Uplifting songs recommended for high school students

HereditySaitō Kazuyoshi

Heredity

This work is recommended for high school students who want to fire themselves up with a robust rock sound.

It’s a single by singer-songwriter Kazuyoshi Saito, released in February 2017.

It’s also known for being written as the theme song for the TBS drama “Gekokujō Juken.” The lyrics confront inescapable realities—like what we inherit from our parents and the environments we’re born into—while still expressing the will to move forward, which should resonate deeply with anyone feeling pressure from exams or club activities.

Its powerful melody, blending rock and folk, offers a gritty yet warm encouragement that’s more than just pretty words.

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)GReeeeN

GReeeeN – Michi (Road/Path)

A classic GReeeeN song to listen to when you hit a wall with daily studies or club activities and feel like giving up.

Released in January 2007, it was their memorable debut single and was featured widely in the media, including as the opening theme for CDTV.

The lyrics convey a message of believing in yourself and moving forward no matter the difficulties, offering comfort and courage to listeners.

It’s loved by top athletes as well—pitcher Yu Darvish has said it supported him.

In 2017, it was used in a SUBARU commercial, drawing renewed attention a decade after its release.

When you feel uncertain about the path you’ve chosen, this is a cheer song that gently nudges you forward.

Again and againHinatazaka46

Hinatazaka46 “Again and Again”

It’s a cheer song filled with a warm yet powerful message that encourages you to try again as many times as it takes, even if you fail.

The lyrics, which say there’s no need to compare yourself with others, will resonate deeply with high school students who live amid daily competition.

It’s a track by the popular idol group Hinatazaka46, created as the support song for Nippon TV’s “41st High School Quiz Championship 2021,” and included as a coupling track on their sixth single released in October 2021.

Especially in those moments when you feel yourself slipping into self-doubt, give this song a listen—you’ll surely find the courage to take your next step.

rainbowAqua Timez

Aqua Timez “Niji” Music Video (Theme song for the drama Gokusen Season 3)

Aqua Timez’s “Niji” gently wraps a heart on the verge of breaking and gives it a powerful push forward.

Released in May 2008 as their sixth single, it became widely loved as the theme song for the drama Gokusen: The Third Series, starring Yukie Nakama.

The melody, which fuses sweeping strings with a powerful band sound, has a refreshing clarity that feels like your view opening up just by listening.

Its million certification for surpassing one million downloads also speaks to its long-lasting support.

When you feel lonely studying for exams or frustrated by results in your club activities, give this song a listen.

The straightforward message in the chorus will pour fresh energy into your anxious heart and help you keep going.

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Yuzu “Eikou no Kakehashi” Music Video

An enduring masterpiece by Yuzu, the folk duo that represents Japan.

It embraces all the pain and setbacks of the past, the days of effort piled up without running away, and makes you feel proud of who you are now.

That warm yet powerful message resonates deeply with anyone striving forward.

Released as a single in July 2004, it was used as the theme song for NHK’s broadcast of the Athens Olympics.

Many will remember it alongside the moving scene of the men’s gymnastics team winning gold for the first time in 28 years.

Give it a listen when your club activities aren’t yielding the results you want, or when exam pressure feels overwhelming.

You’ll find the courage to believe that none of your steps so far have been in vain—and to keep moving forward.

AnswerKafu

Kaf #58 “Answer” [Original MV]

A song sung by the virtual singer KAF that we hope you’ll listen to when you’re struggling with questions that have no right answer and feel like you might come to a halt.

The lyrics by Vocaloid producer Kanzaki Iori gently affirm the dignity of moving forward while carrying doubt and anxiety.

It aired as the ending theme for the TV anime Black Clover starting in April 2020 and was included on the EP Hana to Kaitou, released in July of the same year.

Her distinctive voice stays close to your heart and draws out the strength to keep going.

This work teaches us that continuing to search for answers isn’t wrong in itself, and it’s sure to resonate especially with students agonizing over their future paths and club members suffering because their results haven’t matched their efforts.

IBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN「I」（Official Audio）

When you need the courage to choose your future, how about the powerful sound of BUMP OF CHICKEN? This track was selected as the ending theme for the TV anime My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON.

Released for streaming in October 2025, the song was created with deep respect for the story’s world, as all the band members are fans of the original work.

As the title—meaning “myself”—suggests, the lyrics portray a mix of hope and impatience, while the exhilarating rock sound is sure to resonate with teens in the midst of their youth.

Give it a listen especially when you want to fire yourself up.