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

Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Youth and a Moment” MV

A heartwarming song that captures the casual brilliance and fleeting nature of youth.

With a driving melody and sentimental lyrics, it conveys the importance of everyday moments spent with friends and the joy of watching each other grow.

It tells us that the time shared with a bored-looking friend in the classroom after school will one day become a shining memory.

Released as a digital single in March 2019, it was later included on the album “season,” released in September of the same year.

It was also featured in a McDonald’s commercial and selected as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s Drama 24 series “I Dreamed of That Girl.” As a work that vividly portrays the passion of teammates practicing together for sports festivals and the image of young people striving to cherish each moment, it is a song we hope many students will listen to.

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.

DREAMERIkuta Rira

DREAMER

A gently embracing song that captures the feelings of young people chasing their dreams was released by Lila Ikuta in March 2025.

This work conveys a strong will to stay true to a passion for music while facing one’s inner self and overcoming anxieties and conflicts about the future.

The lyrics, filled with Ikuta’s authentic feelings, resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in three formats as a track on the single CD Hyakka Ryoran, it gained attention as an insert song in the drama Paripi Komei.

It’s a perfect cheer song for friends striving toward their dreams on culture festival and school festival stages, and a reliable companion when you want to rally yourself.

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.

Aim to be a Pokémon MasterMatsumoto Rika

Aim to be a Pokémon Master

A heart-pounding song filled with passion for dreams and adventure, highlighted by Rica Matsumoto’s powerful vocals.

It delivers a youthful, positive message, singing of the courage to face hardship and the bonds with friends—perfect for boosting excitement at school sports days and athletic festivals.

Released as a single in June 1997, it was used as the opening theme for a TV anime.

It won the Work Award at the Heisei Anisong Grand Prize and garnered widespread support, reaching as high as No.

7 on the Oricon charts.

Even when practice time is limited for a sports-day cheer song, its simple, easy-to-remember melody and lyrics mean the whole class can start singing it right away.

SCHOOL DAYSshiritsu ebisu chūgaku

[MV] Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku “School Days”

It’s a song that feels like a springtime gift.

It’s a March 2025 single by Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku, with lyrics and composition by Katsuhiko Sugiyama.

The beautiful melody portrays the expectations and anxieties of starting a new chapter, warm friendship, and a resolve toward the future.

The music video—featuring the members in pure white uniforms deepening their bonds in a forest—also leaves a strong impression.

I think it will resonate not only with students, but with anyone who needs the courage to leap into a new environment!

Everyone is a heroAI

Minnagaminna Au (Full Version)

It’s a wonderful cheer song that delivers a powerful message.

Released in February 2016, it’s known as the theme song for au’s “Santaro” commercial series.

AI’s expansive, powerful vocals resonate deeply with listeners.

The lyrics, which capture various moments of everyday life, depict people who strive to move forward even while facing setbacks and anxieties.

The message that you can meet a new version of yourself without losing to headwinds truly sinks in.

It’s a perfect song for junior high school students who are struggling in school life or want to take on a challenge.

It will surely give you courage.