[Support for a New Life] Cheer and Celebration Songs You’ll Want to Hear at the Entrance Ceremony

At all times.Makihara Noriyuki

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “No Matter What” (Music Video) [3rd Single] (1991) Noriyuki Makihara/donnatokimo [No. 1]

This is Makihara’s biggest hit and a song that truly feels like “a Makihara song.” There’s even an anecdote that when he wrote it, Makihara himself felt it “lacked a twist” and didn’t sense much potential.

Hits are mysterious things, aren’t they? Amid lyrics filled with timid phrases, the chorus feels exhilarating, as if boldly declaring, “I want to keep being myself no matter what.” It has that satisfying sense of speaking out the hazy feelings everyone carries in their hearts.

It’s an uplifting song that cheers on new beginnings in the slightly uneasy spring—perfect for entrance ceremonies.

Starting Line ~ A New BreezeBaba Toshihide

Toshihide Baba / Starting Line ~ A New Wind

Toshihide Baba is a late-blooming singer-songwriter who began his musical career in the 1980s and, after overcoming various hardships, finally broke through to appear at last on the 58th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2007 at the age of 40.

After band activities during his indie days, Baba made his major-label solo debut in 1996, but ended his major-label activities in 2000.

He then spent several years as an independent artist before signing again with a major label in 2005.

It’s precisely this background that gives such convincing power to his masterpiece “Start Line ~ A New Wind.” At the aforementioned Kohaku Uta Gassen, he delivered a passionate performance of the song that moved many of his generation to tears.

This track is a newly recorded version of a song originally included on the four-track EP “BOYS ON THE RUN 4 SONGS,” released in 2005, and its message—that no matter how close you come to giving up, you can always start over—strikes straight to the heart.

Even at an entrance ceremony, when you need courage to take your very first step forward, listening to this song will give you a strong push from behind.

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I am the strongest.Ado

[Ado] I’m the Strongest (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)

An empowering anthem that passionately sings of one’s dreams and hopes! Ado’s powerful vocals race over a melody crafted by Motoki Ohmori of Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, carrying heartfelt wishes.

Messages like “pushing forward through fear” and “a shining future together with friends” resound alongside an aggressive rock sound, creating a track that gently gives listeners a supportive push.

Featured as an insert song in the June 2022 film ONE PIECE FILM RED, which electrified theaters, the song reached No.

2 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

Whether it’s an entrance ceremony or the uncertainty of a new environment, this song is sure to give you courage.

Let there be lightBURNOUT SYNDROMES

BURNOUT SYNDROMES 'Hikari Are' Music Video TV Anime 'Haikyu!! Karasuno High School vs Shiratorizawa Academy' Opening Theme

For a new beginning, BURNOUT SYNDROMES’ “Hikariare” is the song that gives you a powerful push forward.

Released in 2016 and used as the opening theme for the anime Haikyu!!, this track is filled with messages of challenge and hope.

Its driving guitar sound and passionate vocals are invigorating, offering courage and energy to anyone starting anew.

As a new school life begins, why not listen to this song while imagining yourself growing more and more?

spring breeze

[Children's Song] Spring Wind [Minna no Uta]

The piece created by Tetsuzo Wada and Ryohei Hirose features a charming melody that gently wraps the soft arrival of spring, evoking the breath of nature.

While depicting scenes of the spring breeze caressing budding trees, intertwining its song with babbling streams, and frolicking with grasses and flowers, it conveys the hopeful atmosphere of a new season.

Broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” from April 1972, it remained in many listeners’ hearts, accompanied by the clear voices of the Arakawa Tokyo Children’s Choir.

In 2012, it returned to radio for the first time in about 40 years as part of the “Minna no Uta Excavation Project.” It is a perfect song for children starting a new school year and for anyone eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring, and will surely continue to be sung for years to come.

made-to-orderOmoinotake

Omoinotake | Made-to-Order [Lyric Video]

This is a warmhearted anthem born from “letters to myself 10 years from now” sent by young people in Shimane Prefecture.

Released in March 2023, Omoinotake’s song was produced to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the NHK Matsue Broadcasting Station.

Its lyrics gently convey that there isn’t only one right answer in life and that it’s important to follow your own path, paired with a catchy, soothing piano melody that leaves a strong impression.

The work is an ambitious creation by the members—who are themselves from Matsue City—made in deep empathy with the feelings of local youth.

A lyric video by Haruka Ibuki has also been released, further enriching the song’s worldview.

It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone feeling anxious about a new environment or preparing to take a step toward the future.

Tomorrow, when spring comesMatsu Takako

Tomorrow, when spring comes

A quintessential J-pop song marked by a breezy pop tune and poignant melodies, it gently encourages those stepping into a new life with the arrival of spring.

It conveys feelings toward “you,” who are devoted to baseball, by entrusting them to the arc of a white ball, tenderly embracing cherished memories and farewells.

Takako Matsu’s clear, translucent voice soothes the anxieties deep within the heart.

Released in March 1997 as her debut single, it reached No.

8 on the Oricon charts and was also featured in an NTT commercial.

A decade later, a version with new lyrics was released, evolving into a deeper, more nuanced work.

It’s a song we highly recommend to anyone standing at a crossroads in life or preparing to take a new step forward.