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

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.

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.

FRIENDS!!!imase

【imase】FRIENDS!!!（MV）

Set to a light, breezy melody, this heartwarming coming-of-age song celebrates the importance of friendship.

A groovy rhythm and the gentle vocals of imase, an artist from Gifu Prefecture, weave an exquisite harmony that carefully depicts reunions with friends, the subtle distances between hearts, and the feelings toward an unchanging bond.

Released in February 2025 as the theme song for the collaboration project “Everyone’s Concert” by the live communication app Pococha and Yamaha Corporation, the piece also features a special video with over 120 performers, proposing new ways to forge connections through music.

It’s perfect not only as BGM for school sports festivals and athletic meets, but also as a track to brighten any playlist capturing pages of youth spent with friends.

superstarKetsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “Superstar”

This song celebrates recognizing the potential and talent hidden within yourself and letting them shine.

Its empowering message—that everyone has a unique brilliance—blends beautifully with the pop sound.

Ketsumeishi’s positive lyrics and catchy melody carry a warm, gentle push for listeners.

Released in November 2020, it was chosen as the theme song for the TV Asahi anime Crayon Shin-chan.

The music video, filmed in India, also captures the song’s bright and uplifting worldview.

It’s a perfect fit as a cheer song for school events like sports festivals, and for anyone seeking encouragement to discover their true self.

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.

Helloyama × bocchiboromaru

yama × Bocchi Boromaru “Hello” MV (TV anime “Pokémon” opening theme)

This is a heartwarming collaborative work by yama and Bocchi Boromaru, packed with courage and hope for stepping into the future.

It carries a message of strong determination to move forward and the importance of staying true to oneself, gently encouraging those heading into new environments.

It has been broadcast as the opening theme for the TV anime Pokémon since October 2023, and a CD single was released in December 2023.

The transparent vocals and warm tones blend beautifully, resulting in a song that closely accompanies the listener’s heart.

It’s highly recommended for those feeling anxious about a new life or changes in their environment, and for anyone striving toward their dreams.

It’s okayMarushii

Marsi – It's Okay (Official Music Video)

In March 2023, Marcy released an encouraging song whose warm message about facing forward and moving ahead resonates deeply.

Written specifically for Pocari Sweat’s web movie “Our Now,” the track features Marcy’s characteristically delicate word choice and a driving band sound.

Included on the album “Candle,” it gently supports those carrying setbacks and anxieties as they strive to overcome them.

It’s a song that stands by anyone feeling uneasy before a new beginning or trying their best in a new environment.