Recommended for junior high school students! A roundup of J-pop and Japanese songs to boost your study motivation
Many middle school students lead busy lives, working hard at their studies and club activities while also spending time with friends.
Even when you sit down at your desk intending to study, it can be hard to flip the switch and get started.
In this article, we’ve picked out songs that are perfect for boosting study motivation for middle schoolers.
We’ll introduce tracks filled with messages that encourage and uplift you when you’re tired or just can’t find the motivation.
Be sure to check out this lineup—perfect for right before studying or during a break.
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Recommended for junior high school students! A collection of J-POP and Japanese songs to boost your study motivation (21–30)
Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya
This song, the title track of Tatsuya Kitani’s EP “Ao no Sumika,” released in July 2023, was chosen as the opening theme for the second season of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen, “Hidden Inventory / Premature Death.” The lyrics, which layer the radiance of youth with the sense of loss that comes with adulthood, really hit home.
The chime tones that ring out amid the driving rock sound evoke a certain nostalgia, don’t they? Its refreshing yet emotional vibe makes it a perfect BGM choice for work or study when you want to get fired up.
Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//
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.
Biri MillionYuuri
This is a stirring cheer song filled with a passionate message: “No matter how much money I’m offered, I won’t give up the time I have now.” Sung by Yuuri, the track powerfully teaches the value of time in life and the importance of making your own choices.
Released as a single in January 2023, it’s also known as the opening number of the album ‘Ni’ (Two).
The flipbook-style music video created by comedian Tekken became a major topic of conversation as well.
It’s a song I especially want junior high students—who may be wondering what they should do now for their future—to hear.
When you’re unmotivated to study or anxious about your path, listening to it will give you the courage to decide your own life.
WanteD! WanteD!Mrs. GREEN APPLE
Let’s blow away that “can’t-be-bothered” feeling with an upbeat rock tune! It’s a song by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, released in 2017 as their fifth single.
It’s from their Phase 1 era and served as the theme song for the drama “We Did It.” Since it’s an up-tempo track, I think it’ll sweep away the gloom of studying.
The world is smiling at you.Little Glee Monster
With its bright, sparkling sound and lyrics about a chain reaction of smiles, this Little Glee Monster track blows away study fatigue.
It drew attention as Coca-Cola’s 2018 image song.
In the same year, it won the Composer’s Award at the Japan Record Awards and is included on the classic album FLAVA.
Its message—that if you start smiling, the world will change—gently encourages exam-takers who tend to feel down.
You’ll surely feel a positive surge of energy to say, “I’ll give it another try!”
EmotionsMAN WITH A MISSION
A song by MAN WITH A MISSION that I highly recommend when you want to boost your study motivation all at once.
Released as a single in February 2013, it also drew attention as the theme song for the film “HK: Hentai Kamen.” The shift from the majestic strings in the intro to a full-throttle rock sound is powerful enough to blast away any drowsiness.
Its fiery message—urging you to charge forward with your emotions burning even in the darkness—will give a strong push to your back as you sit at your desk.
Especially when you feel like your heart is about to break before an exam, feel the wolves’ emotion and seize the glory of passing!
Step by Step ~Prayer for Success~Neontetra
In the midst of studying for exams, when you want to ease your anxiety… that’s exactly when we hope you’ll listen to this warm, encouraging song by Neontetra.
Originally released on CD in April 2020, a remastered major-label version followed in October 2021.
While vividly portraying the inner conflict of feeling down when you compare yourself to others and the impatience that comes with it, the song teaches the importance of moving forward steadily, one step at a time.
If you’re troubled by mock exam results or feel like you’re being crushed by pressure at night, listening to this track will surely help you feel, “It’s okay,” and look ahead with positivity.