[For Success in Exams] An Encouragement Song We Want Hardworking Exam-Takers to Hear
Students preparing for entrance exams are probably studying for hours every day.
It’s truly admirable to keep working hard to achieve your desired path! However, there may be times when that effort starts to feel tough.
In this article, we’ll introduce motivational songs we want you to listen to when you feel like you’re about to stumble or give up.
Listen to these uplifting songs that will encourage you and give you a gentle push, and build the strength to keep running until the very end.
We’re cheering for you as you face your exams!
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[Prayer for Success] Cheer Songs We Want Hardworking Exam Takers to Hear (91–100)
Yume-yumeONE OK ROCK
Among J-POP bands that operate with a global outlook, ONE OK ROCK—a four-piece rock band that earned massive popularity overseas early on—released this as their second single.
It’s a track that amps you up with powerful lyrics reflecting the band’s mentality and resolve, and a thick rock sound featuring a relentless, driving melody.
Its message—keep forging your own path no matter who denies you—could be the ultimate encouragement for exam-takers anxious about the future.
When you’re not in the mood to study, listening to this straightforward rock tune will lift your spirits.
Again and againHinatazaka46
It’s an empowering anthem with a strong core that sings, “There’s no need to compare yourself to others.” Performed by the popular idol group Hinatazaka46, it was included on their sixth single, “Tteka,” released in 2021.
The song was chosen as the support theme for the quiz show The 41st All Japan High School Quiz Championship 2021.
With its distinctive triple-time rhythm, it’s a highly emotional piece.
Not just for exam-takers—any teenager in the midst of their youth is likely to find it deeply resonant.
Sailing DayBUMP OF CHICKEN
Sailing Day spreads a refreshing melody.
It’s sung by BUMP OF CHICKEN, the four-piece rock band affectionately known as “Bump.” The lyrics about pushing forward through adversity by trusting your own convictions are sure to resonate with anyone grinding for entrance exams! There are plenty of times you’ll hit walls—plateaus, doubts like “Was this the right choice?”—but this song taught me that believing in yourself is what matters most.
Keep at it, thinking of it as your first step toward your dream!
The Rainbow That the Medaka SawTakahata Kozue
I think it’s a song that beautifully captures the feelings of students struggling through their youth.
It makes me feel that while I’m still inexperienced and small, I can also step forward with hope toward the vast world of the future.
Personally, I think using a medaka (killifish) is a perfect way to convey that sense of smallness.
Because you can do it someday, you can do it today.Nogizaka 46
This is the 19th single by Nogizaka46, an idol group that plays a leading, big-sister-like role among the Sakurazaka/Keyakizaka “Sakamichi” groups dominating today’s J-POP idol scene.
The song was chosen as the theme for Asahinagu, with Nanase Nishino starring in the film adaptation and Asuka Saito starring in the stage version, and it also drew attention as a double-center track featuring the two leads.
From its dramatic buildup before the chorus to the poppy hook, the bright, uplifting tone is truly refreshing.
Its message of not putting off what matters and moving forward connects well with exam studies too—a number that gives you courage in the face of challenges.