A collection of famous songs about “challenge” [For those who are giving it their all]
We all face different kinds of challenges: wanting to win that match, starting a new hobby, giving our all in a new chapter of life.
But before we take on a challenge, it’s easy to feel a bit anxious.
We can’t help thinking: Will it go well? What if I fail? What should I do afterward?
In this article, I’ve put together songs themed around “taking on challenges.”
Every track is sure to lift your spirits.
It’s a hot, positive playlist recommended for beating the pressure!
- Anthems of Challenge: Uplifting Songs That Cheer You On to Take the Leap
- [A Cheer for Myself] A pep song dedicated to you who are doing your very best
- Timeless songs that sing of hopes and dreams. Masterpieces that lead those who strive toward the future.
- [A Life-Affirming Anthem] An Encouraging Song to Cheer You On
- Songs that give you strength. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- [Deeply Moving] A Tear-Jerking Cheer Song: Popular Inspirational Anthems That Resonate with the Heart
- [Exams, Club Activities, Dreams] Encouragement songs recommended for teens: Tracks to listen to when you want to do your best
- [To All Athletes] Inspirational Sports Anthems & Empowering Theme Songs
- Club Activity Youth Songs: Motivational Anthems and Timeless Tracks of Memories with Teammates
- [Power Songs] The best bright, energizing tracks that lift your spirits!
- Before a match or when you feel like giving up! Cheer songs to keep you going in club activities
- Songs that help you work hard. Cheer songs for working people.
- [Today's Cheer Song] To everyone giving it your all! A gem of an inspiring anthem that resonates with the heart
Masterpieces That Sing of 'Challenge' [For You Who Keep Going] (41–50)
heroAsakura Miki
This is a famous song known as the theme for the TV drama School Wars, which is based on a true story.
Many people find that listening to the song alongside the drama’s storyline heightens their emotions.
It is one of the great Japanese songs themed around challenge.
from hereSixTONES
Even if life is ordinary, let’s keep looking forward and moving ahead without giving up.
That passionate message stands out in SixTONES’ track.
Released in June 2023, the song fuses hip-hop and breakbeats into a powerful sound, over which all six members deliver heartfelt rap verses.
Chosen as the theme song for the NTV Sunday drama “However, There Is Passion,” it topped the Oricon weekly singles chart.
The music video became a massive hit, surpassing 100 million views in September 2023.
When you feel like stopping in front of a wall, listening to this song will surely give you the courage to take a new step.
Start over!Sakurazaka46
Even after changing their name from Keyakizaka46, Sakurazaka46 has continued its explosive surge forward.
The way they sprint down a completely different path from the other Sakamichi groups seems to embody the concept of “the kind of woman girls aspire to be.” A track packed to the brim with that unmistakable coolness is “Start over!” Its words slice into and provoke the listener, asking, “Do you have a dream?” and “Are you really giving it your all?”—a testament to lyricist Yasushi Akimoto’s power.
The lyrics may feel a bit daunting, but paradoxically, the song carries a cheering message: “You can push yourself further.” The choreography incorporating contemporary dance is superb—be sure to check out the music video too!
Small RevolutionSUPER BEAVER
This song powerfully sings of the small acts of courage hidden in everyday life and the desire for self-transformation.
Included on the album “Ongaku,” it was released in February 2024 as an insert song for the TV Asahi drama “MARS: Zero no Kakumei.” With an emotional rock style characteristic of SUPER BEAVER, its melody and sound quietly yet fervently urge us to give voice to our inner feelings and reevaluate who we are.
It was also featured in TBS’s special music program “Ongaku no Hi 2024” for a mass sing-along project, where it was performed together with many viewers.
It’s a song that gently gives you a push when you feel life is hard or lonely, or when you want to take a step toward tomorrow.
BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi
A new song by Kenshi Yonezu written as the opening theme for the TV anime “Medalist.” The protagonists, who push forward without fearing failure, are depicted with powerful imagery likening them to a bow and arrow.
The story of companions who overcome setbacks and strive to regain their brilliance on the ice is deeply moving.
Released as a digital-only single in January 2025, the piece was written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu himself, who also created the cover illustration.
It’s a song that stays by your side at life’s turning points—when you’ve worked hard yet can’t find confidence and feel like breaking—and gives you a gentle push forward.
GRITBE:FIRST
An aggressive track themed around an unbreakable spirit.
This seventh single by BE:FIRST was released in May 2025.
Created during a co-writing camp in Los Angeles with Grammy-winning talent like Colby O’Donis, it’s an ambitious work that modernizes the 2000s hip-hop at the core of the group’s sound.
The lyrics, which weave together their past and future, create a world that stirs a fiery emotion in the listener.
When you need the courage to face hardship, this song might give you strength.
ChallengerGadoro
This work is packed with the powerful determination of GADORO, known as a rapper from Miyazaki.
It fuses the sharp rhyming he honed in MC battles with J-REXXX’s reggae flavor, featuring an aggressive beat that stands out even in battle settings.
Released by Nippon Columbia in March 2019 as the opening track of the album “SUIGARA,” it marked GADORO’s entry into the major scene, with the album comprising 12 tracks.
On the visual side, a dynamic music video directed by Kentaro Shima also drew attention.
Brimming with elements that fire up crowds in MC battle arenas, the lyrics capture the stance of facing challenges head-on, encouraging those who want to believe in their own words and move forward.