Heartwarming songs recommended for high school students

Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā

Sambomaster / Starting to Shine and Run - MUSIC VIDEO

This is a renowned song that powerfully portrays a protagonist, burning with passion, dashing toward the future while pursuing their true self.

It resonates with the message that there’s no need to imitate anyone else, and that it’s important to let your own unique flower bloom.

The track is filled with courage and determination, urging listeners to take a step toward hope by overcoming the sorrow and pain they carry.

Released as Sambomaster’s single in August 2018, it was used as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Cheer☆Dan.” As a song that supports the story of high school students striving toward their dreams, it deeply moved many viewers.

It’s a piece that strongly pushes the backs of those devoted to lessons and practice, and those facing hardships, giving them the courage to take a step forward.

DREAMERIkuta Rira

DREAMER

A gem of a mid-tempo ballad whose burning passion and single-minded pursuit of a dream strikes straight to the heart.

Lila Ikuta returns to her roots as an artist, expressing her love for music and her determination in unembellished, down-to-earth words.

Written as an insert song for the drama “Paripi Kōmei” and later self-covered for release in March 2025 as part of the album Hyakka Ryoran, the track weaves the struggles and growth of those who love music into a gently enveloping melody, letting their powerful longing for their dreams resonate deeply.

It’s a song of support that gives a push to students immersed in practice and warmly stands by their efforts—one we hope you’ll play during training scenes for sports days and athletic festivals.

We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā

I’ve gotta do the thing that seems impossible.

A powerful anthem that gives you a push in those youthful moments.

Released by Sambomaster in February 2010, this song carries a warm message that boosts self-affirmation and the spirit to take on challenges.

Centered on themes of “not giving up,” “moving forward,” and “possibility,” it offers a gentle embrace for everyone’s anxieties and doubts while giving the courage to take a new step.

It has been featured in a Nissan commercial and as the image song for the film Cheer☆Dance, resonating with many hearts.

It’s a classic that students training for sports festivals, as well as anyone standing at a crossroads in life, should hear.

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.

Unable to become an adultkujira

Unable to become an adult

This work gently sings of the importance of embracing loneliness and ordinariness.

Through images of the stillness of a moonless night and scattering light into the darkness, its warm lyrics, which handle a fragile heart with care, resonate deeply.

Kujira centers themes of self-acceptance and growth, beautifully expressing young people’s emotions within a unique worldview.

This piece serves as the theme song for the February 2025 film “My Senpai Is a Boy: Rain, Then Clear,” showcasing the delicate musicality honed on the albums “Until I Can Love Life” and “Vegetable Drawer.” It’s a wonderful song that stays close to the subtle feelings of youth—days at a school festival spent with dear friends, the anxiety and confusion felt while searching for one’s true self.

Beautiful DaysHirai Dai

Dai Hirai / Beautiful Days (Lyric Video)

A gentle anthem that accompanies the making of precious adolescent memories.

Dai Hirai’s acoustic melodies and warm vocals give a push to young people taking their first steps toward the future.

Riding on a calm yet powerful sound, it sings of hope in the darkness, the value of seemingly uneventful days, and the anticipation of a new departure.

Since its release in March 2025, the piece has drawn attention with a confirmed tie-in to an animated production.

The album “Life is Beautiful,” which also features a collaboration with Taro Hakase, reached No.

1 overall on iTunes.

It’s a song that supports students preparing and practicing for their school festivals, resonating with their hearts and helping them reaffirm the bonds with their cherished friends.

futureKobukuro

Kobukuro “Mirai” film “orange” version

A heartwarming ballad dedicated to those who live life with all their might.

This gem of a song layers gentle compassion for others with wishes for the future.

Released in December 2015, it was written as the theme song for the film “orange” and was later used as a tie-in track for the anime series as well.

With Kobukuro’s signature powerful harmonies and a melody line that resonates deeply, this piece leaves a lasting impression.

Performed on a school festival stage, it will tenderly color the bonds with dear friends and the memories of student days.