Uplifting songs recommended for high school students

Opening DeclarationNovelbright

Novelbright – Opening Declaration [Official Music Video]

It is a highly message-driven song that conveys sincere feelings and a powerful drive toward a bright future.

It vividly depicts youthful figures stepping out from ordinary daily life to chase their dreams with friends.

The passionate resolve to walk together under the vast sky resonates with a grand orchestral sound in this masterpiece.

Released in April 2021 as the title track of the album “Kaimaku Sengen” (Opening Declaration), it has become a signature work symbolizing Novelbright’s major-label debut.

In 2022, it was also selected as the theme song for Nippon TV’s nationwide high school dance club support project on the program “Sukkiri.” This piece is certain to shine as BGM for entrance marches and competitive scenes at sports days and athletics festivals.

It’s the perfect cheer song to boost the feeling of wanting to dash full speed toward your dreams together with your friends.

Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI

Highest Point / SEKAI NO OWARI [Sports Day Recital Dance] Easy Dance Choreography

With its original approach of turning weakness into an ally to reach greater heights, this song becomes a compelling anthem of encouragement.

It carries a positive message: by accepting and overcoming your weaknesses, you can achieve significant growth.

Coupled with SEKAI NO OWARI’s gentle yet powerful vocals and expansive arrangement, it resonates deeply with listeners.

Produced in September 2023 as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime ONE PIECE, it is also included on the album Nautilus.

It’s a track that will strongly support participants during moments of challenge at school events like sports days and athletic festivals.

As a cheer song for anyone striving toward lofty goals, it’s a work you’ll definitely want to hear.

FRIENDS!!!imase

【imase】FRIENDS!!!（MV）

Set to a light, breezy melody, this heartwarming coming-of-age song celebrates the importance of friendship.

A groovy rhythm and the gentle vocals of imase, an artist from Gifu Prefecture, weave an exquisite harmony that carefully depicts reunions with friends, the subtle distances between hearts, and the feelings toward an unchanging bond.

Released in February 2025 as the theme song for the collaboration project “Everyone’s Concert” by the live communication app Pococha and Yamaha Corporation, the piece also features a special video with over 120 performers, proposing new ways to forge connections through music.

It’s perfect not only as BGM for school sports festivals and athletic meets, but also as a track to brighten any playlist capturing pages of youth spent with friends.

It starts here!DREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE “It Starts Here!”

From the very moment you start running, this theme song for a sports event by DREAMS COME TRUE gives a powerful push to the beginning of your challenge.

Riding on a lively rhythm that fuses disco sounds with Latin grooves, it carries a heartfelt cheer that resonates with every challenger.

It sings of bonds with friends, hard work and growth, and the courage to make a fresh start, becoming a piece that gently nudges listeners forward.

Released in January 2025, the song was written as the theme for a relay race event commemorating the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

The single, which also includes the theme song for the film “Kaminofude,” marks a milestone work celebrating DREAMS COME TRUE’s 35th anniversary.

It’s a song we hope not only students facing their youth, but everyone about to take a new step in life, will listen to.

VertigoMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION「Vertigo」

This is a powerful track whose sharp, incisive message captures the turmoil of modern society and the feelings of its people.

The lyrics, which warn against a society that blindly charges forward in pursuit of something “better” and portray the emotional instability of hearts swayed within it, speak to a universal theme anyone can relate to.

Included on the EP “XV e.p.” released in March 2025, it was also used as the promotional song for the near-futuristic sci-fi mecha game Mecha BREAK.

Perfectly linked to the game’s worldview, the song features MAN WITH A MISSION’s signature energetic sound.

It’s an ideal choice for school festivals or cultural festival performances as an anthem cheering on friends taking their next step.

winding roadNovelbright

Novelbright – Winding Road [Official Music Video]

An uplifting coming-of-age anthem that depicts the journey from boyhood to adulthood along the winding road of life, set to a sweeping melody.

The track brings out Novelbright’s appeal to the fullest, portraying the anxieties and inner conflicts of everyday life, as well as the strength to overcome them.

Yudai Takenaka’s expansive vocals and the invigorating sound unique to a rock band resonate deeply.

Released for streaming in January 2025, the song was chosen as the theme for the TV Tokyo drama “Courtroom Dragon,” and its music video—directed by Hiroshi Tamaki—also became a hot topic.

It’s the perfect song for those moments when you strive to achieve something together with friends, like in club activities, cultural festivals, or school festivals.

C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h. [Official Music Video]

This song leaves a strong impression with a powerful message that feels like a snapshot from the pages of youth.

It embodies the courage to move toward the future and the resolve to cherish memories with friends, all delivered through ONE OK ROCK’s signature emotional vocals that resonate deeply.

Featured on the album Zankyo Reference, the track was released in October 2011 and skillfully fuses elements of metalcore and post-hardcore.

It was also chosen as the ending theme for the TV program “To the Top of the Earth: Futa Kuriki’s New Challenge,” captivating the hearts of many.

It’s a perfect choice for those who want to sing at cultural festivals, school festivals, or choir competitions.

Raise your voices together, and it will surely become an unforgettable memory.