[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 Songs Recommended for Teens: Tracks to Listen to When You Want to Do Your Best (211–220)
Ancient storyKumakawa Miyu
Miyu Kumagawa’s songs feature a gentle yet powerful guitar tone that resonates in the heart.
Her refreshingly clear voice gives a push to hardworking teens.
Released in March 2020, this work is a cheer song that sings of courage and hope in the face of hardship.
With the theme of “ancient stories,” it conveys a universal message that past efforts shape the future, making it sure to encourage students devoted to entrance exam studies or club activities.
When you’re feeling down or want to give your best, listening to it will surely give you the strength to take a new step forward.
WINDING ROADAyaka × Kobukuro
A collaboration song by Ayaka and Kobukuro.
The lyrics, which sing of hope and courage while overcoming life’s journey and its hardships, gently give listeners a push forward.
Released in February 2007, the track was also used in a Nissan Cube commercial and became beloved by many.
It appears on multiple albums, including Ayaka’s “Sing to the Sky” and Kobukuro’s “ALL SINGLES BEST 2.” It’s the perfect song to listen to when you want to work hard for exams, club activities, or the realization of your dreams, or when you need someone to cheer you on.
It will powerfully support you as you take a new step forward.
I am the strongest.Ado
A rousing anthem that powerfully sings of one’s dreams and hopes! Riding on a melody created by Motoki Omori of Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, Ado’s commanding vocals surge forward, carrying heartfelt wishes from deep within.
Messages like “overcoming fear and moving ahead” and “a shining future with your companions” resound alongside an aggressive rock sound, gently giving listeners a push from behind.
Featured as an insert song in the June 2022 film ONE PIECE FILM RED, this track brought theaters to life and reached No.
2 on the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100.
It’s sure to instantly ignite the atmosphere at sports days and school festivals as well.
[Exams, Clubs, Dreams] Cheer Songs Recommended for Teens: Tracks to Listen to When You Want to Do Your Best (221–230)
Ten Thousand Cheers, A Thousand ChantsRADWIMPS
A song born together with a thousand 18-year-olds is released in faith that it will be a light for young people’s tomorrow.
Created for NHK’s special program “RADWIMPS 18-sai Matsuri” in October 2018, this track is a celebratory message song that embraces young people’s dreams and hopes, as well as their moments of setback and struggle.
Included on the album “ANTI ANTI GENERATION,” it stirs listeners’ hearts with powerful vocals and melodies.
Resonating with the younger generation, it has become etched in people’s memories as a signature work of RADWIMPS.
It’s a song that gently yet powerfully pushes forward those chasing dreams, those striving to overcome failure, and those who want to reclaim their smiles.
Because you can do it someday, you can do it today.Nogizaka 46
Nogizaka46 is an idol group that debuted as AKB48’s official rival and has since become the leading force among the subsequent Sakamichi groups.
Their 19th single, “Itsuka Dekiru Kara Kyou Dekiru,” which has multiple tie-ins including the theme song for the film Asahinagu, likely has a title that will jolt anyone who tends to put things off.
Its lyrics remind us of the importance of seeing through what we decide to do, becoming the drive to chase dreams we were on the verge of giving up on.
With crystalline vocals and a pop ensemble that lifts your spirits, it’s a comfortable, upbeat tune.
DREAMERIkuta Rira
A gently embracing song that captures the feelings of young people chasing their dreams was released by Lila Ikuta in March 2025.
This work conveys a strong will to stay true to a passion for music while facing one’s inner self and overcoming anxieties and conflicts about the future.
The lyrics, filled with Ikuta’s authentic feelings, resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in three formats as a track on the single CD Hyakka Ryoran, it gained attention as an insert song in the drama Paripi Komei.
It’s a perfect cheer song for friends striving toward their dreams on culture festival and school festival stages, and a reliable companion when you want to rally yourself.
Horse and deerYonezu Kenshi
A song by Kenshi Yonezu characterized by powerful melodies and lyrics that resonate with the heart.
Written as the theme song for the drama “No Side Game,” it was released digitally in August 2019.
Alongside its grand sound, the lyrics—depicting people who confront adversity and keep moving forward—leave a strong impression.
By listening to one’s inner voice and singing of the importance of love and bonds, this piece encourages those who wish to keep challenging themselves without giving up in the face of hardship.
Give it a listen when you’re striving toward a new environment or goal.