A Must-See for Those in Their 20s: A Collection of Youthful Songs That Bring Back School Days

One million “I love you”sRake

Rake "One Million Times 'I Love You'"

When it comes to songs that bring back memories of youthful days spent with friends or a lover, Rake’s 2010 release “A Million Times ‘I Love You’” comes to mind.

If you’re in your twenties now, some of you might even remember using it as a ringtone or caller tune.

The chorus, filled with a straightforward declaration of love, leaves a lasting impression.

Accompanied by his refreshing vocals, the melody unfolds over an R&B-style beat.

Try listening to it while thinking of the person you were dating back then—or the one you had a crush on.

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mutō

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Heavy rotationAKB48

[MV full] Heavy Rotation / AKB48 [Official]

Countless people have been encouraged by this high-energy song! It’s a hit by the popular idol group AKB48, released in 2010 as their 17th single.

The refreshing, fast-paced rock sound really shines with the members’ cute vocals! The lyrics, which compare the feeling of being in love to music, are adorable too.

I bet there are people who were inspired by this song and the group to pursue an idol career.

Give it a listen while reminiscing about the “Heavy Rotation” craze of the time!

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Araki Jakkan

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Bluebirdikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari "Blue Bird" Music Video

Ikimono-gakari’s “Blue Bird” features a refreshing, invigorating melody that leaves a strong impression and stirs the heart.

Chosen as the opening theme for the anime Naruto Shippuden, it’s a song many people in their twenties are likely familiar with.

With its bright, powerful vocals and uplifting lyrics, this track has captivated many fans and seems to symbolize the brilliance of youth.

It’s also a karaoke staple, guaranteed to liven up the room when sung with friends of the same generation.

This timeless classic will surely continue to be loved by many for years to come.

Ninjari Ban Bankyarī pamyu pamyu

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu – Ninja Re Bang Bang

A track distinguished by its inventive sound that fuses electropop with traditional Japanese music.

It skillfully portrays the exhilaration of everyday life being transformed by love and the frustration of unrequited feelings, making it one of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s signature works.

Released in March 2013, it drew attention as the tie-in song for au’s TV commercial “FULL CONTROL TOKYO” and became her first No.

1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

In 2019, it was also featured in the film John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, gaining widespread popularity both in Japan and abroad.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to revisit the thrills and bittersweet pangs of young love.

Geeshōjo jidai

Girls’ Generation Shoujo Jidai ‘Gee’ MV (Japanese Ver.)

A song by Girls’ Generation, a female idol group that debuted not only in their home country of South Korea but also in Japan, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, and across Europe and the United States, becoming top stars in the K-pop idol scene.

Beyond being a smash hit that put the group’s name on the map, some people may have first learned about it through the parody unit “Showa Jidai” performed by Masahiro Nakai of SMAP with the Oyaji Dancers on the TV show SMAP×SMAP.

Its irresistibly cute, poppy melody and fast, thrilling beat likely made a big impact on those who were in their twenties at the time.

It’s an iconic number that cemented K-pop’s popularity in Japan.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Feeling great!!mihimaru GT

mihimaru GT – Feeling Great ↑↑

Kibun Jojo ↑↑ by mihimaru GT was the kind of track that totally hyped up people in their twenties back then.

If you want a quick way to liven up the vibe or sing a crowd-pleaser at karaoke, this song is super handy! Released in 2006, it was used in commercials and all sorts of tie-ins, instantly spreading mihimaru GT’s name.

It’s a song that amps up the already sky-high energy of students even more.

Even when you’re feeling down, just listening to it will lift your spirits.

It’ll flood you with fun memories from your school days and make you think, “I wish I could go back to those times!”—no doubt about it!

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SAKI

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Adolescent RhapsodySambomasutā

Sambomaster – Seishun Kyousoukyoku – Live

A song released in 2004 that became the opening theme for the anime Naruto, and I imagine many people—regardless of gender—watched the anime back then.

Of course, for those who listened when it first came out, it’s a nostalgic track, but even if you didn’t hear it in real time, I think it’s a song that still lets you feel the spirit of youth.

There’s this surge of passion welling up from within—something unique to our adolescent years—that you can feel in Sambomaster’s music.

Their songs are like the very sound of youth, so definitely check out their other tracks too!

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Hane Keisuke

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