Tear-jerking motivational songs by Japanese bands: recommended classics and popular tracks
I imagine many of you are giving your all every day—studying, working, doing housework, managing relationships—and along with that, the worries never seem to end.
For those people, I’d love for you to listen to these “tear-jerking, cheering songs—band edition” even if it’s just in little pockets of free time.
Rather than pumping you up, these songs stay close to your heart, move you to tears, and quietly fill you with personal strength.
Give them a listen when it really counts.
Let’s overcome the pain and sadness with songs that feel like someone who truly understands you.
Tear-jerking motivational songs by Japanese bands: recommended classics and popular tracks (1–10)
An Anthem to Encourage the Talented and TroubledBUMP OF CHICKEN
A four-piece rock band that has influenced countless groups emerging since the 2000s and continues to evolve to this day: BUMP OF CHICKEN.
This track, included on their fifth studio album “orbital period,” grabs the ear with a distinctive rhythmic intro that builds into a driving first verse.
Everyone has moments when they meet someone who’s better at what they thought they were good at and feel their spirit break—but the message that you are still the protagonist of your own life can ease the heart when you’re feeling down.
It’s a refreshing, uplifting arrangement: a fast-paced yet tear-jerking rock tune that lightens the spirit.
We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā
This is the 14th single by Sambomaster, a unique three-piece rock band known for their heart-stirring, fiery messages and straightforward punk sound.
The song was written for Nissan Serena’s “Rock Climbing” commercial and is also known as the theme song for the TV drama Cheer☆Dan.
Its lyrics give you a push, telling you that no matter how impossible something feels, you can absolutely do it—offering courage to anyone who tends to slip into negativity.
With catchy phrases and melodies that lift your spirits, it’s a motivational anthem that restores a heart on the verge of breaking.
As a personSUPER BEAVER
A four-piece rock band, SUPER BEAVER, whose unadorned, piercing messages and straightforward rock sound have won strong support especially among younger listeners.
This track, included on their fifth album “27,” was chosen as the opening theme for the TV drama “Sono ‘Okodawari,’ Watashi ni mo Kure yo!!” Even while acknowledging human nature and diversity, it asks how you yourself want to live.
That message can point you toward a clear path when you’re worn out by relationships or unsure of who you are.
It’s a powerful rock number that gives you strong support when things are so hard you feel like crying.
Windy DayELLEGARDEN
A four-piece rock band, ELLEGARDEN, who announced their return to activity in 2018 after about a decade, proving their undiminished popularity.
This track, included on their first album “DON’T TRUST ANYONE BUT US,” is known as a fan favorite that often appears on best-of compilations and live setlists despite not being a single.
Its message—that even people who seem strong can feel different from day to day and their mindset can change—can be a source of strength for those who tend to push themselves too hard.
With lyrics that are uniquely phrased yet easy for anyone to picture, it’s a rock tune you’ll want to listen to when your mind and body are tired.
It’s fine.Urufuruzu
A lot of Ulfuls’ songs are uplifting, and it’s easy to see why they’re loved by such a wide range of generations.
Their 25th single, released in 2003, is surely a song that has saved some listeners.
It’s a track I recommend to people who dislike themselves or lack confidence—one that affirms everything, both the good and the bad.
It doesn’t just soothe you; it’s a motivational song that gently fills you with courage, thanks to Tortoise Matsumoto’s warm vocals.
Beyond that10-FEET
10-FEET is a Kyoto-based band beloved across generations, always firing people up with powerful words and message-driven songs.
Their track “Sono Mukou e” (Beyond That) was released in 2011 and is a fan favorite—an essential song that always energizes live crowds.
When you’re pushing toward your dreams or goals, you’ll hit walls sometimes, but this upbeat rock tune cheers you on to keep moving forward.
It’s a fiery, emotionally stirring number that can even bring you to tears.
silhouetteKANA-BOON
Widely known as the theme song for the anime Naruto Shippuden, the song Silhouette was released in 2014.
KANA-BOON’s tracks are known for their driving energy and lyrics that always resonate, and this song is no exception—it’s deeply moving.
It’s a track I highly recommend to anyone feeling a bit hazy or unsettled; the lyrics feel like they stay close to your heart.
It’s a song that anyone can take something from, with a touch of nostalgia—a perfect number for when you’re feeling down.
to do living / to perform livingmakaroni enpitsu
Despite being a band formed at a music university, Macaroni Empitsu is a four-member rock band that has gained popularity with songs overflowing with universally accessible pop sensibilities and catchy hooks.
This track opens their major-label first mini-album, “Ai o Shirazu ni Mahō wa Tsukaenai” (“You Can’t Use Magic Without Knowing Love”), and also drew attention for being selected as the opening theme for the TV anime Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai.
Even if you haven’t seen results yet, there’s no denying the path you’ve walked—believing in that path yourself is the message here, one that soothes the stress accumulated from student life, work, and more.
It’s a refreshing rock tune that teaches the importance of first and foremost acknowledging yourself.
I know, okay.Kyūso Nekokami
A five-piece rock band that calls their style “emo blues,” Kyuso Nekokami seamlessly fuses freewheeling lyrics with diverse musicality.
This track is the title song of their major-label third single, “Wakatten da yo,” and its raw, straight-from-the-gut lyrics and straightforward rock sound are addictively compelling.
At first glance, the words may seem like they’re just shouting negativity, but in truth they carry a message that makes you realize you’ve been avoiding the search for your own path.
Precisely because the language is unadorned, it slips right into your heart—an empowering song that helps you recognize your true feelings.
together; along with; bothWANIMA
A three-piece rock band, WANIMA captivates audiences with a punk sound bursting with the driving energy of melodic hardcore and melodies featuring exquisite harmonies.
This track opens their second single, “JUICE UP!!,” and many may recognize it from the Kao NIVEA 8×4 Body Fresh commercial.
If life is full of hardships and challenges, then at least go in the direction you truly want—this message shines brightly for anyone worried about the future.
Known as a graduation staple, it’s a rock anthem that cheers on those standing at a crossroads in life.