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.

Playlist

Take the first step!! Songs that give you courage, songs that make you persevere when you listen
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Rolling DaysWANIMA		Characterized by a high-energy, fast-paced pop-punk sound...
2	A Cheer Song Dedicated to YouHIPPY		A heartfelt cheer to you who keep chasing your dreams...
3	single-minded; earnest; wholehearted; dedicatedSUPER BEAVER		Living true to yourself on the path you believe in, and th…
4	Endless JourneyMr.Children		Mr. Chil..., released in 1998
5	peace signYonezu Kenshi		This piece, known as one of Kenshi Yonezu’s signature songs, is…
6	Yo, you there, kid.Takehara Pisutoru		A heartfelt message that teaches the importance of mustering courage and taking the first step…
7	RAISE THE ANCHORKobukuro		Singing of the resolve to weigh anchor and set out on a new voyage…
8	LazuliMONGOL800×WANIMA		Beautiful, as if painting a vivid picture of an Okinawan landscape right before your eyes…
9	Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO		A three-member girl group known for their catchy, energetic pop songs...
10	scale (as of a fish or reptile)Hata Motohiro		Known as one of Motohiro Hata’s signature songs, this work is...
11	Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā		A passionate message and a powerful rock sound are partic...
12	Don’t give upZARD		When it comes to cheer songs, the ones that often get mentioned are…
13	Before the departureWANIMA		To new members of the workforce: keep challenging yourself without fearing failure.
14	Let’s give it a tryWANIMA		Speaking of feel-good songs, no one comes to mind before these guys…
15	It’s fine.Urufuruzu		When you're troubled or feeling down, you tend to overthink…
16	Lionberii guddoman		As an anthem filled with courage and hope, many people...
17	AM11:00HY		A gift from HY, a mixed-genre band from Okinawa, …
18	Kimisidai TrainONE OK ROCK		A heart power charm that lets you imagine a bright future…
19	OrangeSPYAIR		Encounters and bonds formed within a limited time, and…
20	Easy★RiderOkuda Tamio		A substitute for Tamio Okuda themed around freedom and adventure…
21	StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE		An upbeat, refreshing cheer song brimming with hope
22	Full-Power BoySukima Suichi		Moving forward toward the future, even if we fail...
23	Good Luck!SixTONES		SixTONES support song, a positive message toward dreams
24	cherrysupittsu		A pleasant rhythm and a universally appealing sound...
25	Happinessarashi		The immensely popular idol group from Johnny & Associates…
26	Joyfulikimonogakari		Hugely popular for their powerful vocals and upbeat songs...
27	Song of Victory ~The Strongest, Invincible Number One~ROF-MAO		A powerful ROF-MAO fight song that inspires challenge and bonds!
28	Our Starting LineHIPPY		An anthem of youth that cheers you on, giving you a push toward your dreams.
29	from hereSixTONES		A song that sings of the courage to face forward and never give up
30	Bridge of Gloryyuzu		The folk duo Yuzu. Yuujin Kitagawa’s husky...
31	white noiseOfisharu Higedan Dism		Official HIGE DANDism plays a me...
32	Growing UpMachico		Ma… teaches us the importance of facing forward and moving on.
33	Our TomorrowElefanto Kashimashi		Looking back on my life, the bonds with my friends…
34	GiftsSuperfly		“With Love, a Bouquet” and “Tamashii Revolution”…
35	If I sing to the sky175R		The cheerful and refreshing sound of the youth punk band 175R...
36	We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā		Many people are moved by heartfelt, passionate message songs...
37	I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu		A quintessential Japanese cheer song, also known overseas as 'SU…'
38	Chaos reaches its peakUNISON SQUARE GARDEN		Give me the strength to carve out the future...
39	Make It Out AliveONE OK ROCK		A rock song that propels ONE OK ROCK forward
40	I don’t want to get out of my futon.Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai		A song that depicts the feeling of not being able to get out of bed
41	REALiZELiSA		Rock song of Spider-Man movie theme
42	swim04 Limited Sazabys		A band that’s hugely popular, especially among rock-loving kids—commonly known as…
43	Tomorrow will surely be a good day.Takahashi Yuu		Tomorrow will surely be a good day—stay positive.
44	glareWANIMA		An encouraging anthem to embolden those standing at a crossroads in life
45	FateOfisharu Higedan Dism		Four people who have experience performing on NHK's Kōhaku Uta Gassen...
46	So, you are not alone.Little Glee Monster		Little Glee Monster's...
47	Footsteps ~ Be StrongMr.Children		Mr.Children’s inspirational classic that gives you courage
48	Baby Don’t CryAmuro Namie		Namie Amuro, who recently announced her retirement. From her debut...
49	SUNHoshino Gen		Singer-songwriter Gen Hoshino. Com…
50	Trapped10-FEET		A song imbued with 10-FEET’s resolve
51	Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI		SEKAI NO OWARI, One Piece theme song
52	one’s true feelingssumika		A story of an anthem of encouragement infused with the courage to never give up
53	That paper airplane splits the cloudy sky19		A neo-folk unit emblematic of the year 2000...
54	Isn’t it love?THE Inazuma Sentai		The masculine band from Osaka Prefecture, commonly known as Inasen, ...
55	together; along with; bothWANIMA		WANIMA’s cheer song that leads you to a positive mindset
56	Funny Bunnythe pillows		the pillows is a three-piece rock...
57	Paper Airplane in the Evening Skymorinaoya		Ending theme song of the popular anime 'Hajime no Ippo'...
58	exceed; surpass; go beyond; cross (over)[Alexandros]		Face the past and take a step toward the future
59	As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE		It calls for the importance of continuing to take on challenges without giving up...
60	Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK		It has a sense of speed, and from the intro it pulls you right in with rising intensity...
61	CYANFurederikku		An ani... that depicts the youthful passion for making things.
62	Windy DayELLEGARDEN		One of the few Japan-related songs even among ELLEGARDEN’s work…
63	Shouted SerenadeLiSA		It carries a powerful, soul-stirring message…
64	FlowerORANGE RANGE		A five-member group from Okinawa delivers a song that supports the courage to sing with single-minded devotion.
65	breakthroughSUPER BEAVER		Haikyu!! opening theme that sings of the courage to challenge and move forward
66	Shut up.Ado		A major-label debut song that asserts itself and evokes empathy
67	Zankyo SankaAimer		Demon Slayer theme song, a song of hope and courage
68	Dear, boyHump Back		A powerful song that supports young people pursuing their dreams
69	DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE		An anthem of youth that bolsters young people's hearts
70	sailing dayBUMP OF CHICKEN		Courage and hope to face destiny
71	BelieveGReeeeN		GReeeeN’s song that supports the challenge toward dreams
72	NakedSPYAIR		The courage to walk as your true self
73	Resolution on the Seventh DayUVERworld		Questioning the transience of life and the meaning of living
74	winding roadNovelbright		A hope-filled cheer song that pushes you forward
75	I am the strongest.Ado		Expressing the determination to face difficulties with a powerful singing voice
76	The BeginningONE OK ROCK		An anthem that gives you the courage to move toward hope
77	CorrectRADWIMPS		A cheer song by RADWIMPS, let’s move forward at our own pace
78	A March for Youchesu maika		A Message Song of Hope and Courage
79	Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman		The Beauty of Unseen Effort and a Song of Gratitude
80	BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi		You can gain the courage to pursue your dreams from Kenshi Yonezu’s cheering song.
81	The Zero Sense10-FEET		A rock song that expresses the passion for basketball in pursuit of dreams
82	REVIVERMY FIRST STORY		A powerful rock song by MY FIRST STORY
83	As many times as you likeCrystal Kay		Popular female artist Crystal Ka...
84	progresskōkua		...of the music group kōkua led by Shikao Suga
85	In the Morning of DeterminationAqua Timez		A song that gives you the courage to take a new step when moving to a new place
86	FrontiersAwich		Sing the courage to face the unknown
87	room for growthCreepy Nuts		A cheer song by Creepy Nuts that portrays growth and potential
88	OtonokeCreepy Nuts		Creepy Nuts’ Dandadan theme song
89	Love MySelfIS:SUE		An anthem that cheers on the courage to believe in yourself
90	flying boatKing Gnu		A song that advocates living freely
91	Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA		LiSA’s signature song, the Demon Slayer opening theme
92	For DecadesLittle Glee Monster		An uplifting song that cheers you on as you overcome hardships and pursue your dreams
93	Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster		A powerful song that supports people pursuing their dreams
94	Miracle of BondsMAN WITH A MISSION×milet		MAN WITH A MISSION and milet produce the theme song for Demon Slayer.
95	Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE		An uplifting song that celebrates the importance of embracing hardships and living true to yourself
96	GOD_iNumber_i		A song that encourages the courage to live true to yourself
97	GANBA!!PANBE		PANBE’s cheer song. Delivering courage and energy.
98	Dream FighterPerfume		A cheer song by Perfume that portrays a challenge toward dreams.
99	SignalWANIMA		A song full of courage and hope
100	Helloyama × bocchiboromaru		The new Pokémon opening theme by yama and Bocchi Boromaru
101	Reaching the futureatarayo		The energetic new song by the band Aratayo
102	revolutionBikkeburanka		A singer-songwriter who is also active as an actor and model…
103	Radiant Boatfurederikku		Frederic, a powerful song about forging your own path
104	It’s okayMarushii		Marcy’s cheering song, let’s move forward positively
105	You can do it!Nakajima Miyuki		Miyuki Nakajima's 'Fight!' is an inspiring song that resonates with the heart.
106	WINNERYoshii Kazuya		Kazuya Yoshii’s fight song “WINNER” gives courage.
107	Gate of GloryHirai Dai		An acoustic ... based on surf music
108	Start over!Sakurazaka46		Sakurazaka46’s “Start over!” is amazing.
109	Go your wayRyokushokushakai		A song that advances fearlessly into the unknown world
110	AlrightNishino Kana		Kana Nishino’s cheer song that encourages people who are doing their best
111	Freedom10-FEET		Released in 2005 by 10-FEET…
112	HappinessAI		A singer-AI born in the United States sa...
113	StandardASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION		Just keep moving forward, and there you w—
114	Beyond a thousand nightsAqua Timez		To express the strong feelings within myself without embellishment…
115	ONEB’z		Even among B’z fans, this song is number one...
116	AuroraBUMP OF CHICKEN		This song, “A…,” which was released digitally in 2019
117	Walk with DreamsDragon Ash		When you hear Dragon Ash, you might think of intense mix...
118	The strength to keep livingGLAY		A GLAY anthem. A classic that supported fans during natural disasters.
119	To the futureKiroro		This song is a hit by Kiroro. Graduation...
120	Fairy TaleNovelbright		A five-man rock band, Novelbr…
121	fightYUI		…was active as a solo singer until 2012.
122	JOYYU-KI		YUKI’s pop is adorable no matter how old she gets…
123	to lie on firewood and taste gall (an idiom meaning to endure hardship and persevere for future revenge or success)Anjurumu		The buzzworthy idol group attracting attention, An...
124	this and that, blah blahUrufuruzu		Known for having many songs that give you energy and courage…
125	Go for it!!Urufuruzu		The universally known smash hit number, Ulful...
126	Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi		The hit song by the popular band Elephant Kashimashi...
127	YELL ~Yell~Kobukuro		An anthem for those in pain, resonating in the heart
128	I WISHMōningu Musume.		The wonderful world where you can interact with a variety of people…
129	Because you can do it someday, you can do it today.Nogizaka 46		Even just from the title, it already gives a positive impression...
130	lightUtada Hikaru		A track notable for its homey music video...
131	Shineieiri reo		Leo Ieiri’s two releases in 2012...
132	TOMORROWMayo Okamoto		Released in 1995, it still gives us courage and…
133	Dear you, somedayKankaku Pierrot		The drama “Yutori…” that aired in 2016
134	At all times.Makihara Noriyuki		…talking about the importance of living true to oneself…
135	Night FlightIshizaki Hyuui		The title is “Night Flight,” which is romantic…
136	Mela!Ryokushokushakai		The four-member co-ed band Ryokuoushoku Shakai (Green Yellow Society)…
137	Live beautifullytakane no nadeshiko		The song by Takane no Nadeshiko is an anthem that supports young people who keep chasing their dreams.
138	Set SailBE:FIRST		BE:FIRST released a digital single in February 2024...
139	sunrise,sunshineSMAP		SMAP’s 15th, released in 2003…
140	road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)GReeeeN		GReeeeN: a cheering song that faces hardship
141	Song of BeginningsOhashi Takuya		An iconic song that cheers on a new first step
142	Same ThingHoshino Gen		A song that lovingly embraces emotional contradictions
143	On a night when the stars twinkleBiSH		As a punk band without instruments, regardless of gender…
144	Flower of the heartOAU		An encouraging song with natural imagery that makes you realize how small personal worries are.
145	FrontierOWV		A song that gives you the courage to step into uncharted territory...
146	-ness; typicality; the quality/essence of being [X] (as in “X-ness” or “X-like character”)SUPER BEAVER		The powerful Japanese lyrics really hit me deep in the heart, young ro...
147	migratory bird[Alexandros]		A powerful, uplifting melody that gives you courage, and Kawakami...
148	Magic Wordssupittsu		The first lyrics of the chorus are really striking, so I listen to it a lot...
149	That’s important.Daiji MAN Burazāzu Bando		The Dajiman Brothers Band’s smash hit “...
150	Horse of YouthHinatazaka46		The way you wholeheartedly move forward, believing in yourself…
151	Black sheepKeyakizaka46		Unusual for an idol song—mature and…
152	FlowerwallYonezu Kenshi		Popular and loved by a wide range of people, not just the young…
153	HinataSUPER BEAVER		The masterpiece “Hinata” that gives you the courage to take on challenges