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

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.

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.

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.

Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman

Berry Goodman “Become the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves” Music Video (NHK ‘Minna no Uta’ December 2024–January 2025)

A powerful anthem that finds beauty in staying out of the spotlight.

It carries gratitude for everyone who offers support, the strength to keep going even when unnoticed efforts draw no attention, and a wish to become someone who nourishes another’s heart.

Written for NHK’s “Minna no Uta” broadcast from December 2024 to January 2025, the song is included on the album “Thank You.” Inspired by the words of Tomoshige Yamashita, honorary manager of the Seiryo High School baseball team, its weight and heartfelt message have been soothing many listeners.

When you feel your efforts aren’t rewarded, or when you’re on the verge of losing your sense of purpose, this song will gently stay by your side and give you courage.

One Heartatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu

ATARASHII GAKKO! – One Heart (Official Music Video)

An irresistibly uplifting anthem brimming with energy and exhilaration.

“One Heart” by ATARASHII GAKKO! is an ambitious track written specifically for Bourbon’s Fettuccine Gummi commercial.

It blends group-sung vocals with empowering lyrics that boost self-esteem.

Perfect for those about to start a new school term or a new chapter in life, and for anyone who wants to move forward together with friends.

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.

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.