[For adults too] Youth songs that let you look back on your memories

Blue Springback number

back number – Aoi Haru (full)

A song that portrays the struggles and hopes of youth.

It captures the unorthodox spirit of young people in words uniquely crafted by Iyori Shimizu.

Released in November 2012 as back number’s sixth single, it was also used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “High School Entrance Exam.” The lyrics depict young people “desperately living while dancing,” striking a powerful chord with listeners.

It’s a track that supports those leaping into new environments or feeling uncertain about the future, and it’s also recommended for moments when you want to look back on your youthful days.

tear(s)Ketsumeishi

Tears / Ketsumeishi (Cover)

A four-man music group, Ketsumeishi, known for lyrics that paint vivid scenes over melodious rap, released this as their ninth single.

The contrast between the relaxed shuffle-beat rap and the catchy chorus melody feels so good, doesn’t it? The lyrics, which teach the strength and importance of being able to cry when you need to, can help ease the minds of anyone earnestly facing something.

It’s a dramatic number whose message—one you’ll want to keep close not only in your youth but even after entering the working world—gives you courage.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Blown by the windElefanto Kashimashi

Elephant Kashimashi – Blown by the Wind [Official Video]

This is a coming-of-age song that portrays the premonition of parting and a turning point in life.

Hiroji Miyamoto of Elephant Kashimashi weaves his innermost feelings into lyrics that flow naturally.

Strikingly using the contrast between the sun and the moon to depict a journey of departure that stretches on forever, this work was released as a single in November 1997.

Selected from the album “Run Toward Tomorrow – Moonlit Songs,” it also became a memorable piece as the theme song for Glico Almond Chocolate’s commercial.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you want to linger in the afterglow of a faint romance, when you’re about to take a new step forward, or when a touch of sentimentality finds its way into an ordinary day.

Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Thank You”

This is a song by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS that expresses gratitude as straightforwardly as possible.

Its warm melody, which gently envelops the listener’s heart, is also memorable, and it continues to be loved as a track that prompts us to reflect on our feelings for those who have supported us.

Released in February 2013, the song was chosen as the theme for MBS and GAORA’s broadcast of the 85th Senbatsu High School Baseball Tournament, as well as for Nippon TV’s “Akamru! Scoop Koshien.” The music video features Sanma Akashiya, which drew significant attention.

It’s a song to play when you want to convey your gratitude to someone important or to mark a milestone in life.

CorrectRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – The Answer [Official Music Video]

RADWIMPS delivers a tender melody with a profound message that resonates deeply during graduation season.

The warm soundscape woven by piano tones and a student choir gently embraces moments of looking back on youthful days.

The lyrics, which depict the search for the right answers in life and the journey to find one’s true self, strike a universal chord that anyone can relate to.

Released for streaming in January 2024 and followed by a limited-production CD in February, this work was born from encounters with the younger generation and takes on a new challenge by incorporating a student choir.

It is a heartwarming song that stands beside young people leaving their schools and those facing turning points in life.

White Winterfuki no tō

Fukinotou / White Winter (1974) 2024 ≪No.11≫

This is a lyrical piece that poignantly sings of the transition from autumn to winter.

Carried by the gentle tones of an acoustic guitar, it overlays the sorrow of a bygone love and shifting emotions onto the changing of the seasons.

The transparent harmonies of Fukinotou weave a delicate world that resonates deeply in the heart.

Released as a debut single in September 1974, the song gradually gained popularity after being featured on Takuro Yoshida’s All Night Nippon, eventually reaching No.

14 on the Oricon charts.

As the duo’s signature song, it has since been covered by numerous artists.

It is a track that gently accompanies the resolve to quietly accept the end of a romance—one to listen to when you wish to heal the wounds of heartbreak or to put your feelings in order.

Young PeopleSanīdēi Sābisu

Sunny Day Service – Youths [TOUR 2023]

This is a song whose vocals seep into the heart like gentle sunlight, paired with a strikingly beautiful melody.

Through small everyday moments and scenery, it portrays the delicate emotions of adolescence—anxieties and conflicts about growing up, and the uncertainty of staying true to oneself.

The vocals are understated yet leave a deep afterglow, and the simple but richly expressive performance draws you into its world.

Released in April 1995 on Sunny Day Service’s major-label debut album “Wakamonotachi,” it has long been cherished as one of the band’s signature works.

It’s best enjoyed on a quiet night, alone with your thoughts.

You may find that the unspoken feelings in your heart are gently embraced.