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! 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.
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.
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.
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.
I’ll call your name.NEW!SUPER BEAVER
Written as the theme song for the film Tokyo Revengers, this piece is a rock number packed with a fiery message! Through the simple act of “calling someone’s name,” the lyrics make us rediscover the certainty of our bonds and the preciousness of encounters, powerfully moving the hearts of listeners.
Released as a single in July 2021, it also marked an important milestone celebrating SUPER BEAVER’s 15th anniversary.
The sound—linked to the film’s worldview—evokes human connection and is a must-listen! Play it while spending time with dear friends or teammates, or in a quiet moment, and you’ll be reminded of how much they mean to you.
It’s the perfect track for feeling gratitude for the people you’ve met and for cherishing the ties you want to nurture from here on.
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.
OrangeSPYAIR
Known for their fiery performances and wide musical range, SPYAIR’s music vividly captures the brilliance of youth.
Released in February 2024 as the theme song for Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle: The Movie, this track warmly sings about encounters and bonds forged within limited time.
Its melody, filled with courage and hope to pursue your dreams, is sure to resonate deeply.
Packed with the charm of SPYAIR—who continue to draw attention through their anime collaborations—this is a song that’s guaranteed to hype up any karaoke session.
A perfect, uplifting youth anthem for making memories with friends.