Uplifting songs recommended for high school students

RUNNNERbakufū suranpu

Bakufu Slump - Runner (High Quality)

When it comes to songs that lift your spirits, I think many people would name this one.

For high school students it may be a slightly older track, but it’s undeniably a quintessential feel-good song from the Showa era.

Bakufu Slump’s “RUNNER” not only energizes you, it’s a song that makes the depths of your heart burn with passion.

Linda LindaTHE BLUE HEARTS

[Official] THE BLUE HEARTS “Linda Linda” [1st Single (1987/5/1)] THE BLUE HEARTS / Linda Linda

Speaking of THE BLUE HEARTS’ “Linda Linda,” it’s quite an old song, but isn’t it a well-known, energizing anthem even among high school students? Its opening line, “I want to be beautiful like a sewer rat,” is extremely famous.

DepartureMatsuyama Chiharu

Chiharu Matsuyama / Tabidachi

I hope high school students will listen more to Chiharu Matsuyama’s songs.

They’re all wonderful and each one sings about the essence of life.

This song, “Tabidachi” (Departure), is also one of Matsuyama’s signature tracks from his early days.

I’m sure it will lift your spirits.

Uniform and the SunKeyakizaka46

[Sakurazaka46 RISA WATANABE GRADUATION CONCERT] Uniform and the Sun [High Quality]

Don’t you ever suddenly feel stifled by the routine of spending every day in a prescribed uniform? Rather than just walking the path laid out by adults, you want to move forward by your own will toward a sunlit future.

This is a cheer song that carries that hidden inner cry on a refreshing sound.

Included on Keyakizaka46’s single Futari Saison, released in November 2016, this track frees the heart from a cramped everyday life.

When you’re unsure about something, you want the courage to follow your true feelings.

If you listen at such a moment, won’t your heart feel a little lighter, as if you took a deep breath under the sky of the schoolyard?

Close your eyes and come here.BARBEE BOYS

BARBEE BOYS - Close Your Eyes and Come Here

BARBEE BOYS is a rock band from the 1980s known for its captivating twin vocals.

When people from a certain generation listen to their songs, they feel energized.

With that in mind, I’d like to recommend “Me o Tojite Oide yo” to all high school students as well.

era; age; time; periodNaoko Ken

Naoko Ken Sings Miyuki Nakajima / Jidai (The Era)

High school students might not know this, but Naoko Ken is a bona fide musician.

She’s an excellent singer with many hit songs.

This time, I recommend her version of Miyuki Nakajima’s “Jidai” (The Times).

Love & JoyHatsuboshi Gakuen

Hatsuboshi Academy “Love & Joy” Official Music Video (HATSUBOSHI GAKUEN – Love & Joy)

A dazzling dance number that gives you the courage to take your next step.

It’s a track from First Star Academy in the idol training game “Gakuen Idolmaster,” released in June 2025.

The song ties into the key in-game scenario “STEP3,” dramatically portraying a certain character’s comeback and challenge.

Its energetic sound will surely give you a strong push forward as you strive toward your goals.