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

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.

GOD_iNumber_i

Number_i – GOD_i (Official Music Video)

A new uplifting song from Number_i has arrived, gently staying close to the heart and sending a ray of hope to those carrying worries.

Produced by member Yuta Kishi and built around the theme of having the courage to take a step forward, the track stands out with its poignant vocals and rhythmic beats.

Released digitally in January 2025, it carries a profound message that resonates with listeners’ emotions.

While it exudes a bright, powerful energy, its delicate emotional expression offers a comforting warmth that feels like a gentle nudge when you’re feeling down or uncertain.

It’s recommended as a motivational anthem for moments of new beginnings—like sports days or graduation ceremonies—when you need the courage to move ahead.

CorrectRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – The Answer [Official Music Video]

A gentle anthem of support that blends the bittersweetness and hope of youth.

It portrays, with a warm gaze, the feelings of young people searching for answers of their own.

Its message—that there is no single right answer in life and it’s okay to move forward at your own pace—will surely touch everyone’s heart.

Released digitally in January 2024 by RADWIMPS, this song has often been sung at school graduation ceremonies and in scenes of remembrance.

When you feel anxious about the future or find yourself at a crossroads in life, this warm, comforting track will softly nudge you forward.

Please, take the courage from this song to help you step into a new beginning.

We againSG

We Again (Wind Ensemble ver.) – SG (Official Behind-the-Scenes Music Video)

This work by SG has gained support as an encouraging song that resonates deeply during graduations and farewells.

Its gentle melody, which accompanies young people as they overcome partings and take new steps forward, and its lyrics filled with hope for reunion are especially appealing.

Released in April 2021, it has become a popular track with a cumulative 150 million streams.

Starting in November 2024, it has also been featured in Calorie Mate’s exam-season support commercial, and a concert band version by the Hanazono Tokuei High School Wind Ensemble has been making waves.

It’s a heartwarming song for farewells, graduation ceremonies, and moments when you long to see someone special again.

It’s a recommended track for times when you want to cherish your memories while looking ahead and doing your best.

earnest desireSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Ketsubou” MV

SUPER BEAVER’s deeply moving masterpiece that sings about the importance of human connections is included on their album “Ongaku,” released in February 2024.

The song gently conveys how an individual’s happiness is built with the support of many people and the warmth created by a chain of smiles.

The album “Ongaku” also features several tie-in tracks, including the theme song for the film Tokyo Revengers 2 and the anthem for the 103rd National High School Rugby Tournament.

It’s the perfect song for cheering on those practicing for sports days and field days, or for reminiscing about the memories of working up a sweat with your friends.

Live in the present.Saucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Live in the present.” Music Video

Powerfully singing of youthful passion and hope, this Saucy Dog track was created as a cheer anthem for the 101st All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

Portraying growth through overcoming setbacks and hardship, bonds with teammates, and the courage to move forward while staying true to oneself, the song deeply resonates with young people navigating high school life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Released in December 2022, it has become an indispensable fan favorite at their live shows, giving a strong push not only to soccer players but also to students working hard every day for their clubs and school events.

TRAIN-TRAINTHE BLUE HEARTS

[Official] THE BLUE HEARTS 'TRAIN-TRAIN' [3rd Single (1988/11/23)] THE BLUE HEARTS / TRAIN-TRAIN

A powerful portrayal of relentlessly sprinting toward one’s goals, this signature work by THE BLUE HEARTS is set in the real world—not a utopia or a hell—and boldly declares that life itself has meaning even if we can’t be perfect.

Released in November 1988, this track, which lends its name to the album TRAIN-TRAIN, uses piano for the first time in the band’s history to create a sense of exhilarating momentum and reached No.

5 on the Oricon singles chart.

In 1989, it was also chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “High School Rakugaki.” For those standing at a crossroads in life, this is a song that will be a powerful ally.

When you’re torn about a decision, let it be a source of courage that gives you a push forward.