[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.
- An uplifting song with great lyrics. A wonderful, memorable message that stays with your heart.
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- Timeless songs that sing of hopes and dreams. Masterpieces that lead those who strive toward the future.
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- [For those doing their best] A collection of motivational cheer songs
[Exams, Clubs, Dreams] Encouraging songs recommended for teens: tracks to listen to when you want to do your best (1–10)
Just a little moreYOASOBI
If you listen to it during your morning commute or at the start of the day, it will surely put a spring in your step.
Released digitally by the musical duo YOASOBI in May 2021, the song was written as the theme for Fuji TV’s Mezamashi TV.
Based on a novel by Chiharu, it centers on the theme of kindness spreading through everyday life.
It’s a warm track that makes you feel like you can try just a little bit harder.
Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri
In the season of graduations and new beginnings, when hearts are filled with both hope and anxiety, this song by singer-songwriter Yuuri gently stays by your side.
Released digitally in February 2021 and later included on the album “Ichi,” the piece was created in response to an email from a fan who struggled to make memories during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Carried by a beautiful melody woven from piano and strings, its expressions of gratitude to parents and friends are sure to bring tears to your eyes.
Give it a listen when you want to say “thank you” to someone close, or when you need the courage to take a new step forward.
The calling voiceVaundy
Written specifically for NHK General’s event “Vaundy 18-sai-sai” and released for streaming in December 2025, this work drew major attention as Vaundy performed together with 1,000 young people from the 18-year-old generation.
Created using the earnest messages and videos submitted from across the country, it doesn’t just offer a push from behind; it also vividly portrays the weight of resolve and responsibility that comes with pursuing dreams and goals.
The overwhelming energy and sense of unity born through the choral performance powerfully moves the hearts of listeners.
[Exams, Clubs, Dreams] Encouragement songs recommended for teens: tracks to listen to when you want to do your best (11–20)
BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi
Singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, a commanding force in the music scene, released his digital single “BOW AND ARROW” in January 2025—an empowering anthem that gives a strong push to teenagers pursuing their dreams.
Written as the opening theme for the TV anime Medalist, the track links passion for figure skating with sound, conveying a determined drive to shoot straight toward one’s goals like an arrow loosed from a bow.
TalentSabasusutā
The Morinaga Seika “in Jelly” commercial tie-in song released in September 2025 is a cheer anthem for high school students dedicated to their club activities.
This track is an up-tempo tune that blends a sense of speed with freshness, and during the commercial shoot—where Sabishista actually visited high schools across Japan—it was powerful enough to move students to tears.
It captures the daily grind of persevering with hidden aspirations and the courage to take a step forward by believing in your own potential.
The lyrics convey an awakening to the talent that everyone possesses, and Nachi herself has said, “Everyone truly has it.” The song is a pre-release single from the album “Takaga Punk Rock!” coming out in October 2025.
It’s recommended as a song that stands by you in the days you strive toward club activities and goals, and as a track that gives you a push when you feel like giving up.
Revolutionary JourneyAina ji Endo
A song by Aina the End that weaves a strong will to fight and push forward to protect what’s important.
Released digitally in July 2025, it drew attention for being selected as the opening theme for the second season of the TV anime Dandadan.
Its exhilarating sound fused with a mysterious melody grips listeners’ hearts.
It’s perfect for moments when you want to bring out your best—like before an entrance exam or a big club tournament.
What do you want to become?Rozarīna
This is a track sung by singer-songwriter Rosalina, whose smoky voice is captivating, delicately portraying the conflicts and doubts within the heart.
The lyrics, which empathize with the real, everyday pain of being so busy that you lose sight of what you wanted to do, are sure to resonate deeply.
Included on the album “INNER UNIVERSE,” released in January 2020, this song was originally not planned for inclusion but was added thanks to the artist’s strong determination.
When you find yourself pausing on the path toward your dreams and goals, I think this song will be there to support you.