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.

Playlist

Tear-jerking motivational songs by Japanese bands: recommended classics and popular tracks
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	An Anthem to Encourage the Talented and TroubledBUMP OF CHICKEN		A fast-paced rock song by BUMP OF CHICKEN
2	We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā		Support song by Sambomaster
3	Windy DayELLEGARDEN		A rock song that supports ELLEGARDEN’s heart
4	As a personSUPER BEAVER		A powerful rock song by SUPER BEAVER
5	to do living / to perform livingmakaroni enpitsu		An uplifting rock song by Macaroni Empitsu
6	Beyond that10-FEET		A rock song by a Kyoto band that gives you the courage to chase your dreams
7	together; along with; bothWANIMA		WANIMA’s rock that supports you at life’s crossroads
8	Once moreamazarashi		An encouragement song by amazarashi
9	It’s fine.Urufuruzu		An uplifting cheer song by Ulfuls that gives you energy
10	silhouetteKANA-BOON		Introduction to KANA-BOON's 'Silhouette'
11	Dear, boyHump Back		A signature song by Hump Back, brimming with youthful energy
12	I know, okay.Kyūso Nekokami		Kyuso Nekokami’s cheer song
13	Midnight ExpresswayFurawā Kanpanīzu		Popular single songs by The Flower Companyz
14	Endless JourneyMr.Children		Mr.Children Overcoming Hardships, a Song of Hope
15	Tomorrow, again[Alexandros]		A moving song that resonates with emotional scars
16	Kokoro no NakaRADWIMPS		RADWIMPS May 2020 distribution
17	Goodbye, colorSUPER BUTTER DOG		Theme song of the movie by SUPER BUTTER DOG
18	As long as I keep walkingdohatsuten		The high-velocity rock of Dohatsuten gives me the courage to chase my dreams.
19	More lightBLUE ENCOUNT		An Encouragement Song by BLUE ENCOUNT
20	Because I’ve always loved you.neguse.		Neguse’s cheer song conveys the importance of persevering.
21	Flash GirlToukyou Jihen		Tokyo Jihen’s 2007 signature song
22	SHAM ROCKUVERworld		Introduction and Appeal of UVERworld’s “SHAMROCK”
23	-ness; typicality; the quality/essence of being [X] (as in “X-ness” or “X-like character”)SUPER BEAVER		A rock song by SUPER BEAVER that affirms change
24	Kimisidai TrainONE OK ROCK		Uplifting guitar rock cheer song by ONE OK ROCK
25	textbookZa Masumisairu		An encouraging song that sings the honest feelings you won’t find in textbooks
26	horizonback number		back number’s COVID-19 pandemic support song
27	I’m a BelieverSPYAIR		SPYAIR's Haikyu!! theme song
28	If you laugh at the skywacci		A cheer for those who strive, a song of friendship
29	AkariMy Hair is Bad		A warm, healing song that lights a fire in the heart
30	Tomorrow never knowsMr.Children		Introduction to Mr.Children’s signature songs
31	Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO		SHISHAMO’s “Ashita mo” portrays a girl who works hard in her everyday life.
32	JitterbugELLEGARDEN		An upbeat, positive-message signature song by ELLEGARDEN
33	Cheering songTHE Inazuma Sentai		Cheering Song of The Inazuma Sentai
34	After DarkASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION		After Dark: an energizing song
35	Be kind to othersTHE BLUE HEARTS		Signature song of THE BLUE HEARTS
36	Our TomorrowElefanto Kashimashi		A cheer song by The Elephant Kashimashi
37	C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK		Bonds and resolve with companions heading toward our dreams
38	The curtain risesback number		A moving film theme song that delivers courage and hope
39	the only personbakudan jonii		The only one of Bakudan Johnny is a song of encouragement
40	HinataSUPER BEAVER		The masterpiece “Hinata” that gives you the courage to take on challenges
41	In the Morning of DeterminationAqua Timez		A moving masterpiece by Aqua Timez.
42	Connected SunsetDragon Ash		The poignant melodies of Dragon Ash are captivating.
43	rayBUMP OF CHICKEN		BUMP’s music that connects farewells and encounters
44	Beyond the nighttsuru		An enthusiastic support song by THE BACK HORN
45	MandalaROTTENGRAFFTY		A rousing cheer song by ROTTENGRAFFTY
46	YOLO!!!!Faulieu.		You only live once—live with all your might.
47	bladeThe Back Horn		A pep song about moving forward even while struggling
48	Dreams!!!!NEK		A passionate song by the rock band NEK! that believes in dreams and moves forward
49	With just my body, I sever fear.ammo		ammo’s cheering song gives a push for a new step forward
50	The totally hopeless high school girl became a band member.chakura		A hesitant high school girl’s resolve toward music
51	HeiwajimaB-DASH		Life is unpredictable, a fight song to keep looking forward
52	About meMrs. GREEN APPLE		A song of courage to overcome life's hardships
53	Uguiutakariyushi 58		Kariyushi58’s encouragement song
54	THE GIFTHi-STANDARD		Hi-Standard returns, reexamining my true self
55	sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI		A moving song that stands by those who chase their dreams
56	breakthroughSUPER BEAVER		Haikyu!! opening theme that sings of the courage to challenge and move forward
57	Kokoro-eroodo obu mejyaa		Kokoro E by Road of Major is a youth-support anthem.
58	primary colorsutoreitenaa		A song that sings about the courage to stay true to yourself as you are
59	Live in the present.Saucy Dog		Saucy Dog’s songs that give you courage
60	Bye-bye, thank you.BUMP OF CHICKEN		BUMP OF CHICKEN’s cheer song encourages people starting a new life
61	The Beginningayaka		Ayaka’s song of determination to overcome hardship
62	Stoke a fire in your loneliness10-FEET		Rock that portrays the backs of people facing forward while carrying dreams and regrets
63	With love from a certain futureback number		A heartwarming song that conveys hope for the future
64	Song of the SeaBEGIN		A lyrical ballad by BEGIN, singing of longing for their hometown
65	airheadedTHE BLUE HEARTS		A warm song that heals a tired heart
66	It’s okaywacci		wacci’s encouraging song “Daijoubu”
67	The True Nature of TearsSUPER BEAVER		Theme songs for TV dramas by SUPER BEAVER
68	WINDING ROADAyaka × Kobukuro		A support song by Ayaka and Kobukuro
69	earnest desireSUPER BEAVER		A famous song by SUPER BEAVER that sings about the importance of human relationships
70	Kindness LicenseCharcoal Filter		A cheering song for pursuing dreams and goals
71	Melancholy IntersectionJapa Hari Netto		Gives me courage with punk rock