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

Dokimeki Diaryasmi feat. Chinozo

Dokimeki Diary – asmi feat. Chinozo (Official Music Video)

Like weaving together precious memories, this song is filled with uplifting messages brimming with hope and anticipation.

asmi’s clear, transparent vocals and Chinozo’s refined compositional sense blend beautifully, creating a pleasant sense of elation.

Portraying the courage and determination to take a new step forward while overcoming the anxieties and confusion of a journey of self-discovery, the track has been beloved as the opening theme for the Pokémon TV anime since April 2023.

It also received its first full-size performance during the special program “Anime Pokémon Music Festival,” broadcast on the TV Tokyo network on March 31.

It’s a powerful cheer song that gives you a supportive push at moments of new challenges—such as before events at sports days or athletic 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.

Let’s do our best.SMAP

[+81 DANCE STUDIO] SMAP – Let's Do Our Best / Performed by Travis Japan

This is a celebrated song by SMAP that extols tireless effort and an indomitable spirit, chosen as the entrance march for the 67th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

Its bright, forward-looking message blends perfectly with a distinctive, groove-filled rhythm.

Immediately after its release in September 1994, it topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and was also used as the opening theme for “Naruhodo! The World.” The song became a major hit, selling over 720,000 copies.

It’s a track that gives courage and hope in the face of adversity—one that powerfully pushes you forward.

one’s true feelingssumika

sumika / Honne [Music Video] *Theme song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Championship

An encouraging song that gently embraces life’s doubts and inner struggles—about moving forward while battling the urge to give up.

It carefully portrays the setbacks and loneliness everyone feels at least once, and the way we overcome them by supporting one another.

With a warm melody that lights the way like a beacon of hope and a powerful, inspiring message, this work was written as the official support song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, and from April 2021 it was also featured in a TV commercial for Aisin Corporation.

It’s a song I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who’s chosen their own path but still feels uncertain, and to those who want to cheer on friends striving toward their dreams.

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.

A bouquet for meAdo

[Ado] Bouquet for Me Official Audio

A pop song that vividly portrays self-affirmation and gratitude was released in March 2025 as the new commercial song for Coca-Cola’s “Georgia.” With a refreshing melody crafted by HoneyWorks layered with Ado’s powerful yet delicate vocals, the track warmly embraces listeners’ hearts.

It carries a gentle message about cherishing everyday gratitude and past experiences, caring for oneself, and moving forward in life.

The song will also be included on the album “Ado’s Best Album,” scheduled for release in April 2025.

It’s perfect as a theme song for school and culture festivals, and is a track you’ll want to play when you want to get fired up with friends or encourage someone.

Dear, boyHump Back

Hump Back – “Dear, Boy” Music Video

A warm, encouraging song that stands beside anyone standing at a crossroads in life.

Its memorable blend of a gentle melody and a powerful band sound tenderly embraces the anxieties and doubts of chasing a dream, as well as the feelings of those on the verge of giving up.

Released as Hump Back’s major-label debut in June 2018, the track was featured as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Buzz Rhythm 02” and as the commercial song for the Shinken Zemi High School Course.

It was also chosen as the theme song for the Kumamoto Tournament of the National High School Baseball Championship, capturing the hearts of many young people.

When you want to strive toward your dreams but can’t quite find the courage to take that first step, this is the song to listen to.

It assures you that detours are never in vain, and that every experience will surely become a source of strength.