Recommended cheer-up songs for middle schoolers: Classic Japanese hits that will empower student life

Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone

Mone Kamishiraishi “Natsukashii Mirai” (Lyrics/Composition: Naotaro Moriyama) Music Video

It’s an uplifting support song filled with dreams and hope.

Released in January 2022, Mone Kamishiraishi’s clear, pure voice resonates deeply.

Created as the support song for the 100th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, it was written and composed by Naotaro Moriyama.

The lyrics, which gently reassure those striving toward their dreams with the message “You are not alone,” are especially memorable, conveying a sense of hope for the future and bonds with friends.

It’s perfect for those stepping into a new environment or anyone wanting to cheer on new students, making it a great recommendation as background music for entrance ceremonies.

Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Youth and a Moment” MV

A heartwarming song that captures the casual brilliance and fleeting nature of youth.

With a driving melody and sentimental lyrics, it conveys the importance of everyday moments spent with friends and the joy of watching each other grow.

It tells us that the time shared with a bored-looking friend in the classroom after school will one day become a shining memory.

Released as a digital single in March 2019, it was later included on the album “season,” released in September of the same year.

It was also featured in a McDonald’s commercial and selected as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s Drama 24 series “I Dreamed of That Girl.” As a work that vividly portrays the passion of teammates practicing together for sports festivals and the image of young people striving to cherish each moment, it is a song we hope many students will listen to.

together; along with; bothWANIMA

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

This is an uplifting song that gently conveys the importance of facing forward and living on.

Its message-rich lyrics blend beautifully with a driving sound, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released by WANIMA in August 2016, the track was featured in Nivea Kao’s 8×4 commercial and captured the hearts of many.

Influenced by the Kumamoto earthquake that occurred during production, the lyrics also weave in thoughts of home and the preciousness of life.

It’s a song to hear when you feel close to losing your way, when you’re ready to take a new step, or when you want to keep moving forward alongside cherished friends.

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.

left chestsakura shimeji

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This song was released as Sakura Shimeji’s fourth single.

It’s a bittersweet youth love song packed with the sparkle and heart-pounding feelings of unrequited love.

At the time, Sakura Shimeji were going through voice changes, and their growth into adulthood gives the song an encouraging push.

The track received many tie-ins, including serving as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s “PVTV” in the 2008 school year.

It’s a fresh, summery tune that mixes reggae, hip-hop, and Latin elements.

The song carries the message: “Let’s find our true selves.”

threadChris Hart

Chris Hart – Ito

This is a cover of Miyuki Nakajima’s “Ito,” a song that became a major talking point.

Chris Hart’s gentle, enveloping voice carries a beautiful melancholy.

It’s a song that teaches us the importance of people supporting one another as they go through life.

Precisely because high school is such an emotionally sensitive time, it’s a song I hope students will listen to.

TOMORROWMayo Okamoto

Mayo Okamoto “TOMORROW” Music Video

This is Mayo Okamoto’s debut song, which teaches us that no matter how hard things get, those experiences will make our future selves stronger.

For anyone who’s shed tears of frustration while striving toward a goal, its lyrics will resonate deeply.

Released in May 1995, it was used as the theme song for the drama “Second Chance” and as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

As long as you have faith in tomorrow, the path will surely open.

It’s like a good-luck charm of a song that gently gives a push to those doing their best.