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.
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Recommended cheer-up songs for high school students: tracks that will motivate you for entrance exams and club activities (141–150)
Aim to be a Pokémon MasterMatsumoto Rika
A heart-pounding song filled with passion for dreams and adventure, highlighted by Rica Matsumoto’s powerful vocals.
It delivers a youthful, positive message, singing of the courage to face hardship and the bonds with friends—perfect for boosting excitement at school sports days and athletic festivals.
Released as a single in June 1997, it was used as the opening theme for a TV anime.
It won the Work Award at the Heisei Anisong Grand Prize and garnered widespread support, reaching as high as No.
7 on the Oricon charts.
Even when practice time is limited for a sports-day cheer song, its simple, easy-to-remember melody and lyrics mean the whole class can start singing it right away.
BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi
A new song by Kenshi Yonezu written as the opening theme for the TV anime “Medalist.” The protagonists, who push forward without fearing failure, are depicted with powerful imagery likening them to a bow and arrow.
The story of companions who overcome setbacks and strive to regain their brilliance on the ice is deeply moving.
Released as a digital-only single in January 2025, the piece was written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu himself, who also created the cover illustration.
It’s a song that stays by your side at life’s turning points—when you’ve worked hard yet can’t find confidence and feel like breaking—and gives you a gentle push forward.
Everyone is a heroAI
This is a song whose AI-sung vocals resonate deeply with the heart.
The lyrics, which capture scenes from everyday life, tell us that anyone can be the hero of their own story.
Even when you struggle against headwinds, if you look up at the sky, you’ll find a star of hope shining there.
It’s a message that gives you courage.
Released digitally in January 2016 and widely known as the theme song for au’s “Santaro” commercial series, the track also got a new version in 2024.
If you’re worried or suffering right now, please give this piece a listen.
You’ll surely discover a new version of yourself.
Recommended cheer-up songs for high school students: tracks that will motivate you for entrance exams and club activities (151–160)
Pride RevolutionCHiCO with HoneyWorks
As a unit composed of a singer and a creator team, CHiCO with HoneyWorks has produced numerous anime theme songs.
Their third single, Pride Kakumei, which was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Gintama, features a driving, hard-hitting rock sound and powerful vocals that really get you pumped.
Its lyrics teach us that what matters isn’t winning or losing, but facing challenges head-on—words that could blow away the doubts of high school students before exams or matches.
It’s a refreshing rock tune with a catchy melody that urges you to overcome hardships.
At dawn again today, with cherry blossoms dancingCHiCO with HoneyWorks
This is a song that sings of the dreams and hopes of young people at dawn as cherry blossoms dance.
CHiCO with HoneyWorks’s vocals give you the courage to face forward.
Released in April 2017, it was used as the opening theme for the anime Gintama.
It depicts continuing to run toward the future, finding the truth even while experiencing farewells.
This piece is perfect for high school students diving into a new environment.
Give it a listen when you’re struggling with club activities or studies.
It will remind you of the bonds with your friends and help you feel your own growth.
With its upbeat melody, it will naturally lift your spirits.
Shouted SerenadeLiSA
This is a song that stirs listeners with its powerful message and heartfelt lyrics.
Lines like “not enough” convey a strong determination to face harsh realities without giving up.
Released digitally in April 2024 and on CD in May, it was chosen as the opening theme for season 3 of the TV anime The Irregular at Magic High School, marking another contribution by LiSA to the series.
Its aggressive, energetic sound is compelling.
Whether you’re tackling club activities, preparing for exams, or hitting other walls in high school life, listening to it will surely give you the courage to look ahead.
It’s a track that inspires resilience and hope in life—be sure to give it a listen.
Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster
Little Glee Monster is a six-member vocal group formed by the winners of the “Strongest Singing Girls Audition,” held to discover artists who can succeed on the world stage.
Their song “Itsuka Kono Namida ga,” included on their third album “juice,” was selected as the support song for the 96th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
The message—that the tears shed in both joyous and frustrating moments will one day become your own treasure—offers the courage to keep going when life makes you feel like breaking.
With beautifully moving choral work, it’s a track you’ll want to listen to while reminiscing about your youth.