Uplifting songs recommended for high school students

flying boatKing Gnu

King Gnu – Hikōtei (Seaplane)

This is a song by King Gnu—known for their distinctive musicality—that gives you a push when you want to break through the status quo and take a new step forward.

It carries a powerful message: don’t be bound by society’s conventions or ideas of correctness—embrace your past and future alike, and move ahead by your own will.

Monumental, stadium-shaking choruses fuse with earth-rumbling low-end to shake the listener to the core.

Released in August 2019, the track was also featured in an ANA commercial.

If you listen to it when you’re facing a major challenge or need to fire yourself up in the morning, it just might make you believe in limitless possibilities.

breakfastMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE「breakfast」Official Music Video

This song has been used since June 2025 as the theme for Fuji TV’s information program “Sun! Shine.” The full-on choreography—making you think, “Does Mrs.

GREEN APPLE dance this much?”—has become a hot topic, but above all it’s a refreshing morning-perfect anthem.

The track isn’t merely cheerful; it portrays the struggles of imperfect everyday life and the resolve of “All right, let’s get to it today,” and that depth feels very true to them.

This is the third time Mrs.

GREEN APPLE has handled a theme for a Fuji TV information program.

It’s a stylish, emotional number that will surely put you in a positive mood before school, even on slightly gloomy mornings.

Easy Breezychelmico

chelmico「Easy Breezy」【Official Music Video】

The high-speed beat and addictive back-and-forth rap make it a joy to listen to.

It’s a track by chelmico, the female rap duo of Rachel and Mamiko, released as a single in January 2020.

Chosen as the opening theme for the anime Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, it became a big talking point alongside its inventive animation.

The straightforward message—“Don’t worry about others; stay true to what you love”—gives a powerful push to anyone who hears it.

Centered on hip-hop with a playful sound, it’s a stylish pep song that blows away the blues and fills you with energy.

It’s also included on the album maze.

IdeaHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Idea (Official Video)

This is a masterpiece by Gen Hoshino that I especially want you to listen to when you’re feeling a bit low.

Released in August 2018, the song was used as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Half, Blue.” Its structure is captivating, unfolding from a buoyant, marimba-based intro into a gentle first verse.

His warm voice gives you a soft push forward.

The positive worldview—one that seems to turn even the sound of rain into song—will surely lighten your heart, whether on your commute to work or school, or as you stand before an important challenge.

KICKBACKYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – KICKBACK

Kenshi Yonezu, a singer-songwriter who also has a persona as a Vocaloid producer and continues to expand the musical possibilities of the J-pop scene.

The track released in November 2022, used as the opening theme for the TV anime Chainsaw Man, drew major attention for featuring Daiki Tsuneta of King Gnu on arrangement.

With its drum’n’bass-driven, intense beat and whirlwind progression, the sound feels like a roller coaster that sweeps listeners along, deeply linking with the work’s frenzied worldview.

The lyrics, infused with the protagonist’s somewhat nihilistic and self-destructive desire for happiness and good fortune, strike a powerful impulse into the listener’s heart.

It’s an aggressive, cool rock tune that blasts away the boredom of everyday life and lifts your mood to the max.

coloring; color scheme; hues; decoration; embellishment; added flair (figurative)ikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “Irodori” Music Video (Odakyu Group corporate commercial song)

It’s a gentle pop tune that portrays the small happiness found in everyday life and the connections between people.

This track is the lead song from the album “Asobi,” released in April 2025, and was selected for the Odakyu Group’s corporate commercial.

Its familiar, catchy melody and heartwarming lyrics make a lasting impression.

Another highlight is the grand choral work featuring choirs from Tokyo University of Agriculture, Seijo University, and more.

It’s a piece we hope you’ll listen to as music that accompanies your daily life, such as during your commute to work or school.

HANABIMr.Children

Mr.Children「HANABI」 Tour2015 REFLECTION Live

Mr.Children is a band very familiar to high school students as well.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call them a national band—many of you have probably been listening to their songs since you were kids.

Among their works, I recommend one of their later pieces, “HANABI.”