Tear-jerking motivational songs by Japanese bands: recommended classics and popular tracks

breakthroughSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Toppakō” MV (TV anime Haikyu!! TO THE TOP, 2nd cour opening theme)

This song pierces the heart with its straightforward message and powerful melody.

It sings of a resolve to break through head-on and the importance of living fully in the present, with sincere emotions that stir the soul.

The lyrics probe deeply into the meaning of continuing to take on challenges without fearing failure, while the energetic sound gives you the courage to move forward—together forming a superb harmony.

Released as a single in October 2020, it was chosen as the opening theme for the second cour of the popular anime Haikyu!! TO THE TOP.

It perfectly matches the anime’s worldview, which depicts young people’s growth and challenges, and captured the hearts of many viewers.

It’s a song with the power to gently push the backs of those about to take a new step or facing hardships.

With love from a certain futureback number

Sincerely, from a Future

MOS Burger 'Eat, HAPPY!' 30-second version

This is a song that was featured in a MOS Burger commercial aired in 2025 and released the same year as a digital single.

The song was written specifically for this commercial.

The lyrics are composed as a message sent from the future to the past.

For those who are finding life difficult right now, it may serve as a spark to nurture hope for the future.

Along with Iyori Shimizu’s gentle vocals and the calm melody line, listening to it can make you feel as if you’re being softly, kindly encouraged from behind.

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Hane Keisuke

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airheadedTHE BLUE HEARTS

THE BLUE HEARTS – Happy-go-lucky

A single that gently loosens a taut heart, carrying the warmth of a voice that seems to say, “It’s okay to rest.” It’s said that Masatoshi Mashima, who wrote and composed the song, created it when he was feeling the pressure of a major hit and had fallen into a state where he “didn’t feel like himself.” The piece captures the comfort of emptying your mind under a clear blue sky.

This track, included on the classic album “BUST WASTE HIP” released in September 1990, has won over many fans with its light, airy sound.

If you listen to it when you’re feeling a bit worn out by the bustle of daily life, it might just clear away the haze in your heart.

Song of the SeaBEGIN

Song of the Sea

It’s a lyrical ballad woven by BEGIN that conjures up the sea of one’s hometown and a sky full of stars.

The gentle tones of the sanshin and the calm vocals softly wrap around your heart.

It feels like it teaches us the true strength and kindness that await beyond the setbacks and sorrow we experience while growing up.

This track is the B-side to “Birthday Song,” released as a single in May 1997.

It carries a message that deeply resonates with those striving far from home, inspiring them to believe in hope for tomorrow.

On nights when your heart feels a little tired, listening to this song and feeling the warmth of home might be just what you need.

The Beginningayaka

Ayaka / Beginning Time Music Video

This song, sung by Ayaka, known as a singer with overwhelming vocal power and a straightforward, heartfelt voice, is included on the album “The beginning” and was released in February 2012.

The lyrics express a determination to overcome sorrow and hardship and take a new step forward.

The phrase “When we join hands, a new strength is born” conveys the power and hope that come from human connection.

The piece embodies Ayaka’s feelings from her two-year hiatus and reflects both the importance of living together with others and the emotions she felt toward her partner.

As spring arrives and new lives begin, this is a song I recommend to gently support those who feel anxious about new environments, such as advancing to higher education or starting a job.

Stoke a fire in your loneliness10-FEET

Samishisanihiwokube

Have you ever felt a sudden loneliness when you lose your way in life or try to remember the pure feelings you once had? This song is a rock number by 10-FEET that gently lights a flame in such a helpless heart.

TAKUMA paints the back of someone who, despite carrying dreams and regrets, still tries to face forward.

Seeing that figure overlap with yourself makes your chest tighten, doesn’t it? The track was included on the single “Sono Mukou e,” released in November 2011, which reached No.

8 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It was also featured on the following year’s album “thread.” When you find yourself at a standstill, the exhilarating drive of the sound and the warm tone of the harmonica will surely set your heart free.

You don’t have to force yourself—why not start by surrendering to this song?

The True Nature of TearsSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “The True Form of Tears” MV (Theme song for NHK Night Drama ‘Vanilla na Mainichi’)

This song delicately portrays the emotions that sway between the desire to reach someone and the sense of distance between people.

Produced as the theme song for NHK General’s late-night drama “Vanilla na Mainichi” in January 2025, it faithfully reflects the protagonist’s inner feelings.

SUPER BEAVER’s powerful yet gentle melody and its message questioning the meaning of tears resonate deeply.

Released digitally in the same month, the song also appears in a scene where Daisei Kido performs it within the drama, adding further depth to the story.

It’s a track that stands beside listeners as they face doubts and anxieties while trying to live true to themselves, yet still choose to look forward.