A love song that feels like youth. Love songs you want to listen to—and remember—during your adolescent years.

Cherry Blossom MoonSakurazaka46

Sakurazaka46 'Sakuzuki'

A single released by Sakurazaka46 in February 2023, themed around youthful farewells and new encounters, with a poignant love depicted through the imagery of cherry blossoms that tugs at the heart.

The delicate feeling of “being unable to tell you how I feel” is entrusted to the falling blossoms, while the protagonist’s resolve to live as beautifully as a full-bloom sakura is expressed through a fleeting yet powerful melody.

In their fifth single, second-generation member Rena Moriya serves as center for the first time, and the members’ expressively nuanced performance is a major draw.

It’s a song you’ll want to hear in the spring season of partings—one that encourages young people heading into new lives, such as through transferring schools or moving on to higher education.

I’ve been in love with you for a long time.kepura

Kepla / I've Been in Love with You for a Long Time (MUSIC VIDEO)

A sweet singing voice where kindness and bittersweetness resonate, paired with lyrics portraying a secret crush on a friend, leaves a strong impression! With sound production by Kepla and lyrics and composition by vocalist Ritsuki Yanagisawa, this is a refreshing love song.

The ache of being unable to put hidden feelings into words and the inner conflict of not being able to get any closer to the other person are sure to make anyone who’s experienced unrequited love nod in recognition.

Released on December 25, 2024, this work is a much-anticipated follow-up to the album “Days of Youth.” Recommended for those troubled by a more-than-friends, less-than-lovers relationship or those who can’t bring themselves to confess their feelings.

cold; curt; blunt; unfriendlyRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Aloof [Official Music Video]

This is an epic love song over six minutes long that delicately portrays the wavering emotions of an ambiguous romance.

The bittersweet feelings of being elated or dejected by a partner’s slightest gestures or words are expressed over a calm and beautiful melody.

Included on RADWIMPS’ album ANTI ANTI GENERATION, released in December 2018, the song was also used as the theme for ABEMA’s dating reality show Who Is the Wolf?, resonating strongly with younger audiences.

The music video features Nana Komatsu and Fuju Kamio, resulting in a striking visual piece that reflects contemporary views on love.

It’s a track best enjoyed when you can really take your time singing—whether during a solo karaoke session or at karaoke with close friends in a relaxed setting.

The Days of Rainbows and Sneakerschūrippu

TULIP “Back When Rainbows and Sneakers” (Lyric Video)

It is a classic song that leaves a strong impression with its delicate portrayal of youthful love and transience.

The scene of two people embracing in rain-soaked sweatshirts and the tender sentiment of cherishing a pair of sneakers are depicted with gentle warmth.

The lyrics symbolically express the disconnect between a man and a woman, a sudden farewell, and the immaturity of not yet being able to become an adult, all imbued with the bittersweet ache of youth.

Released in 1979 by Tulip, the song drew attention on TV programs such as The Best Ten and Yoru no Hit Studio, gaining popularity as a piece in which folk and pop are beautifully harmonized.

Kazuo Zaitsu’s warm vocals and the beautiful melody will surely comfort those who wish to heal the pain of heartbreak or look back on their cherished memories.

Strawberry Statement, Once Morebanban

Let's Do the 'Strawberry Statement' Once More

Released in August 1975, this poignant coming-of-age ballad, which tenderly portrays the transience of youth and changing times, became a major hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

It was the first song written by Yumi Arai for another artist, gently capturing memories of dates at the movie theater, days fervently devoted to the student movement, and the young facing the reality of entering the workforce.

Banban’s warm choral work blends beautifully with the fragile lyrics, resulting in a piece that fills the heart with nostalgia and bittersweet emotion.

This song will resonate when you want to immerse yourself in memories of your youth or reflect on moments shared with someone dear.

Love ForeverKatō Miriya × Shimizu Shōta

Miliyah Kato × Shota Shimizu “Love Forever”

A love song whose male-female duet, woven with sweet, bittersweet vocals, resonates deeply.

The tender concern for one another and the love that lingers even after a breakup overlap with the warmth of their voices, stirring profound emotion.

Featured on the album “Ring,” this track was released in May 2009 and became a major hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon daily chart.

Set to a smooth, R&B-tinged melody line, the romance portrayed from both a man’s and a woman’s perspective will comfort those who’ve experienced heartbreak or cherish memories with someone special, gently reminding them of a delicate first love.

Beyond nostalgiaNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 “Beyond Nostalgia”

Memories of youth and the ache of unrequited love tighten the heart.

Created in February 2025 to mark Nogizaka46 member Yūki Yoda’s graduation, this piece is an emotional work built on a beautiful soundscape of piano and strings.

It’s filled with the regret of not confessing your feelings to the one you love, and simply reading the lyrics makes you empathize with that emotion.

It’s a song I recommend to anyone who has experienced parting with someone precious, or to everyone standing at a crossroads in life.