The “Love Saves the Earth” song beloved on the 24-Hour TV program
The 24-Hour TV charity program is held every year.
It’s a long broadcast, but once you start watching, many of you probably can’t stop.
When it comes to music from 24-Hour TV, “Saraba” (Sarari) and “Makenaide” are likely the first songs that come to mind.
But in fact, many other songs are also used and performed on the show! So we’ve gathered songs related to 24-Hour TV, including long-standing staples and theme songs, as well as tracks performed during the program.
We’re introducing familiar classics, recent hits, and nostalgic tunes alike—be sure to give them all a listen!
"Love Saves the Earth" songs beloved on 24-Hour TV (1–10)
Let’s sing a songMISIA
This is a heartwarming ballad by MISIA, written and composed by Masashi Sada and produced together with accomplished musicians including the genius pianist Kanade Kihira.
Released as a charity song on 24-Hour Television in 2021, its straightforward message—overcoming hard times through the power of song—gently seeps into listeners’ hearts, carried by MISIA’s soulful vocals and a grand melody.
Her embracing performance feels as if it softly stays by the side of a faltering heart, giving the strength to believe in tomorrow.
The track is also featured on the album HELLO LOVE.
It’s a hope-filled number, perfect for when you need the courage to take a step forward.
OnigishiSUPER EIGHT
Written by Yu Yokoyama and composed by Shota Yasuda, this is a song by the SUPER EIGHT subunit, the Three Brothers.
It’s a lyrical ballad that sings of memories with a mother and heartfelt gratitude.
The plain, straightforward words really strike a chord.
Originally included on the bonus CD of the album “KJ1 F·T·O,” released in March 2006, it has long been known among fans as a hidden gem.
In 2025, the members performed it on 24-Hour TV as a cheer for Yokoyama, who served as the runner, moving many viewers.
This piece may prompt you to reaffirm your feelings for someone important.
It’s a must-listen even for those who only know the group for their cheerful image.
Dear, boyHump Back
This is an inspiring anthem delivered by Hump Back, a three-piece rock band based in Osaka.
Its straightforward lyrics and driving sound strike a chord, as if reigniting the flame in a heart on the verge of giving up on its dreams.
The episode that vocalist Momoko Hayashi wrote the song for her high school bandmates speaks to the purity and intensity of the message packed into this work.
The track is their major-label debut single, released in June 2018.
Many may already know it, as it was used as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Buzz Rhythm 02” and as the theme song for the Kumamoto High School Baseball Tournament.
It also gained attention when it was played during a scene of Yu Yokoyama running in the 2025 24-Hour Television broadcast.
Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā
Sambomaster delivers soul-stirring, fiery rock that gives listeners courage.
This work, released in August 2018, is an anthem that epitomizes their essence.
With straightforward words, it powerfully sings that there are miracles only those who keep looking forward—despite carrying sadness—can bring about.
Many listeners will feel their hearts burn at its message about the importance of shining in your own way, not as someone’s imitation.
It was chosen as the theme song for the drama Cheer☆Dan, drawing attention for how it overlapped with the characters chasing their dreams.
In 2025, the cast of Hirunandesu! performed the song to cheer on Hiroshi Yokoyama in his marathon challenge.
2001 Love Poempinku redii
This is the main theme song for the first 24-Hour Television broadcast in 1978, sung by Pink Lady.
It is included on Pink Lady’s studio album “The Two Who Came from the Stars” and on the program’s soundtrack “Love Saves the Earth.” Akuyu’s lyrics are simply superb—I highly recommend giving them a read.
LOVE SAVES THE EARTHYū & Ekusupurōjon Bando
This is a unit centered around Yuji Ohno, one of Japan’s leading jazz pianists and composers.
This piece was used as the theme song for 24-Hour Television from its first broadcast in 1978 through the 14th installment in 1991.
For many people of a certain age, this is the song that truly defines 24-Hour Television, isn’t it?
Happinessarashi
A radiant Arashi anthem with sparkling guitar sounds that lifts your spirits just by listening.
Released in September 2007 as their 20th single, it served as the theme song for the drama Yamada Taro Monogatari, starring members Kazunari Ninomiya and Sho Sakurai.
The song conveys the importance of believing in the future and moving forward even in the face of adversity, and it has likely encouraged many people.
It was included on the best-of album 5×10 All the BEST! 1999-2009, and as one of their signature tracks, it was performed as the grand finale at the 2016 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
In 2022, it was used as the opening theme for 24-Hour Television.