[Classic & Latest] Famous and Popular Songs That Sing of Youth

GarnetOku Hanako

Garnet

This is the theme song of the animated film “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time,” a track where Hanako Oku’s vocals resonate deeply with the heart.

It captures the sparkle of days gone by and an unchanging feeling for someone precious—listening to it might just make your heart ache a little.

Released as a single in July 2006, it further heightened the film’s emotional impact.

Try listening to it on a summer evening when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood or when you’re remembering old friends.

It’s a song that will surely stay gently by your side.

Dear, boyHump Back

Hump Back – “Dear, Boy” Music Video

Hump Back’s major-label debut powerfully sings of childhood dreams, hopes, and the frustration of seeing them falter.

Written as a cheering song filled with feelings for their high school bandmates, it has resonated with many.

Embracing the anxieties and doubts that come with chasing a dream, it gently encourages listeners to keep looking forward—a heartwarming message song.

Released as a single in June 2018, it was also used in a TV commercial for Shinken Zemi’s High School Course.

It reached No.

13 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and stayed on the charts for 21 weeks.

It’s a song that gives a strong push to those striving toward their dreams and to those who feel on the verge of losing sight of their goals.

Summer Colorsyuzu

Yuzu 'Natsuiro' MUSIC VIDEO

This is an ode to youth that vividly captures the image of young people speeding down a hill on their bicycles.

Released in 1998, this song brought a fresh breeze to the music scene as Yuzu’s major-label debut single.

Featuring the refreshing sound of acoustic guitars and the crisp harmonies of Yujin Kitagawa and Koji Iwasawa, it was included on the album “Yuzu Ikka” and later used in 2017 as the theme song for Lotte’s “Sou” commercial.

Its lyrics, filled with summer memories and the bittersweetness of first love, gently portray a moment of youth that everyone can relate to.

The song is still used as the approach melody at Keikyu Kami-Ōoka Station, and has become a seasonal fixture woven into the fabric of the city—a quintessential summer track.

It’s perfect for the time of year when the start of summer is in the air, or when you want to look back on memories with someone special.

All of the YouthFujifaburikku

Fujifabric – Youth of Everything

This is a memorable masterpiece distinguished by a gentle melody that embraces the poignant scenes of late summer and the fleeting nature of youth.

Set against fireworks and dusk, it depicts the intertwining feelings of wanting to treasure this moment and the anxiety toward a changing future.

Seamlessly harmonizing Fujifabric’s beautiful musicality with the delicate worldview of its lyrics, the song was released in November 2007 as their 10th single and served as the lead single for the album “TEENAGER.” It was also featured as the opening theme for Nippon TV’s “Onmoe!” and as an insert song in Fuji TV’s 2013 drama “SUMMER NUDE,” captivating the hearts of many.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on nights when you wish to immerse yourself in precious memories, or when you need a gentle push before taking a new step forward.

Beloved daysyangusukinii

Young Skinny – Oh, Beloved Days [Official Music Video]

Young Skinny’s “Beloved Days” is a song about feelings for a dear friend—the kind of friend you want to stay with even if you can’t understand everything about each other.

It’s included on the 2023 EP If Only We Could Find Happiness in Anything.

At school, there are people you click with and people you don’t, and it’s hard to be close with everyone.

Still, even with someone whose hobbies differ from yours and whose opinions rarely align, you might catch an unguarded expression or simply feel an inexplicable vibe and find yourself liking them—and becoming friends.

This song heightens the desire to cherish friends like that forever.

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SAKI

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Eternal BlueHitsuji Bungaku

Eternal Blue – Hitsujibungaku [guitar cover]

There are times when you feel excited and anxious about what kind of adult you’ll become, right? That state of mind is portrayed in “Eien no Blue.” It’s a song written by the rock band Hitsujibungaku for a Docomo commercial.

The fragile yet beautiful vocals of Moeka Shiotsuka delicately express the emotions depicted.

Taken as a whole, the song carries a message that gives you a gentle push toward tomorrow, so it’s perfect for when you want to lift your spirits.

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yamamoto

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OrangeSPYAIR

SPYAIR “Orange” Music Video (Theme Song for Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle: The Movie)

A bittersweet anthem of youth by SPYAIR, released in February 2024 as the theme song for the film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle, which poignantly portrays sweet-and-sour coming-of-age moments.

With fresh, vibrant vocals and an energetic band sound, the song captures the hearts of young people where hope and anxiety intertwine, conveying a strong resolve to keep moving forward even as they reluctantly part from friends.

Its refreshing yet heartrending melody and empowering message that points toward the future make it perfect for spring—the season of new beginnings like moving up a grade or graduation.

It’s a song that gently gives a push to everyone setting out on a new path with memories of cherished friends close to their hearts.