Songs that help you study hard: a roundup of motivational music to boost your drive and concentration
There are plenty of times when we have to study—entrance exams, regular tests, certification exams—but sometimes we just can’t get motivated.
In this article, we introduce songs that will give a big boost to your motivation to study, especially for those who are struggling to get started.
We’ve gathered tracks that match a range of moods, from songs with exhilarating, fast-paced sounds that spark your drive, to songs with lyrics that touch the heart and give you the courage to move toward the future.
May one soul-stirring track become the source of your motivation.
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Songs that help you study hard: A roundup of study motivation music that boosts drive and focus (21–30)
Tomorrow will surely be a good day.Takahashi Yuu
There are times when you get bad test results, feel uncertain about the future, and it seems like unpleasant things just keep happening, right? In those moments, listen to Yu Takahashi’s “Ashita wa Kitto Ii Hi ni Naru” (“Tomorrow Will Surely Be a Good Day”)! There’s no real reason behind it, but it’s a powerful song that blows away the haze in your heart.
Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK
The song that pumps me up with its sense of speed and intense sound is ONE OK ROCK’s “Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer.” It’s not just the melody that boosts my motivation to study—the lyrics also give me a strong push to keep trying.
Before especially important exams, I think we all sometimes feel like we’re being crushed by worries like, “Will I be okay? Can I really do this?” But even then, the song makes you feel like: Believe in yourself, believe in your future, and keep going—because the results of your hard work will definitely come back to you.
Songs that help you study hard: A comprehensive selection of study motivation music to boost drive and focus (31–40)
Sense of Wondersumika
A song by sumika that straightforwardly cheers on those who are working hard at their studies, and was even used in a Shinken Zemi commercial.
Featured on the EP “Harmonize e.p,” this track carries the message: Keep pushing forward for a wonderful future! Even if someone else helps you achieve your dreams, you probably won’t feel much of a sense of accomplishment.
What should you be doing now to realize the person you want to become and the things you want to do in the way you envision? Set to a bright melody and infused with encouragement, the song feels like it’s asking that very question to you, who are studying hard now for your future.
Just break the limit!UVERworld
A powerful UVERworld track that inspires with a bold message: don’t set your own limits.
Released in June 2008 on a double A-side single that included “Gekidou,” this song was also chosen as the support anthem for Pocari Sweat’s “Bukatsu no Tenshi” campaign.
Its catchy, sing-along melody and exhilarating sense of speed are irresistible.
It’s also included on the album AwakEVE, capturing the band’s momentum as they push toward the next stage.
When you feel crushed by mock exam results or daily pressure, it has the energy to fire you up—reminding you, “You can do more.” It’s an empowering anthem we hope every exam taker who wants to break their limits and seize success will listen to.
TOMORROWMayo Okamoto
Released in May 1995, this debut single by Mayo Okamoto surpassed two million copies shipped.
Known as the theme song for the TBS drama “Second Chance,” it was also selected as the entrance march for the 68th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, making it a timeless anthem of encouragement.
Its uplifting message—that the tears you shed make you stronger and that tomorrow will surely come—comforts students battling pressure and gives them courage.
The bright, buoyant piano and powerful vocals help ease anxiety.
It’s a song to play when studying feels overwhelming and you’re about to lose heart—a track that fills you with hope for tomorrow.
In the Morning of DeterminationAqua Timez
On the morning of an exam, many people probably feel their hearts racing and full of anxiety.
For you, welcoming a morning of determination like the title of this song, I recommend this number by Aqua Timez.
It was chosen as the theme song for the film adaptation of Miyuki Miyabe’s novel Brave Story.
Until the exam, there are many people who support you—teachers at school or cram school, seniors, friends, and family—but when it comes time to take the test, it’s just you alone.
You might feel lonely because of that, but this is a song that helps you believe in the self that has worked hard up to today and motivates you to do your best on today’s exam.
My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS
A RADWIMPS number that became a hot topic as a song from director Makoto Shinkai’s 2016 blockbuster film Your Name.
Just listening to the driving melody from start to finish will get your pen moving and help you study more efficiently! When you’ve been studying for a long time, you tend to get sleepy, right? In those moments, this energetic melody will blow away your drowsiness and give you the boost to push a little further! And once you’ve finished your studying and tests, take it easy and give your legs a rest by watching Your Name at a leisurely pace.