progress the night -LINE CUBE SHIBUYA-” held in February 2025 and was released in March of the same year.
As a heartwarming anthem that supports friends practicing for school festivals and cultural events, and companions walking together toward their goals, it is sure to resonate with many people.
Over The Horizon!naniwa danshi
This is a song by Naniwa Danshi that heralds the start of a new adventure with a refreshing sound.
Included on the album “BON BON VOYAGE,” released in July 2025, the track brilliantly embodies the concept of “journeys and adventures.” It captures the exhilaration of stepping beyond the horizon with your friends and conveys a powerful hope that you can overcome any hardship—listening to it leaves you feeling uplifted.
When you dive into the unknown, this song gives you strength!
Why do we run?Nogizaka 46
This is a song by Nogizaka46 that vividly captures the dazzling glow of youth—being driven by something for no reason at all.
In response to the question of why we run and sweat, the lyrics boldly declare, “There’s no meaning,” embodying that uniquely youthful impulse where the body moves before the mind can think.
Perhaps it’s precisely because it’s sung by the 6th generation, the group’s next wave, that the words carry a genuine, unfeigned radiance.
Included on the single “Same numbers,” released in July 2025, this track is a youth pop anthem that blends coolness with an emotional resonance.