Take the first step!! Songs that give you courage, songs that make you persevere when you listen
When it comes to work, study, relationships, or love, sometimes you just can’t find the courage to take that first step.
Many of us struggle to be proactive because past failures and bitter experiences come flooding back.
In this article, we’ll introduce songs that will fill you with courage just by listening to them.
We’ve gathered tracks that sing about a variety of situations, so you’re sure to find one that fits exactly where you are right now.
When the moment matters, may your favorite music give you strength.
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[Take the First Step!!] Songs that give you courage, songs that make you try harder (111–120)
DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE

An uplifting anthem of youth themed around self-affirmation and love made a dazzling debut as the theme song for NHK General’s special program “18 Festival.” This piece from Mrs.
GREEN APPLE offers solace to young people who feel they might lose sight of their true selves.
It carefully portrays the emotions of helplessness in the face of time’s passage and life’s absurdities, while gently encouraging the courage to keep moving forward.
Its bright, pop-rock-based melody, aggressive guitars, and memorable piano rhythms blend exquisitely.
Performed together with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation during the program broadcast on December 25, 2024, it became a major talking point.
It’s a song meant for those burdened by doubts and anxieties, and for anyone searching for their own path.
GOD_iNumber_i

Produced by Number_i member Yuta Kishi, the song carries a gentle message about the importance of living true to yourself and finding the courage to take a step forward.
It will be released for streaming starting in January 2025, and the simultaneously unveiled music video showcases dreamlike visual beauty and dynamic dance performances.
This piece is an uplifting anthem that encourages those striving toward big dreams or about to take a new step.
It’s sure to inspire a positive mindset to walk your own path without fearing failure.
The BeginningONE OK ROCK

An empowering anthem that gives a strong push toward a hope-filled future.
Through the protagonist who keeps searching for a reason to move forward, this song gives you the courage to overcome setbacks and hardship.
Featuring ONE OK ROCK’s powerful sound and passionate vocals, this memorable track was released in August 2012 and gained attention as the theme song for the film Rurouni Kenshin.
The film and the song’s worldview harmonize beautifully, movingly depicting the protagonist’s resolve to face the past and take a new step forward.
When you stand at a crossroads in life and feel anxious about the future, listening to this song is sure to give you a supportive push.
GANBA!!PANBE

PANBE’s uplifting anthem delivers courage and energy to listeners with positive messages and hope-filled vocals.
Alongside a gently embracing melody, it sings about valuing bonds with friends, staying true to yourself, and finding the courage to take a new step forward.
Released in December 2024, this work features vocals that showcase each member’s individuality and a friendly, catchy pop sound.
Included on the album “Panvilion,” it carries a warm message that stays close to each person’s heart.
Whether you feel lost or anxious in daily life, or you’re about to take on something new, it will surely give you a gentle push forward.
Dream FighterPerfume

Perfume is a technopop unit that represents Japan.
The first cheer song they created is Dream Fighter.
It’s a fast-paced techno track that portrays persevering toward your dreams without giving up, even when you face difficulties.
It’s a really upbeat song, perfect for when you want to raise your energy or hype things up.
The track also became a hot topic for its intense choreography.
I think you’ll feel empowered by the dynamic movements as well.
CorrectRADWIMPS

A gentle anthem of support that blends the bittersweetness and hope of youth.
It portrays, with a warm gaze, the feelings of young people searching for answers of their own.
Its message—that there is no single right answer in life and it’s okay to move forward at your own pace—will surely touch everyone’s heart.
Released digitally in January 2024 by RADWIMPS, this song has often been sung at school graduation ceremonies and in scenes of remembrance.
When you feel anxious about the future or find yourself at a crossroads in life, this warm, comforting track will softly nudge you forward.
Please, take the courage from this song to help you step into a new beginning.
SignalWANIMA

A song filled with courage and hope that sets listeners’ hearts ablaze! It features a driving, fast-paced sound and uplifting lyrics, carrying the message: “Even if we’re unfinished, let’s keep challenging ourselves.” Included on the January 2018 album “Everybody!!,” it was performed with 1,000 eighteen-year-olds on the NHK special program “18-sai Matsuri.” It was also used as the commercial song for Lotte Ice “Sou.” This is a track that gives a push to young people standing at life’s crossroads, such as during entrance exams or job hunting.
All the more reason to listen when you’re struggling with worries or anxiety—you’re sure to find courage.



