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 Days (91–100)
GuaranaSukima Suichi
Among Sukima Switch’s songs, this one is especially popular—the up-tempo groove paired with Takuya Ohashi’s powerful vocals is just so cool! It was used as the theme song for the 2006 film “Rough,” so hearing it probably brings the movie’s story back to mind, doesn’t it? The lyrics also carry a message that cheers on those who can’t bring themselves to confess their feelings, and I bet many people back then found the courage they needed through this song.
Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB48
Released in 2013, this is a pretty memorable song among AKB48’s tracks! It became a social phenomenon, with many people posting videos of themselves dancing to it on their social media.
I’m sure many people in their 20s were students when it came out, and quite a few probably performed it at school festivals or sports days.
It’s a relatively recent song, but it definitely brings back memories of fun, youthful days.
loveHoshino Gen
Gen Hoshino’s “Koi” swept across Japan in no time after its 2016 release, and its popularity soared further as the theme song for the drama “We Married as a Job!” (Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu).
Many of you probably danced the viral Koi Dance with friends back then.
Just hearing this song will bring back that rush of excitement and the joy of those youthful days.
It’s a quintessential track that captures the sweet-and-sour thrill and fun of youth—a song that truly defines its era.
rainbow-coloredayaka
Ayaka’s “Nijiiro” is a special song for many people in their 20s, remembered as a track that colored their youthful school days.
Released in 2014, it was also the theme song for an NHK morning drama, and its positive, warm lyrics gently wrapped the start of each day.
Ayaka’s soft vocal tone and the comforting melody still resonate with us even now.
It’s also loved as a classic song to play at weddings, and many people may have used it at their own ceremonies.
Real FaceKAT-TUN
A debut single by KAT-TUN, an idol group that carved out a unique niche with a flashy, wild style far removed from the sparkling, straight‑A student image of typical idols, each member radiating a striking individuality.
It also drew attention for its creators: lyrics by singer‑songwriter Shikao Suga and composition by Takahiro Matsumoto of the rock duo B’z.
The arrangement foregrounds a rock sound fused with slick, handsome rap, evoking elements of rap‑rock/mixture styles; many listeners were thrilled by the blend of cutting‑edge sonics and catchy melodies.
It’s a rock tune that transcends the “idol song” label—one that sends anyone who heard it in real time in their twenties into high gear.
My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS
A song that portrays a fateful love transcending time and space.
Its lyrics, which sing of bittersweet feelings and an eternal bond, resonate deeply with listeners.
Released digitally in July 2016, it drew attention as an insert song in the animated film Your Name, released the same year.
It became a major chart-topping hit and remains beloved by many years after its release.
It’s a track that teenagers struggling with love or life will surely relate to.
It’s also perfect for listening while reflecting on memories of romance.
Many people have likely found solace in this song at pivotal moments in their lives.
New Treasure IslandSakanakushon
This song can be called one of Sakanaction’s signature tracks.
Released in 2015, its danceable elements spread through social media and permeated all kinds of scenes.
The balance between its surreal, quintessentially Sakanaction impact and its overwhelming catchiness is outstanding.
The exhilarating, soaring chorus is also something only Sakanaction can deliver! Just listening to it gets you excited.
With that vibe, it pairs perfectly with TikTok and has become widely popular, especially in dance videos.
It was also used as the theme song for the film “Bakuman.” The message—encouraging you to move forward in your own way, even if you’re clumsy—really resonates.
Listening to “Shin Takarajima” might bring back fun memories from your youth.