Lovely karaoke song

Hype Songs Recommended for People in Their 20s [Classic and Popular Japanese Hits]

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.
Composition nerdSugar-free
Hello! I’m Mutou, always on the hunt for emo vibes in music. Ever since I heard Spitz playing on the car stereo back in elementary school, I’ve been captivated by music. My tastes are broad—Japanese rock, UK sounds, EDM, folk, jazz, hip-hop, and more. I enjoy composing using guitar, keyboard, and DAW. Wishing all music lovers wonderful encounters through music!

Music we listened to in our youth never seems to lose its charm, no matter how many years go by.

In this article, we’ll introduce energetic Japanese songs perfect for people in their 20s, whether you’re working as an office employee or enjoying university life.

From tracks featured as theme songs in TV dramas and anime to karaoke favorites, you’re sure to find songs that spark nostalgia for anyone in their 20s.

They’re great for reminiscing about your youth or singing together with friends—be sure to check them out!

Songs to Get 20-Somethings Pumped [Japanese Classics & Popular Hits] (71–80)

ShakushainWednesday Campanella

Wednesday Campanella 'Shakushain'

Shakushain Wednesday Campanella

This song is truly peculiar, with lyrics that simply list place names from Hokkaido.

The sound flows like a Buddhist chant, accompanied by the tone of a wooden fish, and the longer you listen, the more strangely pleasant it becomes.

Pay attention as well to KOM_I’s whispery vocals.

Raise the rankinglower

RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION “Rewrite (2016 ver.)”

Rewrite ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

A single released by the rock band ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION on August 4, 2004, it is one of their signature songs.

It served as the fourth opening theme for the MBS/TBS anime Fullmetal Alchemist, and is a hugely popular track so well-known that virtually no one in their twenties hasn’t heard of it.

The song is memorable for its fusion of the band’s musical style with philosophical lyrics.

Even if you’re not familiar with ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, many people have likely heard this song.

Raise the rankinglower

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

Astronomical Observation BUMP OF CHICKEN

It also became an insert song for the Kansai TV/Fuji TV drama “Astronomical Observation,” and it’s BUMP OF CHICKEN’s most widely known track.

Released on March 14, 2001, this second single remains extremely popular even today.

Raise the rankinglower

Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK "The Totally Sensational Dreamer"

Perfect Sense Dreamer ONE OK ROCK

This song, which delivers a powerful, heart-stirring message, was released by ONE OK ROCK in February 2010 and was also used as the ending theme for the TBS program “Arabikidan.” Riding on an energetic rock sound, Taka’s soaring vocals resonate throughout.

The lyrics depict a resolve to believe in your own path and push forward, offering a boost to those in their twenties.

Give it a listen when you hit a wall at work or in your studies.

This track is sure to give you courage and a positive mindset.

Raise the rankinglower

Dance at NightFriends

Friends "Dance at Night"

Dance Friends at Night

Friends is a Shinsen-kei band formed in 2015.

All the members also belong to other bands and are well-known individually, which is a distinctive feature.

Their heart-thumping, poppy melodies make you feel happy when you listen.

This song, released in 2016, gets you pumped from the intro.

Raise the rankinglower

In conclusion

We’ve highlighted songs that colored the Heisei era, along with some that gained popularity in the Reiwa era.

Many of the tracks are by artists who have led Japan’s pop music scene, and if you’re in your twenties, there were probably quite a few you’ve heard at least once.

From fast-paced rock numbers to colorful J-pop, we’ve compiled a lineup that evokes the music scene of the time.

Use it as a reference for karaoke or road trip playlists, and try listening to tracks that could spark conversations with friends or a significant other!