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 masterpieces and popular tracks (21–30)
AkariMy Hair is Bad
A warm mid-tempo track from the album “ghosts,” released in July 2024, that gently kindles a flame in the listener’s heart.
The lyrics are striking in the way they portray the feeling of pushing toward tomorrow, even while weary from daily life, guided by the small light within oneself.
The use of realistic imagery—like comparing one’s situation to traffic light colors or evoking the idea of resting one’s wings—really resonates.
It features My Hair is Bad’s signature robust performance paired with rounded, gentle tones, and Shiiki’s vocals brim with warmth and compassion.
The vocal range isn’t very wide and the melody is calm, making it perfect when you want to sing at your own pace.
It’s a song that will gently nudge forward anyone striving to live each day earnestly.
Tomorrow never knowsMr.Children
There are many songs that are called signature tracks of the national band Mr.Children, and this song is undoubtedly one of them.
“Tomorrow never knows” is their sixth single, released in 1994, and it was used as the theme song for the drama “Wakamono no Subete” starring Masato Hagiwara, becoming a major hit.
I imagine many people, regardless of generation, have been encouraged by this song.
It’s a masterpiece that, no matter how many times you listen to it, resonates in your heart—clearly a long-beloved favorite.
Tear-jerking motivational songs by Japanese bands: Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks (31–40)
Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO
When it comes to girls’ rock bands these days, SHISHAMO is a name that absolutely always comes up.
Their song “Ashita mo” is included on the 2017 album SHISHAMO 4, and since it was used in a commercial, many of you have probably heard it.
It portrays the everyday life of a girl doing her best—going through the motions day by day, yet carrying some worries, wanting to overcome them—lyrics that anyone can relate to.
Do you have an “oshi” (a favorite/stan)? It’s a song that spurs you on to say, “I’ll do my best again tomorrow,” drawing strength from your oshi.
JitterbugELLEGARDEN
This song is one of ELLEGARDEN’s signature tracks, included on their 2003 album “BRING YOUR BOARD!!,” and it’s also a popular live anthem.
If someone asked, “What kind of band is ELLEGARDEN?”, this is the song you’d want them to hear—it embodies who they are: straightforward, exhilarating, catchy, and irresistibly singable.
At the same time, when you look at the lyrics, you can feel a message that says, “It’s okay to take detours—just keep moving forward step by step,” which gives you the confidence to start walking your own path.
Cheering songTHE Inazuma Sentai
The title “Cheering Song” is straightforward, and even the shouted “Sore!” in the intro gives you a push on the back.
This track is the third single released in 2003 by the four-piece rock band THE Inazuma Sentai, titled “Cheering Song.” It’s the kind of song that makes you feel like asking, “Is this person looking at me now? Do they know me?”—as if an old friend were encouraging you.
Its appeal lies in lyrics that hit straight to the heart.
Don’t overthink it—give it a listen when you need the strength to move forward.
After DarkASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
Meaning “after it gets dark,” After Dark is an uplifting song by the rock band ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION.
It’s a mid-tempo rock tune, a style they excel at.
Kensuke Kita’s distorted guitar and Masafumi Gotoh’s vocals create a very pleasant atmosphere.
The music video, where the members wear suit-like outfits as if they were office workers facing tough jobs every day, is also energizing to watch—highly recommended!
Be kind to othersTHE BLUE HEARTS
It’s an insert song from the drama “Hito ni Yasashiku” and one of THE BLUE HEARTS’ signature tracks.
As the drama’s theme song and through its use in commercials, it’s a number that has continued to be listened to and loved across generations.
Often called a legendary punk band, they still have a strong following today, and when you listen to vocalist Hiroto Kōmoto’s passionate singing, it becomes an uplifting anthem that makes you feel like you can do your best from the bottom of your heart.