A roundup of youth-themed songs recommended for high school students

blue skyMarushii

Marcy – Blue Sky (Official Music Video)

An emotional rock ballad that portrays the hope that if you keep moving forward despite doubts and inner conflict, your heart will one day clear.

Created by Marcy, it was released in June 2025 as the theme song for the film “Youth Gestalt Collapse.” Vocalist-guitarist Ukyo Yoshida immersed himself in the script and drew on his own experiences during production, resulting in a piece that stands by the characters with complex emotions and resonates gently with listeners.

When you feel like you’re losing yourself, it’s sure to give you a gentle push forward.

summer squallarashi

ARASHI – Natsu Hayate [Official Music Video]

This uplifting and energetic cheer song by Arashi leaves a strong impression.

Written and composed by Yujin Kitagawa of the folk duo Yuzu, it delivers a powerful message of support to the high school baseball players who devote themselves wholeheartedly at the Summer Koshien.

When you hear this track, don’t you feel your heart swell with the players’ sweat, tears, and pure passion as they chase their dreams in the fleeting summer? Released in July 2018 as their 55th single, the song moved many as the official support song for that year’s 100th National High School Baseball Championship and the theme for the TV program “Netto Koshien.” It is also included in the best-of album “5×20 All the BEST!! 1999-2019.” It’s truly a hope-filled track that vividly colors the Summer Koshien.

summer solsticeSakiyama Soshi

Soshi Sakiyama “Summer Solstice” (Music Video)

This is a song by Soshi Sakiyama that drew attention after his appearance on AbemaTV’s variety show “Variety Pioneering Variety: Himura ga Yuku.” It was released digitally in 2018.

Despite its simple arrangement of just acoustic guitar and vocals, it has depth, and the choice of words in the lyrics reflects a unique sensibility.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

A butterfly that cannot fly dreamsTogenashi Togeari

[Official Music Video] Tokenashi Togeari “A Butterfly That Can’t Fly Dreams” – Anime “Girls Band Cry”

An emotional rock tune that resonates with the heart, sublimating the worries and hopes of youth.

The raw feelings of young people seeking freedom are expressed alongside a powerful sound.

The exhilarating melody and memorable guitar riffs showcase a high level of polish that proves their ability.

Released in May 2025 as the B-side to Togenashi Togeari’s 10th single, “Daremo,” this track is a coming-of-age anthem that gently embraces the feelings of young people striving to look forward while torn between dreams and reality.

It’s a song that gives energy and courage—one you’ll want to listen to in a classroom after school—and a must-hear for young listeners struggling with their worries.

AgainWANIMA

WANIMA “Again” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

This is a powerful message song by WANIMA that passionately sings of second chances and hope.

The protagonist’s strong will to face forward after overcoming failure and setbacks resonates with an energetic melody.

Included on the single “Good Job!!,” released in March 2019, and used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Maison de Police,” the track expresses the resolve to rise again despite carrying past pain and regret, as well as the courage to believe in oneself and move forward.

It’s a perfect song for those looking back on both the good and tough times of their school days and trying to lift their heads and keep going.

For now,Galileo Galilei

Galileo Galilei – For Now, For the Time Being (Official Music Video)

A coming-of-age love song that emotionally captures the delicate feelings of adolescence.

It’s a track by Galileo Galilei, a rock band from Hokkaido, released in April 2025 as a tie-in for the original art exhibition of the popular manga “Blue Box.” The airy, translucent vocals and lyrical guitar sound seem to gently embrace the hazy emotions lingering in your heart.

It’s a song that will resonate with anyone who struggles to put their feelings into words in love, or who is troubled by the distance between themselves and the one they care about.

OrangeSPYAIR

SPYAIR “Orange” Music Video (Theme Song for Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle: The Movie)

This song beautifully captures the bittersweetness and freshness of youth.

Released in February 2024 as the theme for the film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle, it emotionally sings of the passion and dreams of young people devoted to volleyball, as well as the bonds they share with their teammates.

Accompanied by an energetic band sound, it paints memories that are sweet and sour and the courage to move forward, carrying a compelling power that resonates deeply with listeners.

The track is the title song of the EP Orange and marks SPYAIR’s fourth collaboration with the Haikyu!! series.

It is highly popular as a theme for youth dramas and as a performance piece for school festivals, and it has also drawn attention as a support song for volleyball teams.