When it comes to cheering someone on, that lively, energetic, and speedy “rah-rah” feeling is important.
That said, that’s more for sports-style cheering.
Sometimes a gentle, mellow song can lift up a heart that’s feeling down or troubled.
From high-energy, athletic vibes to quietly encouraging ones, here are pep songs suited to a variety of moments.
- An energizing song that was a hit in the 2000s—a classic that gives you strength.
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- Just by listening, you’ll feel braver! Cheer songs recommended for the Yutori generation
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- [Exams, Club Activities, Dreams] Encouragement songs recommended for teens: Tracks to listen to when you want to do your best
- [A Cheer for Myself] A pep song dedicated to you who are doing your very best
- Uplifting! Heisei-Era Cheer Songs: The Best Hits
- Recommended cheering songs for men: classic and popular J-Pop tracks
- All big hits! A roundup of classic J‑Pop songs that were popular in 2000
Top 10 motivational/cheering songs that were hits in the 2000s
Stars on EarthNakajima Miyuki
The 37th single by Miyuki Nakajima, a singer-songwriter beloved across generations.
Chosen as the theme song for the documentary series “Project X: Challengers,” its powerful lyrics—filled with respect and encouragement for unsung challengers—perfectly align with the show’s worldview.
Sprinkling in keywords like wind and stars, the song shines a light on people who work quietly and steadily, resonating deeply with listeners of all ages.
Although released in July 2000, it became an exceptional long-running hit: after her performance at the 2002 Kohaku Uta Gassen, it reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart roughly 130 weeks after its release, and it remains a karaoke staple.
Lion HeartSMAP
Lion Heart, one of SMAP’s signature songs, is a legendary hit that defined the year 2000.
It was also used as the theme song for the drama Food Fight starring Tsuyoshi Kusanagi.
The harmony that begins with all five members singing together is exquisite.
This is a quintessential SMAP track that became a major hit in 2000.
MiracleGReeeeN
GReeeeN continues to deliver songs that resonate with many young people, and among them, “Kiseki” remains a timeless classic etched in people’s memories.
When you think of youth, this song still comes to mind.
It was released in 2008 and became a hit.
karmaBUMP OF CHICKEN
BUMP OF CHICKEN, a band emblematic of the 2000s.
They’re still very active today, but their power back then was incredible.
Especially with Karma—the guitar sound in the intro hinted at a masterpiece.
The way the song builds up to the chorus captured the hearts of young listeners.
sailing dayBUMP OF CHICKEN
Released in March 2003 by BUMP OF CHICKEN as a double A-side single with “Lost Man,” this track was selected as the ending theme for the film “ONE PIECE THE MOVIE: Dead End no Bōken” (Dead End Adventure).
As fans of the series themselves, the band crafted a high-velocity rock tune infused with motifs of adventure and setting sail.
The lyrics, which sing of the will to face destiny and the resolve to keep chasing one’s dreams, deeply resonated with young listeners at the time.
Peaking at No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and later included on the album “Yggdrasil,” it has become one of their signature songs and a staple that unites fans at live shows.
It’s a highly recommended track for anyone about to take a new step forward.
travelingUtada Hikaru
One of the iconic songs by Hikaru Utada, the charismatic artist who sparked a new whirlwind in the music world in the 2000s, is “traveling.” Released in 2001, it became a massive hit.
Used in a commercial and heard in living rooms across the country, the impact of this song is immeasurable.
Song of DepartureMr.Children
As a beloved national rock band, Mr.Children deliver a heartfelt medium-tempo ballad that continues to resonate with many listeners.
It’s not only about the loneliness that comes with parting, but also a warm anthem of encouragement that sings about a sure step toward the future that begins from there.
You can’t help but be moved by the image of someone holding dear memories close and striving to overcome their anxiety.
Kazutoshi Sakurai’s gentle vocals carry that message in a way that softly nestles into the listener’s heart.
Released as a single in October 2007, the song was featured as the theme for the much-talked-about film Sky of Love (Koizora) and used in an NTT East Japan commercial.
It’s a track that will surely give you a gentle push at life’s crossroads, such as graduation or a new beginning.