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

Love MySelfIS:SUE

Love MySelf

A refreshing pop dance track from IS:SUE.

It’s a warm song that gently conveys the importance of loving and believing in yourself, while staying close to feelings of anxiety and doubt.

The members’ lively vocals are striking, and the light rhythm and melody resonate pleasantly.

Released in February 2025, this work delivers a heartwarming message along with clear, airy vocals.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you feel like you’re losing your way or when you’re ready to take a new step.

It’s sure to become an encouraging anthem that softly and kindly gives you a push forward.

Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA

LiSA “Gurenge” -MUSiC CLiP- (Anime “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” Tanjiro Kamado: Unwavering Resolve Arc Opening Theme)

A powerful song known as the opening theme of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.

It portrays Tanjiro Kamado—a boy who lost his family and fights to protect his sister—through intense rock rhythms and melodic harmonies.

LiSA’s strong vocals vividly capture an unyielding spirit in the face of adversity, gently encouraging listeners onward.

Since its release in April 2019, it has captured many hearts and become beloved across Japan beyond the anime itself.

It’s the perfect track for moments when you’re struggling, need to rally yourself, or want the courage to keep moving forward.

For DecadesLittle Glee Monster

『For Decades』 – Little Glee Monster

As a J.League support song delivering courage and hope, this moving track from Little Glee Monster reaches straight to the heart.

With a sweeping melody, the lyrics express a strong will for the future and a spirit of challenge that stirs the soul.

The unique voices of all the members blend together to convey the strength to face life’s hardships and the courage to overcome them.

Released in advance in February 2025 and included on the album “Ambitious,” this song will resonate in stadiums nationwide as the J.League support anthem for the 2025 season.

It’s sure to shine in those peak moments of excitement and emotion during matches.

When you need energy for tomorrow or want to take a new step forward, this is the support song you’ll want to hear.

RunLittle Glee Monster

『Run』 – Little Glee Monster

It’s a youth-boosting anthem that sings about the courage to move forward and the bonds between friends.

With an exhilarating, up-tempo melody and powerful harmonies, this track stands out as a collaboration with Meiji Probio Yogurt R-1, created by Little Glee Monster in March 2025 to cheer on new first graders.

Included on the album “Ambitious,” it’s also slated to be performed on their nationwide tour.

It’s the perfect song to sing and dance to with friends at school events like cultural festivals and sports days.

We’re delivering a message song bursting with energy—one you’ll want to share with friends striving toward their dreams.

Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Que Sera Sera” Official Music Video

An anthem brimming with kindness and vitality has been born.

This song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE is a warm work that gently nudges those taking a new step forward.

With a refreshing melody and a comfortable rhythm, it sings of self-affirmation and the courage to take on challenges.

While acknowledging the hardships and anxieties of life, it conveys—filled with deep affection—the importance of keeping your head up and continuing to move forward.

Released in April 2023 as the theme song for the TV drama “At Least on Sunday Nights,” it went on to win the Japan Record Award that same year.

It is a heartwarming track that stands by those starting a new chapter, those at a crossroads, and everyone who lives each day to the fullest.

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

A masterful song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE that delicately portrays the radiance and anxieties of youth, as well as the conflicts we carry while growing up.

Chosen as the opening theme for the anime “Oblivion Battery,” which began airing on TV Tokyo in April 2024, this piece gently embraces the memories accumulated as time passes and the feelings of confronting the unease hidden in everyday life.

Its refreshingly youthful guitar sound and clear, transparent vocals resonate with listeners’ hearts and give them courage.

It won the 66th Japan Record Award, marking the band’s first-ever back-to-back victory.

When you feel lost or anxious, or when you wish someone would give you a push forward, give it a listen.

You’ll surely find a budding feeling of cherishing yourself.

About meMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – About Me

A masterful song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE that captivates with its grand rock ballad sound and heartfelt lyrics.

It gently asks what it means to live true to yourself, and how your own existence becomes visible through differences with others.

Its warm perspective resonates deeply, standing by those who, despite anxiety and loneliness, strive to move forward step by step.

Released in January 2019, it stirred the hearts of many as the support song for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

From November 2022, an orchestral arrangement was also featured in Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s CalorieMate “Support for Exam Takers” commercial series, showcasing a new charm.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you stand at a crossroads in life, when you feel you might lose your way, or when you want to encourage someone dear to you.