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)
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.
Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number
A candid summer love song about unrequited feelings for someone you admire.
It’s a work by back number, the three-piece rock band behind numerous hits like “Suiheisen” and “Christmas Song,” released in 2013 as their eighth single.
In recent years, it was featured in a TV commercial starring vocalist Shimizu, so some people may have heard it again there for the first time in a while.
Its light, buoyant sound, straightforward vocals, and nostalgic melodic lines intertwine exquisitely to create a pleasantly immersive sonic image.
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.
sense of shameshuuchishin
Quiz! Hexagon II aired from 2005 to 2011.
The show was very popular at the time, and many people probably remember it often coming up and getting everyone excited at school and elsewhere.
From among the show’s cast, a unit was formed that debuted as singers: Shuchishin.
The three members—Naoki Nokubo, Takeshi Tsuruno, and Yusuke Kamiji—were a big hit back then.
Their song Shuchishin shares the same title as the unit name and was released in 2008 as their debut single.
Maybe you have memories of dancing or singing it with friends at school?
peace signYonezu Kenshi
If you’re in your 20s, you probably can’t talk about hit songs without mentioning him.
Kenshi Yonezu has now become a top artist, a name known nationwide.
His song “Peace Sign” was released in 2017 and served as the opening theme for season 2 of the anime My Hero Academia.
Many people were encouraged and made more positive by this track.
When you listen to it as an adult, rather than just feeling nostalgic, it still gives you strength—almost like a protective charm of a song.
[A Must-See for People in Their 20s] Collection of Youthful Songs That Bring Back School Days (41–50)
Someone more important than a friendGoriki Ayame
This is Ayame Gouriki’s captivating debut work, portraying a deep bond that goes beyond friendship.
When you realize that someone is irreplaceable to you, the relationship begins to mean more than just friends.
Like magic, the moments when your bond warms your heart are expressed with a bright, pop melody.
Released in July 2013, the song was also featured in Yamazaki Baking’s “Lunch Pack” commercial, earning broad support across generations.
When you’re struggling with a relationship with someone important, listening to this song will help you reaffirm the depth and value of that bond.
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.