[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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One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
It’s a refreshing song that vividly evokes scenes of youth.
As an anthem for people striving toward their dreams, it has resonated with many.
The lyrics depict hard work, inner struggles, and bonds with friends, striking a deep chord with listeners.
Released in August 2010, it was chosen as the support song for ABC TV’s Summer High School Baseball.
It’s recommended not only for the high school baseball season, but for anyone working toward a goal.
When you need encouragement or want to unite your heart with your friends, listening to it will surely give you courage.
The warm vocals of FUNKY MONKEY BABYS will gently give you a push forward.
Summer Colorsyuzu
One of the signature songs by Yuzu, who continue to thrive on the J-POP scene as a national duo, is Natsuiro.
Its refreshing guitar intro is memorable—surely it’s a song nearly everyone has heard at least once.
Many people cite it as a quintessential youth anthem, loved for its driving momentum and summer-themed lyrics.
Listening to it brings back school-day memories for many—especially images of summer scenery, bicycles, and the ocean at night.
My dear best friendShonan no Kaze
Shonan no Kaze’s song powerfully sings of friendship and hope for the future, resonating deeply with listeners.
Its lyrics depict overcoming hardships and growing together with friends, evoking memories of youthful days.
Released in February 2009, the track drew attention as the theme song for the film “Drop.” It was also included on the album “Shonan no Kaze ~JOKER~,” capturing the hearts of many.
It’s a recommended song for those who value bonds with friends or want to push forward toward the future.
The soulful vocals of Shonan no Kaze are sure to give you a boost.
It doesn’t meltmakaroni enpitsu
A coming-of-age song by the buzzworthy rock band Macaroni Empitsu.
The lyrics are striking in how they reflect on all the events, words exchanged, and feelings shared among friends—each and every fragment of youth.
They carry a heartwarming message that these memories and the bonds built along the way won’t melt away, but will continue on.
With vocalist Hattori’s distinctive voice and an accompaniment full of inventive arrangements that never let the listener get bored, it’s a track you won’t want to miss for a single moment.
Song of PointillismMrs. GREEN APPLE
A song about love in our fleeting youth, ‘Pointillism Song.’ It’s performed by the five-member co-ed rock band Mrs.
GREEN APPLE.
When we were young, it was hard to express our feelings well, or we hesitated to share them at all.
Even so, the desire to savor that love and hold it dear was probably stronger than it is after we grow up.
Capturing those feelings in its lyrics, this song is packed tightly with the bittersweetness and poignancy of youth.
It’s a track I especially want people in the midst of their youth to hear!
The world calls it love.Sambomasutā
Sambomaster is a three-piece band with many songs that make your heart race.
Their fifth single, “The World Calls That Love,” released in 2005, was also the ending theme for the Fuji TV drama Densha Otoko.
The lyrics tie in with the story of Densha Otoko, passionately telling us that “even if you’re scared, changing into a new you is what love is!” This rock love song is a recommended track that brings back memories of the awkward yet earnest feelings of youth.
Youth DiaryRyukku to soine gohan
Formed when the members were first-year high school students and based in Tokyo, Ryuck to Soinen Gohan is a band known for this track.
Many students have likely found courage in its lyrics, which strongly push young people to sprint through their youth with the message: “There’s definitely something only the current you can do!” In our school days, we tend to stop and dwell on things that, in hindsight, aren’t a big deal.
Perhaps the meaning of this song sinks in even deeper when you look back on it as an adult.
