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 (111–120)
Happy SynthesizerEasyPop(BETTI)
If you’re in your twenties now, there are probably quite a few of you who listened to Vocaloid back in your school days.
Among those songs, one that many people likely remember is EasyPop’s “Happy Synthesizer.” Its simple beat and catchy melody are incredibly appealing.
That familiar, easy-to-listen quality will make you want to play it again after just one listen.
As we become adults, we may feel that music hits us with that kind of addictiveness less often, but try listening to this song while recalling how you used to play the same track over and over as a student.
Heroineback number
A song by back number released in January 2015.
Its lyrics, portraying a bittersweet unrequited love against a wintry backdrop, resonate deeply.
The overlapping imagery of snow piling up in a beautiful landscape and feelings for a loved one is especially striking.
It was featured in commercials for JR East’s “JR SKISKI” campaign and Kirin’s Tanrei Green Label, capturing the hearts of many.
The song has remained popular over a long period, surpassing 100 million streams.
Many people have likely sung it at karaoke, too.
It’s a heartwarming love song you’ll want to listen to on a winter night while thinking of someone special.
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN
BUMP OF CHICKEN’s signature song “Tentai Kansoku” (Stargazing).
Watching this music video reminds me of how I used to look up at the sky over and over with the telescope we had at home, almost every night.
Even though it’s a song from the very beginning of the 21st century, it’s a timeless classic!
Yo-kai Exercise No. 1Dream5
Released in 2014 and used as the ending theme for the anime Yo-kai Watch, this song is a particularly special track among Dream5’s releases! It was loved by a wide audience—from children to adults—and became a massive hit.
It peaked at No.
8 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and stayed on the chart for 44 weeks, making it a long-running success.
Many people can probably still recall the catchy chorus even now.
With its bright, rhythmic tempo and danceable vibe, plenty of people may have memories of dancing to it with friends.
road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE
This is a ballad by EXILE that enjoys support across a wide range of age groups, especially among people in their 20s.
Released in February 2007, the song serves as an anthem encouraging those embarking on a new path, and is often used at important farewell moments such as graduation ceremonies and send-off gatherings.
Featuring lyrics imbued with the members’ heartfelt emotions and a melody that resonates deeply, it’s a track that gives you the courage to keep moving forward even as you cherish the parting.
The song was also featured in an MTI “music.jp” commercial, and has become beloved as a piece that stays close to listeners’ hearts.
For those in their 20s, it may be a song that brings back memories of their school days.
Why did I end up falling in love with you?Tōhōshinki
TVXQ, often credited with sparking Japan’s K-pop boom, released the song “Why Did I Fall in Love with You?” in 2008 while thriving primarily in Japan and Korea.
The track portrays the aching feelings of love that linger even when you know you’ll never end up together.
Their impressive choral work, flawlessly delivering Japanese lyrics, is particularly striking.
Set to an R&B-inflected beat, the song features a beautiful yet fleeting piano tone.
Why not revisit your youth, accompanied by a soundscape that brings emotional memories vividly to life?
Mass-produced boyfriendSHISHAMO
Released in June 2019, it’s one of the most striking songs in SHISHAMO’s catalog! With Asako Miyazaki’s candid vocals, the heartbreak and loneliness of unrequited love resonate deeply with listeners.
Though not based on real experiences, the lyrics are written from the perspective of an imaginary protagonist, like a short manga, and they have struck a chord with many people.
Comparing yourself to the boyfriend chosen by the person you like…
hasn’t everyone felt that at some point? I think it’s a song that brings back the bittersweet memories of youth.