Recommended entrance songs for high school students: moving masterpieces and popular hits.

Long Hope PhiliaSuda Masaki

Masaki Suda “Long Hope Philia”

This is a powerful, heartfelt song by Masaki Suda that passionately sings of challenge, growth, and hope.

No matter how hard things get, it delivers an artistic message that resonates—urging you to believe in yourself, keep moving forward, and cherish the bonds of friendship.

Released in August 2018, it was chosen as the theme song for the film “My Hero Academia: Two Heroes,” with lyrics and composition by Hiromu Akita of amazarashi.

It reached No.

11 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and captured the hearts of many listeners.

It’s a song you’ll want to hear as you step into a new phase of life—like starting school or moving up to the next level.

Even if you feel the sadness of parting with friends or anxiety about a new environment, listening to this track will give you the courage to face forward.

dance hallMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Dance Hall” Official Music Video

An irresistibly cheerful anthem that lifts the clouds of anxiety from the very first phrase! It’s a massive hit by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE that has set numerous records, including surpassing 100 million streams.

In life, the leading role belongs to no one but yourself.

The lyrics gently embrace you, encouraging, “Stay just as you are, keep smiling, and face forward as you live!” As you listen on repeat, you might feel your anxiety give way to excitement filling your mind.

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yuri

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The First Steprakkuraifu

Luck Life / The First Step [Music Video] (TV Anime 'Cheer Boys!!' Opening Theme)

This song pumps up your energy right from the intro.

LACCO TOWER’s “Hajime no Ippo” was also the theme song for the anime Cheer Boys!!.

It’s a number that gives you a big push forward with boundless energy and an unclouded smile when you’re feeling unsure.

I want you to listen without overthinking—let it blow away your doubts as if they were never there.

Rather than getting stuck in your head and feeling down, it’s a song that gives you the courage to dive into your surroundings and makes you think, “Maybe I’ll give it a try.”

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utatane

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BlessingYOASOBI

YOASOBI 'The Blessing' Official Music Video (Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury Opening Theme)

Close your eyes, and that high school flutter returns again—the youthful anthem by YOASOBI etches itself deeply into the heart.

Brimming with forward-looking energy, this piece weaves a rich tale of the joy and pride of living true to yourself, with the theme of life’s important choices.

Rather than riding along the rails set by someone else, the strength to carve your own path with your own will—together with Ikura’s soaring vocals—shakes the soul.

Released in October 2022, this song was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury and is included on the album THE BOOK 3.

It’s a cheer song that brings courage and hope to everyone poised to take a new step forward.

SignalNEW!WANIMA

WANIMA “Signal” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

As you embark on your high school life, some of you may feel not only excitement but also anxiety.

In times like that, why not listen to WANIMA’s “Signal” to fire yourself up? Featured on their major-label first full-length album “Everybody!!,” this track was released in January 2018.

It was created for an NHK project to perform with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation, and it was also used as the theme song for Lotte’s “SOU” commercial featuring Suzu Hirose.

Its message—that even if you’re not fully formed yet, it’s enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with your friends and move forward—will give a powerful push to your back as you stand at the starting line.

It’s a song that supplies the energy you need to enjoy the days ahead to the fullest.

BOYNEW!King Gnu

King Gnu – BOY

It’s a King Gnu number that blends warmth and strength, one that awakens those nostalgic memories of when toys and little creatures were our friends as kids.

Released in October 2021, it was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Ranking of Kings.

You can almost picture the protagonist, pressing on with single-minded determination despite their frailty—it really stirs the heart.

Many of you stepping into the new stage of high school may be feeling anxious: “Will I fit in?” “Can I keep up with the studies?” But don’t worry—this song will gently, and at times powerfully, push you forward.

Give this track, also included on the album THE GREATEST UNKNOWN, a listen, and you’ll surely find the courage to take a step forward in your own way.

Song of SpringNEW!supittsu

Spitz / Spring Song

This is a number with a refreshingly memorable melody that I can’t help but want to listen to when I feel the spring breeze.

The lyrics, which capture the wavering of the heart on the way from winter to spring—not only hope but also a touch of chill—will gently accompany those of you standing at the milestone of entering high school.

Released in April 2005 as their 30th single, it’s also included on the album “Souvenir.” You probably know it as the song used in commercials for Japan Coca-Cola’s Aquarius and Lotte’s Ghana Chocolate.

Spitz’s characteristically universal melody and Masamune Kusano’s clear, transparent vocals give you the courage to take a new step forward.

As you embark on a slightly more grown-up high school life, on your commute where anticipation and anxiety mingle, listen to this track and let it lift your spirits!