[Guaranteed to resonate!] Youth songs that strike a chord with teens. Recommended coming-of-age tracks.
When we talk about our youth, many people probably think of their teenage years.
During your teens, you experience all kinds of things that become lifelong treasures—romance, bonds with friends, and club activities where you push each other to grow alongside your teammates.
In this article, we’ll introduce a comprehensive selection of youth songs we want teenagers to hear!
We’ve picked tracks that express a wide range of emotions, so you’re sure to find songs that resonate with you and move your heart.
Let’s dive right in!
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- A youth song with great lyrics. A lovely message that stays with your heart.
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- [Youth Anthems] A curated selection of popular and latest songs to hype up your school cultural festival
- Club Activity Youth Songs: Motivational Anthems and Timeless Tracks of Memories with Teammates
- Moving songs recommended for high school students: classic and popular Japanese hits
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[Relatable!] Youthful songs that resonate with teens. Recommended coming-of-age songs (41–50)
Maru Maru Mori Mori!Kaoru to Tomoki, tama ni Mukku.
It became a huge hit as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Marumo no Okite.” Did you watch the show? Mana-chan’s acting made us cry so many times, didn’t it? The now-common staging where the cast performs a dance in a drama’s theme song—I feel like it became popular because this song was such a hit.
Thanks to the drama’s success, Mana Ashida and Fuku Suzuki quickly became nationwide sensations.
The two of them awkwardly yet earnestly showing their dance was so heartwarming.
Mana Ashida has grown up so much—maybe we should start calling her “Ms.
Ashida” now instead of “Mana-chan.”
TokimekiVaundy
Vaundy, who enjoys tremendous support even among teens—have you listened to his song “Tokimeki”? It was originally written as a song for a car commercial.
However, since it was also used in a Docomo Seishun-wari (Youth Discount) short film, it’s beloved as a youth anthem as well.
The lyrics delve into positive emotions like “moving moments” and “laughter,” making it perfect for looking back on fun memories from your school days.
Be sure to check out both the short film and the full-length track.
OrangeSPYAIR
A bittersweet anthem of youth by SPYAIR, released in February 2024 as the theme song for the film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle, which poignantly portrays sweet-and-sour coming-of-age moments.
With fresh, vibrant vocals and an energetic band sound, the song captures the hearts of young people where hope and anxiety intertwine, conveying a strong resolve to keep moving forward even as they reluctantly part from friends.
Its refreshing yet heartrending melody and empowering message that points toward the future make it perfect for spring—the season of new beginnings like moving up a grade or graduation.
It’s a song that gently gives a push to everyone setting out on a new path with memories of cherished friends close to their hearts.
Live the summerRyokushokushakai
The third digital-only single by Ryokuoushoku Shakai, a four-piece rock band drawing attention for their impactful name and refreshing pop sensibility.
Chosen as the theme song for tvk’s “RIDE OF KANAGAWA 2020 High School Baseball,” the track charms from its lyrical guitar-and-piano intro through to its exhilarating, fast-paced chorus.
The memories of pouring everything into the limited window of youth—and the even shorter summers within it—will shine in your heart as treasures no matter how old you get.
It’s a pop tune recommended for teenagers, carrying the message to live those dazzling days without regrets.
The BeginningONE OK ROCK
The seventh single by the four-piece rock band ONE OK ROCK, used as the theme song for the film Rurouni Kenshin.
Originally arranged for piano, the song was rearranged into a band sound, transforming it into a fast-paced, rock-driven track.
Its powerful message—that it’s not over as long as you keep getting back up, even when you feel like you’re about to fall—makes it a rock number that resonates with the reckless, youthful spirit of teenagers who keep taking on challenges.
Dear, boyHump Back
Hump Back’s major-label debut powerfully sings of childhood dreams, hopes, and the frustration of seeing them falter.
Written as a cheering song filled with feelings for their high school bandmates, it has resonated with many.
Embracing the anxieties and doubts that come with chasing a dream, it gently encourages listeners to keep looking forward—a heartwarming message song.
Released as a single in June 2018, it was also used in a TV commercial for Shinken Zemi’s High School Course.
It reached No.
13 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and stayed on the charts for 21 weeks.
It’s a song that gives a strong push to those striving toward their dreams and to those who feel on the verge of losing sight of their goals.
hurrayYabai T-shatsu Yasan
Youth can be fun, but it’s also a time when worries tend to pile up—about studying, sports, and romance.
That’s why I want you to listen to “hurray.” It’s a song written by Yabai T-Shirts Yasan as an insert track for a morning drama.
Repeating the phrase “hurray” from the title, it’s crafted to cheer on anyone giving their best.
At the same time, it stands out for its detailed portrayal of students’ inner feelings.
I’m sure you’ll relate to it too.