A Must-See for Those in Their 20s: A Collection of Youthful Songs That Bring Back School Days
People in their 20s today—what songs come to mind when you hear the phrase “youth anthem”? The songs you listened to as a student can instantly bring back the fun times and the tough moments, right? Why not take this opportunity to look back on those memorable classics from your youth? In this article, we’ll introduce songs that people in their 20s find nostalgic.
Surely, memories of what happened back then—exchanges with friends, and the person you had a crush on—will all come vividly flooding back.
[A Must-See for People in Their 20s] A Collection of Youthful Songs That Bring Back School Days (1–10)
Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
This is a song by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS that expresses gratitude as straightforwardly as possible.
Its warm melody, which gently envelops the listener’s heart, is also memorable, and it continues to be loved as a track that prompts us to reflect on our feelings for those who have supported us.
Released in February 2013, the song was chosen as the theme for MBS and GAORA’s broadcast of the 85th Senbatsu High School Baseball Tournament, as well as for Nippon TV’s “Akamru! Scoop Koshien.” The music video features Sanma Akashiya, which drew significant attention.
It’s a song to play when you want to convey your gratitude to someone important or to mark a milestone in life.
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Released in June 2015, many of you probably listened to this song often during your school days.
It carries a powerful message that gives listeners courage by contrasting loneliness with hope.
It has been used as a movie theme song and in commercials, and has been loved by a wide audience.
It’s also popular at events like sports days and school festivals, and it’s a hit at karaoke.
It’s recommended when you need the courage to carve out your own path or when you want to start a new challenge.
LOSERYonezu Kenshi
A vivid portrayal of the feelings of young people struggling with self-loathing and how to face society, this is one of Kenshi Yonezu’s signature works.
While self-deprecatingly accepting the label “loser,” the protagonist’s determination to rise from that state is deeply moving.
Released as a double A-side single in September 2016 and later included on the 2017 album BOOTLEG, the song also drew attention for its music video, in which Yonezu himself tried dancing for the first time.
In 2018, it was featured in a Honda JADE car commercial, earning widespread support across diverse audiences.
It’s a track not only for those who want to look back on their youth, but also for anyone who feels they haven’t found their place or who harbors anxiety about the future.
It’s not me unless it’s meGesu no Kiwami Otome.
This is a masterpiece that brilliantly captures the subtle workings of a heart endlessly searching for what it means to be oneself.
It delicately portrays the feelings of modern people struggling with self-denial and comparisons with others, making it a song that resonates deeply with many listeners.
Released in April 2015 as Gesu no Kiwami Otome’s second single, the track captivates with its unique sound that skillfully fuses diverse genres such as funk and progressive rock.
Chosen as the theme song for Coca-Cola’s “Name Bottle Campaign” commercial and performed at the 66th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen that same year, it became a widely recognized work in society.
It’s a song I especially recommend to anyone facing themselves and trying to take a new step forward.
Baby, I love youTEE
A warm love song by TEE that wraps up the feeling of inviting someone special with the words, “Let’s go on a trip, let’s go see the ocean.” Released in October 2010 and featured on TBS’s music program COUNT DOWN TV as well as in Aoyama Trading’s “Yofuku no Aoyama” commercials, the song gently sings of affection for a loved one over a relaxed rhythm.
The music video features model Mikiko Yano, and the visual beauty crafted by director Takahiro Miki also drew attention.
Beloved as a wedding staple, this track is one you’ll want to hear as it accompanies special moments with someone dear, and warmly resonates with those in love.