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.

PLAYERSYOASOBI

PLAYERS

YOASOBI released a memorable track in March 2025, marked by energetic chants and a catchy sound.

Born from a project celebrating PlayStation’s 30th anniversary, this ambitious attempt to portray gamers’ memories through music delivers a positive message centered on challenge and growth.

The story warmly depicts how protagonists encountered in game worlds encourage us in real life and expand our hopes for the future, and the song was also featured in a special PlayStation 30th anniversary commercial.

With a star-studded lineup including Nanase Nishino, Usada Pekora, and Kiyo, the work showcases the appeal of gaming.

It’s a perfect song to boost motivation during sports day practice or athletic festival training.

UNDEADYOASOBI

YOASOBI “UNDEAD” Official Music Video / Theme song for ‘Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season’

Born from NISIOISIN’s popular novel series, this song is a striking work that advocates a powerful way of living free from the constraints of past and future.

Its strong message, carried by EDM sounds, blends perfectly with ikura’s shape-shifting vocals.

Released in July 2024 as the main theme for the anime “Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season,” it reached No.

10 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

This piece, which prompts deep reflection on the meaning of life, is sure to resonate with anyone who wants to move forward or is struggling with uncertainty.

Philosophy[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Philosophy (MV)

Here’s a song I especially want high school students who feel like “Someone like me…” to listen to.

It was created in 2019 for a music event called “18-fes,” which brings together 18-year-olds from across the country.

The reason I recommend it is, plainly, the lyrics! I think many people feel weak or insecure about studying, but these lyrics acknowledge and accept those feelings—lack of confidence and negative emotions—and then tell you, “Go do it your way!!” When you’re having a hard time facing your studies, give this song a listen.

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Hane Keisuke

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Fanfaresumika

sumika / Fanfare [Music Video]

Sumika is a rock band named with the concept of becoming a place that feels like home to many different people.

Their second single, Fanfare, which was selected as the opening theme for the animated film Let Me Eat Your Pancreas, was released as a double A-side together with Shunka Shuto, also a theme song for a film.

Its message—that only you can break through when things aren’t going well—could bring a powerful shift to the atmosphere of a school club.

With its clear, airy sound and driving beat that pushes you forward, it’s a refreshing rock tune.

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Hoshino Takashi

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one’s true feelingssumika

sumika / Honne [Music Video] *Theme song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Championship

When you want to give it your all, it depends on your mood—sometimes you want a pop, powerful track that boosts your energy, and other times a song that draws strength from deep within.

sumika’s song “Honne” falls into the latter category.

It’s a ballad that calms feelings of sadness and anxiety and then pulls you upward with a strong lift.

This track was chosen as the support song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, and I think it will especially resonate with those who are giving their all in sports or working hard in their club activities.

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utatane

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Kono Yubi Tomareyosugala

Yosugala – Kono Yubi Tomare

In this new work by yosugala, a single ray of light and a warm, empathetic singing voice strike straight to the heart.

It’s a song that conveys, with unwavering sincerity, the desire to believe in someone’s inner radiance and to support them.

Crafted as an anthem that stands beside those feeling setbacks or loneliness and gently nudges them forward, it was first performed at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA in February 2025 and released the following March, with lyrics and composition by members of the band AliA.

It will surely resonate deeply with people giving their all on their own and with students running toward their dreams.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to with your friends when you’re worn out from sports day practice, feeling nervous before the main event, or in need of a lift.

Bring it on, youth!Kobushi Fakutorī

Kobushi Factory “Bring It On, Youth!” (Promotion Edit)

This song radiates a heart-stirring appeal as an anthem cheering on young people in the thick of their youth.

Using baseball as its motif—likening life’s do-or-die moments to the tense scenario of the bottom of the ninth, two outs, bases loaded—it powerfully pushes you to rise to the challenge.

Its message, infused with perseverance and passion, will resonate not only on the sports field but with anyone striving in everyday life.

Released by Kobushi Factory in July 2016 and included on the album “Kobushi Sono Ichi,” the track drew attention as a fiery, baseball-themed funk number.

With robust vocals and an exhilarating sound, this youth-boosting anthem hits even harder when played during club activities, matches, tournaments, or any moment you’re pursuing a goal.