Moving songs recommended for high school students: classic and popular Japanese hits

We areONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK: We Are [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

An empowering anthem that stands by the anxieties and struggles of young people, powerfully singing the importance of living true to yourself! Taka from ONE OK ROCK delivers an emotionally rich vocal performance, and the fusion with the emotive melody creates a soul-stirring sound that leaves a lasting impression.

Featured on the album “Ambitions” and released in January 2017, this track was chosen as NHK’s soccer theme song and deeply moved many viewers.

It’s a warm song that supports and encourages not only students in the midst of their youth, but also those who feel unable to face societal pressures and surrounding prejudice, and those on the verge of losing their sense of self.

Ten Thousand Cheers, A Thousand ChantsRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Banzai Thousand Chants [Official Live Video from “ANTI ANTI GENERATION TOUR 2019”]

RADWIMPS delivered a cheer song created together with 18-year-olds.

Filled with both anxiety and hope for an unseen future, this piece—woven with Yojiro Noda’s resonant words and melodies—gently gives a push to those about to take a new step forward.

It was first performed on a special NHK program in October 2018 and later included on the album ANTI ANTI GENERATION released that December.

The stage, shared with 1,000 18-year-olds gathered from across the country, became a moving moment born from the real voices of youth.

It’s a song we hope not only students striving toward their dreams, but everyone starting a new chapter will listen to.

It will fill you with the courage to face forward and begin walking.

Critical HitRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – A Masterstroke [Official Music Video]

This is a rock anthem packed with a grand message that resonates with young people, included by RADWIMPS in their December 2013 album “X to O to Tsumi to.” Riding on powerful guitar riffs and driving drum rhythms, it portrays the struggles and growth of a protagonist trying to find their own path in the midst of youth.

Its uncompromising alternative sound is brimming with energy, making it perfect for opening or closing ceremonies at school sports days.

The music video was filmed at Ageo Municipal Baseball Stadium in Saitama Prefecture and features a massive scale with 1,500 extras.

This work strongly supports students in the thick of their youth and those standing at life’s crossroads.

It’s the perfect song when you need the courage to take a new step forward.

earnest desireSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Ketsubou” MV

SUPER BEAVER’s deeply moving masterpiece that sings about the importance of human connections is included on their album “Ongaku,” released in February 2024.

The song gently conveys how an individual’s happiness is built with the support of many people and the warmth created by a chain of smiles.

The album “Ongaku” also features several tie-in tracks, including the theme song for the film Tokyo Revengers 2 and the anthem for the 103rd National High School Rugby Tournament.

It’s the perfect song for cheering on those practicing for sports days and field days, or for reminiscing about the memories of working up a sweat with your friends.

A Song for a FriendSonar Pocket

Sonar Pocket 'A Song for a Friend' [MV Short]

This pop tune by Sonar Pocket vividly sings about memories from a youth spent with cherished friends.

Nostalgic scenes from student life are depicted with rich emotion, and the unshakable bond with friends who have gone their separate ways is strikingly portrayed.

Released in February 2009, the song is also included on the album “Sonapokeism ①: The Shape of Happiness,” and is often performed at graduation ceremonies and farewell parties.

It’s a heartwarming piece meant to be listened to while thinking of friends who now live far away.

FRIENDS!!!imase

【imase】FRIENDS!!!（MV）

This is a heartwarming song themed around friendship, whose gentle melody seeps into the soul.

Imase’s soft vocals tenderly capture the subtle distance and mutual changes felt when reconnecting with an old friend.

It conveys the importance of a friendship that, even as we grow, can return to the carefree bond of the past, and the enduring connection that doesn’t fade with time.

Released in February 2025 for the collaborative project “Everyone’s Concert” by the live communication app Pococha and Yamaha Corporation, the piece features a striking sound highlighted by Shingo Kubota’s arrangement.

Recommended as a youthful, uplifting track perfect for memorable moments like school festivals or stage performances, it’s a song that unites friends and lifts the mood when shared together.

Dinner Songtuki.

tuki. “Banquet Song” Official Music Video

Woven into song with the ache of bittersweet love, tuki.’s music resonates across genders and generations.

This work carefully portrays the inner conflicts born from repeated partings and renewals with a loved one, gently expressing affection and gratitude toward the other person.

Released in September 2023, it also drew attention with an acoustic version featuring Yuuri in December of the same year.

The stirring vocals and melody are perfect for karaoke; performing it at school festivals or gatherings with friends—any moment when you want to share feelings—will surely strike a deep chord with listeners.

Its warm atmosphere and clear, transparent vocal quality will gently envelop the room.