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Recommended cheer-up songs for high school students: tracks that will motivate you to do your best on entrance exams and club activities when you listen to them.

Between club activities, daily classes, and studying for entrance exams, high school students have more than ever to work hard on, don’t they? Sometimes you might hit a wall and feel troubled.

In times like that, I recommend listening to your favorite motivational songs to lift your spirits! Upbeat tracks or lyrics filled with encouragement can give you the strength to try again.

In this article, we’ll introduce motivational songs recommended for high school students.

There are plenty of perfect songs to cheer you on for clubs and exams, so be sure to find the one that’s just right for you.

Recommended cheer songs for high school students: tracks that will motivate you to do your best in exams and club activities (1–10)

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Yuzu “Eikou no Kakehashi” Music Video
Bridge of Gloryyuzu

An enduring masterpiece by Yuzu, the folk duo that represents Japan.

It embraces all the pain and setbacks of the past, the days of effort piled up without running away, and makes you feel proud of who you are now.

That warm yet powerful message resonates deeply with anyone striving forward.

Released as a single in July 2004, it was used as the theme song for NHK’s broadcast of the Athens Olympics.

Many will remember it alongside the moving scene of the men’s gymnastics team winning gold for the first time in 28 years.

Give it a listen when your club activities aren’t yielding the results you want, or when exam pressure feels overwhelming.

You’ll find the courage to believe that none of your steps so far have been in vain—and to keep moving forward.

Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Que Sera Sera” Official Music Video
Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE

The three-piece rock band Mrs.

GREEN APPLE has been rapidly expanding their popularity since the start of Phase 2 in 2022.

Their seventh digital-only single, “Que Sera Sera,” is a refreshingly fast-paced number written as the theme song for the TV drama “Sunday Night Probably.” As the Spanish title suggests—meaning “whatever will be will be”—its positive lyrics make it a perfect anthem of encouragement.

It’s a pop tune recommended for high school students that lightens your mood just by listening.

Outlineimase

A powerful song portraying young people’s challenges and growth has been born.

Written by imase as the official cheer song for the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, it features a grand, emotionally stirring sound.

The beautiful strings, sing-along passages, and driving beat weave a dramatic progression that instantly draws you in.

Released in October 2024, the track is said to reflect imase’s own experiences from his high school days.

It’s a heartfelt message of support for youths running toward their goals—perfect for anyone facing difficulties or stepping into a new challenge.

A reassuring anthem that gently gives you a push forward.

Recommended motivational songs for high school students: tracks that will help you push through exams and club activities (11–20)

Live in the present.Saucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Live in the present.” Music Video
Live in the present.Saucy Dog

Saucy Dog is a three-piece rock band garnering attention for their striking high-tone vocals and down-to-earth lyrics.

Their 15th major digital single, “I Will Live in the Present,” chosen as the support song for the 101st All Japan High School Soccer Championship, sticks in your ears with its driving rock sound and pop yet wistful melody.

The lyric that says hard-earned effort never disappears is sure to empower high school students facing club activities and entrance exams.

It’s a refreshing rock tune whose positive message both uplifts and comforts.

ultramarineYOASOBI

YOASOBI “Gunjou” Official Music Video
ultramarineYOASOBI

YOASOBI is a two-person music unit with a one-of-a-kind concept of turning novels into music, and they have continued to dominate the J-POP scene since their debut.

Their fifth digital-only single, “Gunjou,” based on the story text “Aoi wo Mikata ni” from Bourbon’s Alfort Mini Chocolate commercial, was also chosen as the theme song for Sukkiri’s nationwide high school dance club support project, “Dance One Project ’21.” Its message—teaching the importance of moving forward while facing your true feelings—may help lift the spirits of high school students weighed down by worries.

It’s a powerful number whose stunning choral work is sure to raise your excitement.

cheerMarushii

Marcy – Yell (Official Music Video)
cheerMarushii

A song released in February 2024 as the campaign track for the 55th anniversary of Shinken Zemi’s High School Course.

It was created by Marcy, a three-piece rock band from Fukuoka.

The lyrics encourage self-acceptance and a positive outlook, gently portraying the subtleties of the heart when facing challenges and hardships.

Listening to this track, you can feel a warming sense that you’re not alone and find the courage to take one step at a time toward tomorrow.

It’s perfect not only for high school students devoted to club activities and exam study, but also for anyone standing at a crossroads in life.

With Marcy’s signature relatable melodies and lyrics, it will surely stay close to your heart.

A Cheer Song Dedicated to YouHIPPY

[MUSIC VIDEO] A Cheer Song Dedicated to You / HIPPY
A Cheer Song Dedicated to YouHIPPY

A popular song that has become a powerful anthem of encouragement.

It was included on the album “HomeBase ~Arigatou~,” released in March 2017.

Loved by many athletes—it even ranked No.

1 for the year in walk-up song rankings for pro baseball players.

The song carries a message for those chasing their dreams and gives you the courage to overcome setbacks.

HIPPY’s husky vocals resonate deeply.

A re-arranged version was released in 2023.

It’s a great pick not only for students working hard at club activities or studying for exams, but also for anyone ready to take on something new.

The more you listen, the more it fills you with the strength to look ahead—overflowing with that kind of appeal.