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.
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Tear-jerking motivational songs by Japanese bands: recommended classics and popular tracks (1–10)
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.
Dear, boyHump Back
This song is one of the signature tracks by Hump Back, a three-piece rock band from Osaka.
It features their hallmark rock ’n’ roll sound and an instantly familiar, catchy melody line.
Along with a tune that naturally lifts your spirits as you listen, the lyrics brim with youthful energy, as if rekindling past passions.
I recommend giving it a listen when you want to remember your beginnings and find the motivation to start fresh.
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.
Tear-jerking motivational songs by Japanese bands: Recommended classics and popular tracks (11–20)
Once moreamazarashi
A two-piece rock band from Aomori Prefecture, amazarashi, whose name comes from the concept of “likening the sadness and suffering that befall us in everyday life to rain—we’re left out in the rain, but we still want to sing about the ‘even so.’” This track, included on their second album, Youhi Shinkou Higashism (Sunset Worship Higashism), opens with a modern beat and a catchy guitar riff that builds anticipation for the song.
The lyrics tell a story of facing one’s own weaknesses and past, and standing up to change—messages that may give a push to those who find it hard to get moving.
With its catchy melody and true-to-life lyrics, it’s a tear-jerker of a number.
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.
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.
Midnight ExpresswayFurawā Kanpanīzu
This is the 16th single by Flower Companyz, a four-piece rock band that has kept running as a live act since their formation without any lineup changes or hiatus.
For their 20th anniversary, a tribute album titled “Shinya Kousoku – Ikitete Yokatta no Tsudoi -” was released, featuring 13 different artists covering this one song—proof of how popular it is.
Its lyrics, which feel like they’re searching for a tangible sense of being alive, will likely resonate powerfully with those who are lost in life or feeling self-destructive.
With lyrical words and an emotional melody that can bring you to tears, it’s a track beloved by many listeners—and it’s easy to see why.