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

Biri MillionYuuri

Yuuri “Birimirion” Official Music Video

This song teaches us that the value of the present moment—brimming with infinite possibilities—cannot be traded for any amount of money.

Sung by singer-songwriter Yuuri, it’s an empowering anthem packed with a passionate message about choosing your own path based on your will, not on others’ evaluations or personal gain.

Released as a single in January 2023, it’s also known as the opening track of the album “Ni” (Two).

The flipbook-style music video created by comedian Tekken also drew major attention.

Give it a listen when you feel discouraged by exam study or club activities, and regain the strength to believe in yourself.

ChessboardOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Chessboard [Official Video]

This work by Official HIGE DANDism likens the game of life to a chessboard, teaching us the importance of taking steps that are true to ourselves—not just winning or losing.

Its lyrics, depicting someone advancing while hesitating on black-and-white squares, are sure to resonate deeply with junior high school students who feel uncertain about the future.

Released in September 2023 as a double A-side single with “Nichijou” (Everyday), it was created as the set piece for the Junior High School Division of the 90th NHK National School Music Competition.

It was also broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta, so many of you may have heard it.

Give it a listen when you’re stuck in your studies or unsure about the path you should take.

It’s a masterpiece that gives you the courage to find a meaning on the board that’s yours alone.

HereditySaitō Kazuyoshi

Heredity

This work is recommended for high school students who want to fire themselves up with a robust rock sound.

It’s a single by singer-songwriter Kazuyoshi Saito, released in February 2017.

It’s also known for being written as the theme song for the TBS drama “Gekokujō Juken.” The lyrics confront inescapable realities—like what we inherit from our parents and the environments we’re born into—while still expressing the will to move forward, which should resonate deeply with anyone feeling pressure from exams or club activities.

Its powerful melody, blending rock and folk, offers a gritty yet warm encouragement that’s more than just pretty words.

Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]

It’s a warm, gentle cheer song that softly stays by the side of a heart that feels like giving up on studying.

With a rhythm inspired by a “march to move forward” and a theme that conveys the comfort of having a place to return to, it eases tightly wound feelings.

It’s a popular song by DISH//, also known for being co-written by Takumi Kitamura and Hattori from Macaroni Empitsu.

Released as a single in 2021, it was used as the theme song for the drama “The 100th Love with You: The Classroom of Certain Success” (NIGATSU NO SHŌSHA – ZETTAI GŌKAKU NO KYŌSHITSU).

It’s now included on the album TRIANGLE.

Give it a listen during exam season when you’re feeling anxious, or when you want to remember your gratitude for those who support you.

The kindness this song carries will surely give you a gentle push forward.

PRIDEChōkyūmei

“PRIDE” Music Video / Cho Q May

The band Chōkyūmei drew attention from listeners with the viral hit “I Want to Be Your Lover.” Among their genre-defying tracks, the song we especially want middle schoolers to hear is the uplifting “PRIDE.” It expresses a strong resolve to overcome any hardship and be a source of strength for someone important.

Backed by a bright band arrangement that features a horn section, Rei’s clear, expansive vocals deliver a powerful cheer.

It’s a track that’s perfect for pivotal moments, or for singing when you want to encourage someone.

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Again and againHinatazaka46

Hinatazaka46 “Again and Again”

It’s a cheer song filled with a warm yet powerful message that encourages you to try again as many times as it takes, even if you fail.

The lyrics, which say there’s no need to compare yourself with others, will resonate deeply with high school students who live amid daily competition.

It’s a track by the popular idol group Hinatazaka46, created as the support song for Nippon TV’s “41st High School Quiz Championship 2021,” and included as a coupling track on their sixth single released in October 2021.

Especially in those moments when you feel yourself slipping into self-doubt, give this song a listen—you’ll surely find the courage to take your next step.

Decisive Battle SpiritCHiCO with HoneyWorks

Decisive Battle Spirit / CHiCO with HoneyWorks

A cheer song that stands by the hearts of junior high school students.

It’s a number that laughs off the impossible and sings about the importance of never giving up.

It will surely resonate with students struggling with club activities or studies.

Released in February 2020, this track was also used as the ending theme for the anime Haikyu!! TO THE TOP.

It’s a song packed with the charm of CHiCO with HoneyWorks.

The band team joined the recording, resulting in a track that conveys its heat and passion as-is.

It’s recommended listening on the day before an important occasion, like high school entrance exams or a big tournament.

It’s sure to give you the energy you need for tomorrow!