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.

sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI

Sakanaction “Sazanka”

A ballad that portrays the loneliness and anxiety felt in the pursuit of a dream, as well as the warmth of someone watching over you.

SEKAI NO OWARI’s “Sazanka” is a single released in February 2018 and became widely known as the NHK theme song for coverage of the PyeongChang Olympics and Paralympics.

Rather than simply urging listeners to “do your best,” the song is filled with a gentle kindness that seems to affirm every attempt to overcome setbacks and pain.

Anyone chasing a dream may wonder, “Is this really the right path for me?” In those moments, this song will quietly stand by you, saying, “I know how hard you’ve been trying.”

MagicMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE「Magic」Official Music Video

A refreshing pop tune by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE that works like a little spell to change your everyday mood.

Released in June 2023, it was written specifically for a Coca-Cola commercial and serves as a key track at the start of the album ANTENNA.

It brightened many people’s daily lives, reaching No.

3 on the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100 and surpassing 300 million streams.

With its brisk beat and liberating chorus, just listening can fill you with positive energy.

The lyrics, which encourage you while accepting that things don’t always go smoothly, are likely to be a strong ally for high school students facing hurdles in club activities or exam study.

flying boatKing Gnu

King Gnu – Hikōtei (Seaplane)

When you take on a challenge, there are times you feel like you’re about to be crushed by the pressure.

That’s when King Gnu’s track lights a fire in you from the depths of your heart.

Released in August 2019 as a digital-only single, it’s also well known as the ANA commercial song featuring Naomi Osaka.

Its weighty, massive beat and powerful sound make you feel invincible just by listening.

The message—don’t be bound by common sense or what’s considered right; charge down the path you believe in—gives a firm push to anyone hesitating.

Play it before a club match or on the morning of an entrance exam—any pivotal moment—and it’s sure to give you the courage to believe in yourself and face what’s ahead.

rainbowAqua Timez

Aqua Timez “Niji” Music Video (Theme song for the drama Gokusen Season 3)

Aqua Timez’s “Niji” gently wraps a heart on the verge of breaking and gives it a powerful push forward.

Released in May 2008 as their sixth single, it became widely loved as the theme song for the drama Gokusen: The Third Series, starring Yukie Nakama.

The melody, which fuses sweeping strings with a powerful band sound, has a refreshing clarity that feels like your view opening up just by listening.

Its million certification for surpassing one million downloads also speaks to its long-lasting support.

When you feel lonely studying for exams or frustrated by results in your club activities, give this song a listen.

The straightforward message in the chorus will pour fresh energy into your anxious heart and help you keep going.

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)GReeeeN

GReeeeN – Michi (Road/Path)

A classic GReeeeN song to listen to when you hit a wall with daily studies or club activities and feel like giving up.

Released in January 2007, it was their memorable debut single and was featured widely in the media, including as the opening theme for CDTV.

The lyrics convey a message of believing in yourself and moving forward no matter the difficulties, offering comfort and courage to listeners.

It’s loved by top athletes as well—pitcher Yu Darvish has said it supported him.

In 2017, it was used in a SUBARU commercial, drawing renewed attention a decade after its release.

When you feel uncertain about the path you’ve chosen, this is a cheer song that gently nudges you forward.

AnswerKafu

Kaf #58 “Answer” [Original MV]

A song sung by the virtual singer KAF that we hope you’ll listen to when you’re struggling with questions that have no right answer and feel like you might come to a halt.

The lyrics by Vocaloid producer Kanzaki Iori gently affirm the dignity of moving forward while carrying doubt and anxiety.

It aired as the ending theme for the TV anime Black Clover starting in April 2020 and was included on the EP Hana to Kaitou, released in July of the same year.

Her distinctive voice stays close to your heart and draws out the strength to keep going.

This work teaches us that continuing to search for answers isn’t wrong in itself, and it’s sure to resonate especially with students agonizing over their future paths and club members suffering because their results haven’t matched their efforts.

Step and a stepNiziU

NiziU(니쥬) Debut Single『Step and a step』MV

NiziU’s memorable debut single, also known for being produced by J.Y.

Park.

Released in December 2020, it garnered attention as the song used in Lotte’s “Fit’s” commercial.

It carries a warm message of “It’s okay to move at your own pace,” offering a comforting charm that’s different from the upbeat vibe of their pre-debut track “Make you happy.” It’s a song we especially want high school students to hear—those who tend to feel rushed while studying for exams or are struggling with club activities that aren’t yielding the results they hoped for.

Even if you don’t force yourself to run, taking one step at a time is enough—their voices will give you a gentle push forward.