[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 your memories (91–100)
I’m smitten with you.Yellow Magic Orchestra
It’s a pop song that captures the heart-fluttering feeling of summer romance.
Unlike YMO’s technopop, it has a refreshing sound, and Takashi Matsumoto’s skillful lyrics leave a strong impression.
The seaside scenery and pure feelings of love are beautifully depicted.
Released in March 1983, it was also used in a Kanebo Cosmetics commercial.
As the lead single from the album “Uwaki na Bokura,” it drew attention and reached No.
2 on the Oricon charts.
It’s perfect for making summer memories, and recommended for adults who want to reminisce about their youth.
Enjoy its buoyant, irresistibly singable melody.
Azure Swimnishina
Seiran Yūei makes you feel ready to say goodbye to precious memories and swim toward a new world.
It’s a song released in 2022 by Nishina, a new-generation singer-songwriter whose signature track Heavy Smoke became a hit.
She had reportedly been performing this song at her own shows even before her major-label debut.
It was written when she decided to leave the unit she had been in before debuting and start fresh as a solo artist.
The song captures Nishina’s feelings as she dove into the new world of performing solo.
Lanamei-chan
A song by the singer Mei-chan, who is active both as part of the YouTuber group Nikuchomoranma and as the Vocaloid producer Victor.
The structure starts with a chorus featuring vocals and piano, followed by an exhilarating rock sound that really pumps you up.
In our youth, we often struggle when we crash into dreams and goals, but the message to keep moving in the direction you aim for will surely give powerful support to those fighting in real time.
It’s also a rock tune that evokes a tailwind, reminding you of the single-minded drive we tend to forget once we become working adults.
Goodbyekariyushi 58
A four-piece rock band named after the Okinawan word meaning “auspicious/happy” and Japan National Route 58, Kariyushi 58, released this as their sixth single.
Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama Zenigeba, it’s catchy with its acoustic guitar over a shuffle beat and a driving, cascading melody.
Its message of expressing gratitude at the moment of parting reminds us how fulfilling our youth was.
It’s a pop tune that blends a sense of poignancy with refreshing uplift—one we hope people starting anew in a different place, carrying irreplaceable days in their hearts, will listen to.
Until the World Ends…WANDS
This is a song by WANDS, a rock band that represents the Being label, used as the ending theme for the anime SLAM DUNK.
The worldview of the work and the lyrics overlap exquisitely, gripping the hearts of fans at the time.
The loneliness and impatience felt in the middle of the city, and the earnest wish to not be separated “until the world ends.” Sho Uesugi’s vocals—like a cry from the soul, with lyrics he penned himself—ride on Tetsuro Oda’s dramatic melody and pierce deep into the heart.
Anyone who has carried emotions with no outlet yet still wished to believe in something will find this song profoundly moving.
A legendary track that continues to shine across generations.
Swaying FeelingsZARD
This is ZARD’s signature song, featured in a Pocari Sweat commercial and certified a million-seller.
Even among the tracks that drove the Being boom, this one stands out for its refreshing feel.
The moment the intro starts, you can almost see the dazzling summer sunshine.
Izumi Sakai’s straight, crystalline vocals beautifully capture the thrill of a budding romance, winning the hearts of many.
The wavering emotions of longing for someone—sweet, a little frustrating—make the pure lyrics deeply relatable.
As a timeless classic, it continues to color the youth of countless listeners even today.
Blue PhotographMatsuda Seiko
Although it was originally a B-side single, this celebrated ballad won overwhelming support as a TV drama theme song.
The poignant melody blends beautifully with the world of the TBS drama “Ao ga Chiru,” and it likely remains deeply etched in many hearts.
When it was first released in October 1983, it was a B-side, but due to its strong reception it was reissued as a double A-side, and it held the No.
1 spot on TBS’s “The Best Ten” for eight consecutive weeks.
Seiko’s crystal-clear vocals express pure feelings for friends who part ways upon graduation.
It’s a gem of a song to revisit at life’s crossroads, as you look back on a radiant youth.