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.
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[A Must-See for People in Their 20s] A Collection of Youthful Songs That Bring Back School Memories (71–80)
Ninjari Ban Bankyarī pamyu pamyu
A track distinguished by its inventive sound that fuses electropop with traditional Japanese music.
It skillfully portrays the exhilaration of everyday life being transformed by love and the frustration of unrequited feelings, making it one of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s signature works.
Released in March 2013, it drew attention as the tie-in song for au’s TV commercial “FULL CONTROL TOKYO” and became her first No.
1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
In 2019, it was also featured in the film John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, gaining widespread popularity both in Japan and abroad.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to revisit the thrills and bittersweet pangs of young love.
Silent majorityKeyakizaka46
Sakurazaka46 delivers songs that resonate with the true feelings of young people.
Their debut single, released in 2016, was “Silent Majority.” Its original choreography and message-driven lyrics generated a lot of buzz.
The track is crafted as dance music that makes the most of a low, thumping bass, resulting in a sound that’s both dazzling and cool.
Many listeners likely related to it during moments of frustration in their youth.
It’s an idol song that conveys the importance of living true to yourself—reminding us that conforming to society isn’t everything.
March 9Remioromen
This is the third single by Remioromen, known for the massive hit of the winter classic Konayuki.
The song was used as an insert track in the TV drama 1 Litre of Tears and was officially announced as a piece created to celebrate a friend’s wedding.
Because of its lyrics, it’s often sung at graduation ceremonies, so many people in their twenties may have sung it at school.
The vivid, scene-evoking lyrics and the gentle, wistful melody resonate with the atmosphere of graduations and bring tears to your eyes.
It’s a masterpiece that inevitably makes you think of gratitude toward someone.
The Story You Don’t Knowsupercell
It’s one of supercell’s signature songs, overlaying a bittersweet crush onto a starry night sky.
The lyrics, which portray a romance that ends without the courage to confess the feelings kept in one’s heart, resonated with many listeners.
Released in August 2009 as the ending theme for the anime Bakemonogatari, it peaked at No.
5 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and remained in the top 20 for over two months, becoming a long-running hit.
This work is a youth anthem about the faint feelings of love held on a summer night.
It’s a song that brings back memories of friends and someone you once had feelings for.
It’s also a great pick for karaoke!
I BelieveEXILE
For people currently in their 20s, many would probably say they listened to EXILE the most during the Second Chapter era.
This song sits right at the heart of that period: it was included on the 2007 album EXILE LOVE and had been released as a single beforehand.
Its wintry sound pairs perfectly with the sweet vocals of ATSUSHI and TAKAHIRO.
I’m sure many people have lots of memories tied to this track—singing it at karaoke or listening to the CD every day.
Samurai Heart (Some Like It Hot!!)SPYAIR
Samurai Heart (Some Like It Hot!!), released by SPYAIR in 2011.
Since it was used as the ending theme for the anime Gintama’, many people now in their 20s probably listened to it a lot back then.
Its fiery, uplifting lyrics stir the heart, and it always gets the crowd going at their shows.
In particular, SPYAIR gained popularity in the 2010s by providing many theme songs for anime and films—so please take another listen to this signature track of theirs.
AitaiKato Miria
A sad love song whose unfulfilled longing still resonates today—Miliyah Kato’s “Aitai.” The track is included on her fourth album, “Ring,” released in 2009.
Among breakup songs, it’s especially heartbreaking: the person you love loves someone else, and even though you know your feelings won’t be returned, you still want to stay by their side.
That aching emotion comes through so clearly in this song.
Told from a woman’s perspective, it’s a love song many women have likely found relatable—moving them to tears.
