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 (31–40)
silhouetteKANA-BOON
KANA-BOON’s fourth single “Silhouette,” released in 2014.
This track is well known for being the theme song of the anime Naruto.
It’s a song packed with KANA-BOON’s signature style—full of drive, energizing, and sure to boost your mood.
I’m sure many people got hooked on KANA-BOON because of this song.
Listening to it again as an adult brings back all kinds of memories and really hits you in the heart.
Maru-Maru-Mori-Mori!Kaoru to Tomoki, tama ni Mukku.
Set to a bright, cheerful rhythm, this song carries a warm message of watching over children as they grow.
Its story-like lyrics convey the beauty of cherishing each day and holding on to one’s dreams.
Released in May 2011 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Marumo no Okite,” it was also performed at the 62nd NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen that same year, creating a buzz.
With easy-to-learn choreography and an approachable melody, it became popular at kindergarten and nursery school recitals.
The adorable performances by Mana Ashida and Fuku Suzuki—both now hugely successful actors—are truly heartwarming.
SHAMROCKUVERworld
Released in 2006 and also used as the theme song for the drama “Dandori ~Dance☆Drill~,” this track remains one of their most popular songs even today! Back when it came out, UVERworld was already in the spotlight for doing themes for the anime “BLEACH,” among other things.
Still, I think many people found this particular song especially memorable.
With its bright yet heavy sound, exhilarating vocal parts, and contrasting rap sections, there’s so much to enjoy—listening to it again after a while really makes your heart race.
Night Sky Patrol of TomorrowOrangestar
This song, filled with nostalgia and bittersweet emotion, is a youth anthem that really seeps into your heart when you listen to it.
The lyrics, which sing of anxiety and hope for the future, are sure to resonate strongly with people in their twenties.
Released in April 2015, this track is one of Orangestar’s signature works.
It was so popular on Niconico that it racked up over 10 million views.
The song is also included on the album “Mikanzensei Eight Beats.” Its refreshing sound that evokes the end of summer is another big draw.
It’s the perfect track to listen to while chatting with friends or thinking about someone you like.
Highly recommended for when you want to reminisce about your youth!
GO!!!FLOW
An energetic track released in 2004 by the rock band FLOW.
It also became an opening song for the anime Naruto, so it holds a special place in many anime fans’ hearts.
It’s just bursting with exhilarating momentum! In the 15th-anniversary version released in 2017, the voice actors joined in, giving it an even more powerful and explosive vibe.
The parts where everyone shouts are a blast, and remembering shouting along at live shows or singing it with friends at karaoke is seriously hype.
Beyond the adrenaline-pumping sound, it brings back fun memories and is a song that really fills you with energy!
[A Must-See for People in Their 20s] Collection of Youthful Songs That Bring Back School Days (41–50)
I’ll be by your side.Aoyama Teruma ft. SoulJa
This song, one of Thelma Aoyama’s signature tracks, is probably one many of you used to sing at karaoke back in your school days, right? At the time, it was wildly popular—so much so that it dominated the era—and it had overwhelming support especially among junior high and high school students.
And you can’t talk about this song without mentioning that it became the first ever full-length ringtone (“chaku-uta full”) to surpass 2 million downloads.
I bet many of you reading this had the full ringtone yourself, didn’t you? It’s a coming-of-age anthem that’s sure to stir up a bit of nostalgia and tug at your heartstrings.
Matryoshkahachi
Kenshi Yonezu, now a leading singer-songwriter in the J-POP scene, created “Matryoshka” in 2010 under his Vocaloid producer name, Hachi—a work that had a tremendous impact on the Vocaloid scene at the time.
Set to a thrilling band performance that keeps you on edge with its unpredictable development, the song unfolds with philosophical messages.
Countless “sang it” and “danced it” videos have been made, and many in their twenties may feel a sense of nostalgia.
Harnessing Hatsune Miku’s flexible, expressive voice, its mechanical sound discovered new possibilities for music.
