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 Your 20s] A Collection of Youthful Songs That Bring Back School Days (21–30)
Blue BookmarkGalileo Galilei
Galileo Galilei, who unfortunately disbanded in 2016.
Their song “Aoi Shiori” is their fourth single, released in 2011, and it became their signature track—the one that comes to mind when you think of Galileo.
It was also a huge hit as the theme song for the anime “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day.” Vocalist Ozaki’s gentle, sweet voice blends with the heartrending lyrics to make your heart ache.
It’s a song that perfectly captures the word “youth,” and listening to it will likely bring back memories of love and so many things from that time, won’t it?
The Toilet GodUemura Kana
Kana Uemura’s famous song gently weaves the bond with family from childhood to adulthood.
Released in November 2010, this warm piece portrays personal growth and inner beauty through memories of her grandmother and the lessons she taught.
It was also used as the theme for Kao’s commercial “Toilet Quickle: Beppin-san Edition.” At the 52nd Japan Record Awards, it won both the Excellent Work Award and the Lyrics Award, and Uemura performed it at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Carried by a tender, acoustic sound, the song conveys family love and cherished teachings in a way that resonates deeply.
It’s a perfect track for reflecting on memories with family or the wisdom passed down from loved ones, and for times when your heart feels tired.
[A Must-See for People in Their 20s] A Collection of Youthful Songs That Bring Back School Memories (31–40)
I Wanna See YouAbe Mao
This song is included on Mao Abe’s debut single “Tsutaetai Koto / I wanna see you,” released in 2009.
It’s a very cute love song, but it’s not just happy or heartwarming—there’s a delicate, hard-to-describe feeling and a touch of loneliness in it.
Even when you’re mutually in love and actually together, there are times you somehow feel sad or lonely, right? This track perfectly captures that wavering emotion that really resonates.
It brings back memories of the person you used to think about when you listened to this song back then.
SalamanderELLEGARDEN
I’m sure there are many people who got hooked on music or even started a band because of ELLEGARDEN.
This song, released in 2006 as their sixth single, became their last single before they went on hiatus.
Even those who don’t usually listen to Western music often encountered English lyrics and songs through ELLEGARDEN.
Although this track is in English, it’s a simple, heartfelt message song—an encouraging anthem that helps those who are struggling look forward with hope.
Joyfulikimonogakari
Ikimonogakari, a band that has led the J-pop scene since the 2000s, released “Joyful” in 2009.
It was featured in a Pocky commercial, and its catchy dance became a hot topic.
The track blends rock and pop into a colorful sound, unfolding alongside Kiyoe Yoshioka’s wonderfully flexible vocals.
The playful lyrics convey a bright, energetic spirit.
If you’re in your twenties now, give it a listen and let it bring back memories of days spent with friends or a significant other.
cloudy skyDOES
This song, Donten, is famous and very popular as an opening theme for the anime Gintama.
With a melody, lyrics, and even a title that evoke gritty, hard-hitting rock, it’s the sixth single by DOES, released in 2008.
It wasn’t written specifically for Gintama, apparently, but it fits so well that it stands out as one of the series’ signature themes.
When it was a hit, it was also popular at karaoke—many of you probably sang it, right? It’s a number that lets you sing your heart out and blow off pent-up stress!
From Me to Youflumpool
The manga Kimi ni Todoke, which was a massive hit from the 2000s into the 2010s.
The song used as the film’s theme song is this track.
Released in 2010 by the rock band flumpool, it’s also known as one of their signature songs.
Its driving rock sound evokes the feeling of sprinting through youth.
It depicts moments overflowing with feelings for someone you love, and may bring back memories of romance from that time.
It’s a number that lets you recapture the nerves of confessing to your crush and the pure, student-era innocence of first love.