[For adults too] Youth songs that let you look back on your memories
What was your youth like?
Did you ever throw yourself into something, agonize over love, or spend tons of time with friends? I imagine each of you has spent that special time in your own unique way.
And among those reading this, some of you might even be right in the middle of your youth now!
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of songs that sing about all kinds of “youth,” the kind that will set your heart ablaze.
It’s a playlist that feels like the very heart of young people—hot, sweet-and-sour, a little bitter, and swirling with all sorts of emotions.
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[For Adults Too] Youth Songs That Let You Look Back on Memories (61–70)
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE
A song by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE that evokes the refreshing breeze of summer.
Chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime “Oblivion Battery,” this work was released as a digital single in April 2024.
Its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics are captivating, portraying the transience and beauty of life.
The lyrics, imbued with the desire to “stack meaningful moments within our limited time,” seize the listener’s heart and never let go.
It’s a track that resonates not only with those in the midst of their youth, but also with adults today.
A must-listen for teens dedicated to club activities or studies, as well as for people in their twenties eager to take on new challenges.
From Me to Youflumpool
Released in 2010, this is one of flumpool’s signature songs and was also used as the theme song for the film “Kimi ni Todoke.” With lyrics that straightforwardly express pure feelings of love, many listeners may find it brings back memories of the innocent romances of their school days.
Just listening to it can vividly revive those emotions—it’s a track filled with a youthful, coming-of-age vibe.
And of course, if you’re a current student, you’ll likely find many lines in the lyrics you can relate to.
secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE
When people think of ZONE, they think of “secret base ~Kimi ga Kureta Mono~”—that’s how big of a hit it was.
Released in 2001 as their third single, the song sold 700,000 copies.
It was used as the theme song for the dramas Kids War 3 and Kids War Final, starring Mao Inoue.
Although ZONE has disbanded, this song continues to be covered by many artists.
Listening to it brings back the bittersweet feelings of youth.
And for those who are in the middle of their youth right now, I think you’ll relate to that same bittersweetness.
Definitely give it a listen!
For me to be myselfOzaki Yutaka
For those who spent their youth in the 1980s, you really can’t talk about coming-of-age songs without mentioning Yutaka Ozaki’s music, can you? Among his works, “Boku ga Boku de Aru Tame ni” (“To Be Myself”) is a song that portrays the worries and inner conflicts young people face.
Back then, many who were steadily pursuing their goals may have found encouragement by listening to this track.
It’s a song you can savor as an anthem of youth, and it’s sure to resonate with today’s younger generation as well—so by all means, give it a listen.
17TOMOO
Singer-songwriter TOMOO is known for her simple, piano-centered sound rich in emotion.
Released in October 2022 as her second major single, this piece is a lyrical medium ballad that awakens the memory of being seventeen that everyone carries in their hearts.
It’s striking how it weaves in the familiar motif of ice cream from a vending machine to portray the loneliness of growing up and the hope that, thanks to someone by your side, you can become a child again.
The track was later included on the album “TWO MOON.” It invites you to bask in nostalgia while also letting you feel the warmth of the present moment.
Untitled TodayHirai Dai
Singer-songwriter Dai Hirai, known for his organic sound rooted in surf music, has won widespread popularity.
This song is a heartwarming number that reminds us the greatest treasures are hidden in everyday, ordinary scenes.
Rather than sketching grand dreams with a magic pen, it conveys a message of cherishing the small joys before us and the warm connections between people—delivered through gospel-tinged choruses and a gentle vocal that resonates deeply.
Included on the February 2021 album “Life Goes On,” it surpassed 100 million streams in December of the same year.
A polished track that enriches sunset drives and leisurely café time on the weekend.
FateOfisharu Higedan Dism
Official Hige Dandism’s “Shukumei” (Fate) sings of the swirling emotions of youth.
Released in 2019 as their third single, it was also chosen as the support song for the 2019 summer high school baseball tournament.
Back in our youth, our feelings were all over the place—like not being able to honestly rejoice even when someone was cheering us on.
Capturing that bittersweet yet determined desire to grasp something, Shukumei is a song we want not only those living through their youth now, but also those who have already passed that time, to listen to.