Recommended entrance songs for high school students: moving masterpieces and popular hits.
At the time of graduating from junior high and entering high school, many of you may be going to different schools from your friends for the first time.
It can feel a bit unsettling to take separate paths from the friends you spent elementary and junior high school with.
Some of you might also be worried about whether you’ll make new friends and keep up with your studies.
On the other hand, many of you probably have hopes and dreams for your high school life.
So in this article, we’ll introduce encouraging songs that can ease those worries, as well as entry songs that inspire a sense of hope.
These are entrance songs we want high schoolers—who may feel like they’ve taken a step closer to adulthood—to hear!
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Recommended entrance songs for high school students: moving masterpieces and popular tracks (1–10)
Shineyuzu
Yuzu’s song “Hikare” is one I’d recommend to anyone who, right after finishing their entrance ceremony and thinking, “I’m going to give my all at everything!” suddenly finds their spirit broken by something.
It’s a positive song that tells those who enrolled with hearts full of hope and expectation—but now feel down because they can’t fit in, or their studies or club activities aren’t going as planned—that an even more wonderful future awaits them.
It makes you feel that hardships and setbacks are exactly what allow you to shine.
stepsGReeeeN
GReeeeN’s “Ayumi” is the perfect song for those of you taking your first steps into high school life.
This track packs in all of GReeeeN’s charm and expresses the strength and hope to overcome the setbacks and anxieties you face on the way to your dreams.
High school students who have just overcome the big challenge of entrance exams will surely relate deeply.
The lyrics sung by GReeeeN are full of words that powerfully cheer on the youthful days of continued challenge.
If you ever have days when you feel overwhelmed with anxiety, listen to this song and find the courage to move forward steadily, one step at a time.
It’s a highly recommended track for everyone standing at the new starting line called high school!
rainbow-coloredayaka
This is a song released in 2014 by singer-songwriter Ayaka.
It was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Hanako to Anne and became a big hit.
Its message—that no matter what happens in your long life, you’ll surely overcome it—fits perfectly with the occasion of entering a new school.
Her gentle, warm voice is truly soothing.
Recommended entrance songs for high school students: moving masterpieces and popular tracks (11–20)
Ten Thousand Cheers, A Thousand ChantsRADWIMPS
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.
ImaginationNEW!SPYAIR
A killer tune by SPYAIR with an irresistible sense of speed that sprints from the very intro.
The lyrics carry a fiery message about breaking through the status quo and heading toward tomorrow with your friends, lighting a spark in the hearts of listeners.
Released in April 2014, this track served as the first opening theme for the popular anime Haikyu!!, which centers on high school volleyball.
Its worldview, linked with the anime’s story, resonated with many.
As you head into a new school year, why not draw some courage from this song?
DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE
This is an uplifting, heartfelt anthem themed around being true to yourself and love.
Released in January 2025 as the theme song for NHK General’s special program “Mrs.
GREEN APPLE 18 Festival,” it marked the first release celebrating the band’s 10th debut anniversary.
Performed together with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation, the live rendition showcased an energetic side that resonates with young people.
Featuring Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s signature catchy melodies and a memorable pop-rock sound, the song is filled with the anxieties, doubts, and hopes of youth.
It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to high school students preparing for higher education or a new chapter in life, as they take their first steps forward.
voiceikimonogakari
Ikimonogakari’s “Koe” is a song written in 2023 for a project supporting student sports.
It was written and composed by Yoshiki Mizuno, with arrangement by Seiji Kameda.
Its warm, moving melody and forward-looking lyrics are striking, making it a perfect fit for the start of high school life.
The song carries a message that gently encourages listeners, as if to sweep away their worries.
It’s recommended for high school students who are holding onto hope while sometimes feeling anxious.