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

left chestsakura shimeji

http://www.youtube.com

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.”

Song Not to Forgetmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu 'Wasurena Uta' MV

A gem of a youth anthem, woven by setting the trajectory of dreams to sound.

Carried by the melody, a fierce will to overcome trials and setbacks strikes the heart.

The smooth melodic lines and the warm resonance born from delicate layers of sound are sure to move anyone.

Released by Macaroni Empitsu in April 2024, this piece was also selected as the ending theme for the TV anime “Oblivion Battery” and is included on the EP “Bokura no Namida Nara Sora ni Ume yo.” The lyrics, which align beautifully with the protagonist’s emotions in the anime, gently embrace the passion of young people who keep challenging their limits.

It’s a song you’ll especially want students immersed in club activities and anyone striving toward a goal to hear.

When daily life wears you down, listening to this track will surely give you the courage to take a new step forward.

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.

shoesWHITE JAM

[Koshien / High School Baseball Cheer Song] Shoes / WHITE JAM (Starring: GANMI and others)

Shoes, which has become a hot topic as a Koshien/high school baseball cheer song, looks back on youth from an adult perspective.

Looking back now, even my busy junior high school days filled with club activities and studying flew by in an instant.

It’s a song I want people from students to adults to listen to, with the message to cherish the present.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kurichan

Report a problem

determinationSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Determination” MV

It’s a classic that upliftingly sings of youthful emotions.

It powerfully portrays young people moving toward the future and warmly conveys the importance of living true to oneself.

The melody that draws out a positive mindset and the deeply resonant, message-rich lyrics are beautifully harmonized in this song.

Released in November 2023 as the CM song for Morinaga’s “in Jelly Energy Glucose,” it was also included on the album “Ongaku,” released in February 2024.

An ambitious work by SUPER BEAVER, it fully showcases their sincere musicality.

It’s a song to listen to when you stand at a crossroads in life, face an important decision, or are about to take a new step forward.

It serves as a powerful cheer song that offers the courage to believe in yourself and hope for the future—especially resonant for high school students.

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

This song gently embraces the moment when the anxieties and hopes of youth intersect.

Released by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE in January 2025, it was created as the theme for NHK General’s special program “18-sai Matsuri” and drew major attention for its collaboration with 1,000 18-year-olds.

The sound—where calm piano tones interweave with energetic guitars—reflects the wavering hearts of young people searching for where they belong.

It overflows with a warmth that stays close to the inner voice seeking one’s true self and gives you a supportive push forward.

It’s a reassuring track for anyone taking a new step in junior high school.

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.