[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] Cheer-up songs recommended for teens: Tracks to listen to when you want to do your best (111–120)
Have a nice dayNishino Kana
The start of the day.
If you’re not a morning person, listening to this song might help you wake up feeling refreshed.
It’s a recommended cheer-up song released by Kana Nishino in 2016.
Her cute, breezy voice gives you the energy to do your best today.
Let’s head to school with a smile!
[Exams, Clubs, Dreams] Encouragement songs recommended for teens: Tracks to listen to when you want to do your best (121–130)
MiracleGReeeeN
Released in May 2008, this song drew attention as the theme for the TV drama “ROOKIES.” Centered on the themes of the “miracle” of meeting a loved one and the “path” they have walked together, it conveys hope for the future and gratitude in straightforward words.
It was also chosen as the entrance march for the 81st National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in 2009, gaining popularity as a cheer song that colors passionate moments of youth.
Its warm yet powerful melody will gently give you a push as you strive toward your goals.
Before the departureWANIMA
This is a support song from WANIMA dedicated to everyone taking a new step forward.
It warmly conveys the greatness of getting back up again and again, and the importance of turning past failures and regrets into strength for the future.
WANIMA’s hallmark upbeat sound overflows with a refreshing energy that makes your body sway before you know it.
Released digitally in April 2021, the song was also chosen as the theme for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks’ “Fight! Kyushu” project.
It’s a track that gently gives a push to those starting a new chapter or facing challenges right now.
OH！SHISHAMO
SHISHAMO is a three-piece rock band whose down-to-earth, relatable lyrics—especially among women—have earned them strong support.
Their 9th single “OH!,” chosen as the song for Lotte’s “Sou” commercial, bursts with exhilarating, fast-paced energy that brings back memories of youth.
Rather than celebrating a cool facade, the lyrics highlight the value of charging forward with everything you’ve got, which may soothe the hearts of those chasing their dreams in real time.
It’s a powerful cheer song that we especially want people to hear when they’re worn out from trying so hard, or when they’re facing an important game or a big study session.
Letter ~To You, Fifteen~Anjura Aki
This song, which begins with the gentle sound of piano, is based on a letter Angela Aki wrote to her future self when she was 15.
The lyrics feel like an exchange of letters between a troubled 15-year-old “me” and the future self who replies—an especially moving piece.
It gently stays close to the emotional ups and downs of a sensitive time and seems to encourage you, reminding you that the future isn’t only dark.
Released in September 2008 as her eighth single, the track is also included on the album ANSWER.
It was chosen as a required piece for the NHK National School Music Contest, and is also known as a song featured on NHK’s Minna no Uta and as the theme song of the film “Have a Song on Your Lips.” It’s an inspiring anthem that will resonate with your heart as you graduate and set out on a new path.
A BIRDŌhashi Torio
The light, airy tone of the acoustic guitar feels so pleasant.
This song is by singer-songwriter Ohashi Trio, known for a sophisticated sound rooted in jazz and bossa nova.
It’s the title track of his landmark major-label debut mini-album “A BIRD,” released in May 2009, which was selected for heavy rotation on music channels at the time.
The delicate melody and gentle strings create a sense of liberation, as if a bird were spreading its wings and soaring into the open sky.
It seems to capture that quiet yet unmistakable lift right before taking off into a new world.
This stylish anthem will gently nudge you forward as you take your next step.
It’s also perfect for mornings when you want a reset, or for your commute.
At dawn again today, with cherry blossoms dancingCHiCO with HoneyWorks
Highly recommended for those who are working hard at studying, club activities, or anything they’re passionate about is CHiCO with HoneyWorks’ “Kyo mo Sakura Mau Akatsuki ni” (“At Dawn, When Cherry Blossoms Dance Again Today”).
This song, which gives you positive energy, has the charm of sweeping away anxiety and helping you look forward.
Its message—thinking of friends far away while striving to shine in a new environment—resonates deeply.
With its fast tempo and bright rhythm, you can’t help but move your body.
Listen once and you’ll see: it’s a song that gives you the strength to face forward.