[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)
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.
My First KissHi-STANDARD
Do you remember your first kiss? It brings back all sorts of memories—nostalgia mixed with a bit of embarrassment, right? This is exactly what the song “Hajimete no Chuu” is about, and Hi-STANDARD did an English cover titled “My First Kiss.” Hi-STANDARD is a legendary band that helped define the golden era of Japanese melodic hardcore, and their “My First Kiss” has a punchy punk arrangement that keeps the fluttery excitement while feeling fresh and cool! For many, Hi-STANDARD is the soundtrack of their youth, and this track in particular is especially memorable.
My NoteSukima Suichi
A mid-tempo number chosen as the theme song for the film Doraemon: Nobita’s Dinosaur 2006.
It’s a 2006 single by Sukima Switch, a duo known for their outstanding pop sensibilities and lyrics that at times incisively depict inner feelings.
Some of you may remember often hearing “Boku Note” on the radio during your youth.
The longer we live, the more conflicts arise; as we become adults, our true feelings and our public facades don’t always align, and we can even forget how to be ourselves.
With lyrics that face one’s honest feelings head-on, this song carries a warmth that seems to stand by you in such struggles.
It’s a gentle anthem that makes you want to cherish pure feelings even as an adult and accept yourself just as you are.
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!
Shadows of SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE
About seven years after 2018’s “Blue and Summer,” this new work returns to a summer theme—a lingering, summery number that delicately captures the changing of the seasons.
The late-summer breeze and lengthening shadows reflect the slow passage of time as we grow up.
The scenes that rise from everyday fragments—like a sweaty shirt or melting ice—are truly moving.
Released in August 2025, it was featured as the song for Kirin Gogo no Kocha’s TV commercial.
The music video, filmed in Fukui Prefecture, also evokes a deep sense of nostalgia.
It’s a song that quietly stays with you at dusk as summer draws to a close, or on the drive back home.
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.
SolaninASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
A song chosen as the theme for the film adaptation of Inio Asano’s original work Solanin.
Even among ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION’s catalog, it’s a particularly beloved, sentimental, and emotional classic.
The lyrics, which bring back memories of days when we threw ourselves into everything, make your heart swell.
It may also remind some people of farewell scenes in movies or performances at school festivals.
We’re often encouraged by juniors and the younger generation who are chasing their dreams, aren’t we? Though it was released in 2010, it never loses its luster, and it makes us realize the importance of what we’ve lost as adults—our relentless passion, dreams, and love.
Solanin resonates with those feelings about life; it’s a youth anthem we want to cherish all the more now that we’re grown.