Boost your new life and new school term! A top pick of encouragement songs that connect to the future

Live in the present.Saucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Live in the present.” Music Video

This is a powerful message song that cheers you on as you take a step into a new environment.

Released in December 2022 as the official support song for the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, it gives you the courage to live in the present.

Its lyrics affirm the weight of the past and convey the importance of moving forward even when you’re covered in scars—words that will push the back of anyone facing the challenge of moving to a new place.

Saucy Dog’s band sound and vocals become one, lighting a fire in the listener’s heart.

It’s the perfect track for you if you’re stepping into a new life while feeling anxious or uncertain.

Why not take that courage and start walking a new path?

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.

together; along with; bothWANIMA

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

This is an uplifting song that gently conveys the importance of facing forward and living on.

Its message-rich lyrics blend beautifully with a driving sound, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released by WANIMA in August 2016, the track was featured in Nivea Kao’s 8×4 commercial and captured the hearts of many.

Influenced by the Kumamoto earthquake that occurred during production, the lyrics also weave in thoughts of home and the preciousness of life.

It’s a song to hear when you feel close to losing your way, when you’re ready to take a new step, or when you want to keep moving forward alongside cherished friends.

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.

It starts here!DREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE “It Starts Here!”

From the very moment you start to run, this theme song for a sports event by DREAMS COME TRUE gives a powerful push to the beginning of your challenge.

Riding on a lively rhythm that fuses disco sounds with Latin grooves, it carries a heartfelt cheer that resonates with challengers.

It sings of bonds with teammates, effort and growth, and the courage to make a fresh start, gently giving listeners a supportive nudge forward.

Released in January 2025, the piece was written specifically as the theme song for an Ekiden relay event commemorating the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

The single, which also includes the theme song for the film “Kaminofude,” is drawing attention as a milestone work celebrating DREAMS COME TRUE’s 35th anniversary.

It’s a song for students facing their youth, of course, but also for anyone about to take a new step in life.