[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 (1–10)
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN
Isn’t BUMP OF CHICKEN a band that’s beloved across generations, and for many, a symbol of their youth? Their signature song “Tentai Kansoku” has a refreshing vibe that perfectly captures the feeling of adolescence.
It’s not just upbeat and bright—it carries a hint of bittersweetness that feels so youthful.
It’s also a karaoke staple, so try singing it while reminiscing about the old days.
fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi
This is a collaborative song released in 2017 by DOAKO and Kenshi Yonezu.
It expresses the bittersweet feelings of a late-summer romance by overlaying them with the fleeting beauty of fireworks.
Chosen as the theme song for the animated film “Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?”, it became a massive hit.
It also achieved commercial success, including reaching No.
1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
The otherworldly sound and the duo’s clear, translucent vocals resonate deeply.
It’s a track that brings back memories of youth and first love.
Refreshing and perfect for summer nights, it’s also a great companion for fireworks festivals or seaside drives.
OrangeGReeeeN
On the way home dyed by the sunset, a faint feeling of love sprouts the moment you glance up at the person beside you.
With a unique perspective, GReeeeN paints a youthful love song that brings back heartwarming memories.
Released in April 2012, this track was also featured in a Shiseido “SEA BREEZE” commercial.
Carried by a refreshing melody, the lyrics beautifully capture the uncertainty and purity of first love.
The protagonist’s feelings, pondering under the starry sky, will resonate deeply with listeners.
It’s a song not only for adults who feel nostalgic about their youth, but also for young people currently struggling with love.
[For Adults Too] Youth Songs That Let You Revisit Your Memories (11–20)
FriendKetsumeishi
A moving classic that captures friendship and the passage of time.
It delicately portrays memories with friends from childhood and the separations that come with growing up.
By depicting the changing cityscape and surroundings, it skillfully conveys the flow of time and leaves a deep impression on listeners.
Released in February 2002, this work became Ketsumeishi’s first single to break into the top 10 of the Oricon charts.
It was also selected as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s “JAPAN COUNTDOWN,” which helped boost its recognition.
Highly recommended for those who feel nostalgic about their youth or want to reaffirm the bonds with their close friends.
Youth and youth and youthaimyon
As the title suggests, Youth and Youth and Youth is told from the perspective of junior and senior high school students right in the thick of their adolescence.
It’s the B-side to the 2017 smash single Kimi wa Rock wo Kikanai.
With summer keywords like cram classes, sand, and summer breeze lined up, it conjures up the hot, heated summer of the “I” who narrates the song.
And yet, rather than blurting his feelings out to her directly, he seems to be savoring a faint, budding love—so fresh and truly, unmistakably, a blue age of youth.
Whether you’re living it now or looking back as an adult, please enjoy the heart-fluttering nostalgia of that sweet and bittersweet time!
Youthful AmigoShūji to Akira
Seishun Amigo by Shuuji to Akira is often cited as a leading youth anthem of the 2000s.
The golden duo of Kazuya Kamenashi from KAT-TUN and Tomohisa Yamashita, who was in NEWS at the time, co-starred in the drama Nobuta wo Produce, and the song became a huge sensation.
Beyond stage performances and party acts, many people likely sang and danced to it at school as well.
Its catchy, kayō (Japanese pop) flavor that appealed across generations—and lyrics about caring for a cherished partner—capture the very sparkle of youth.
It’s a song that sets students in the midst of their youth ablaze, and still makes grown-ups’ hearts swell.
C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK
This is a poignant song that sings of friendship and youth.
Included on ONE OK ROCK’s album “Zankyō Reference,” released in October 2011, the track centers on memories shared with the members’ friends.
Its emotional sound and mix of Japanese and English lyrics leave a strong impression and have captured the hearts of many fans.
It was also used as the ending theme for the TV program “To the Summit of the Earth: Nobukazu Kuriki’s New Challenge,” reaching a wide audience.
As an anthem cheering on friends who are chasing their dreams, it’s recommended for moments when you’re taking a new step forward or when you want to feel the bonds with your close friends.