[Exams, Club Activities, Dreams] Encouragement songs recommended for teens: Tracks to listen to when you want to do your best
When you think of your teens, it’s a time when you throw yourself wholeheartedly into everything—studies, club activities, and love.
Some of you may be chasing your dreams and working hard, too.
In this article, we’ve gathered Japanese support songs we want teenagers to hear!
We’ve picked not only tracks by artists popular with younger generations, but also classic cheer-up anthems.
There are plenty of songs packed with messages that resonate with teens, so give them a listen when you’re struggling, want to do your best, or need someone to give you a push.
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[Exams, Clubs, Dreams] Recommended Cheer-Up Songs for Teens: Tracks to Play When You Want to Do Your Best (91–100)
Don’t give upZARD
The classic song “Makenaide,” which empowers high school students striving in clubs and studies, is one that everyone has heard at least once.
Its words of encouragement come sometimes gently, sometimes powerfully, and when you receive this message at a weary moment, it resonates in your heart and gives you the courage to get back up again.
Its enduring popularity across generations may lie in Izumi Sakai’s gentle vocals and the melody.
It’s a rousing fight song for times of trial.
If you listen when you need a boost, it will surely lift your spirits and help you feel positive.
YELLikimonogakari
This is Ikimono-gakari’s 15th single, released alongside their announcement in June 2021 that they would continue as a duo.
Created as the set piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition’s junior high division, it has also become a staple graduation song—truly a track for teenagers.
Its melody blends strength with a touch of melancholy, and its forward-looking message gives a supportive push to keep moving ahead.
It’s sure to give teens the power and courage to take a step toward their dreams.
A coming-of-age number you’ll want to hear when you’re struggling or giving it your all.
footprint(s)Little Glee Monster
Little Glee Monster’s 16th single, “Ashiato,” was released in September 2020.
The song was also selected as the required piece for the junior high division of the NHK National School Music Competition.
It’s a ballad that makes the most of their exceptional vocal skills and clear, pure voices, offering comfort to those feeling pain or anxiety.
When you’re feeling down, it’s easy to think you’re the only one who’s not okay and be overwhelmed by a sense of isolation, but this song helps you face forward by reminding you that everyone struggles—it’s not just you.
Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK
In Japan’s rock scene, where more and more bands are making waves on the global stage at a young age, this is the fourth single from ONE OK ROCK, a four-member rock band leading the younger generation of musicians.
Chosen as the ending theme for the variety show “Arabikidan,” the track is a number that amps you up with emotionally charged vocals reminiscent of Western rock and a modern rock sound.
Its straightforward style is sure to give a push to teens chasing their dreams.
A fast-paced rock tune that fills you with the courage to carve out your future.
Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone
Moné Kamishiraishi’s “Natsukashii Mirai” is a powerful anthem that resonates with people of the same generation who are doing their best.
The warm message in the lyrics gently pushes the backs of those feeling anxious or troubled.
With beautifully crafted Japanese lyrics by Naotaro Moriyama and Kamishiraishi’s clear, translucent voice, the song stirs the listener’s heart and inspires a positive outlook.
It’s a highly recommended track for anyone facing trials.
Nothing I do goes well.meiyo
This is the song that went viral on TikTok in 2021 and led to meiyo’s major-label debut.
Its rhythm-forward sound is striking—simple yet heavy, with an addictive tone.
The lyrics, which reflect feelings about when things don’t go well, resonate easily and overlap with what meiyo was feeling during production.
The layering of vocals and the choice of instruments are highly inventive, clearly pursuing a track that sticks in your ear after just one listen—something addictive.
The message posed at the very end is also memorable, so be sure to listen all the way through.
Blue Springback number
This rock number by back number is characterized by its strummed guitars and exhilarating, fast-paced sound.
While wrestling with one’s own shortcomings, the down-to-earth message of desperately trying to keep looking forward carries a heat that can ignite the listener’s heart.
Released in November 2012 as the band’s seventh single, it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “High School Entrance Exam” starring Masami Nagasawa, and also drew attention as the band’s first self-produced work.
For high school students feeling the pressure of daily studies and club activities, why not turn to this song when you hit a wall and use it as strength to push through? It’s sure to rouse a discouraged heart.