[For those who strive] An encouraging cheer song

Let’s give it a tryWANIMA

Yattemiyou

An energetic track that covers a nursery rhyme everyone’s heard at least once, given a bold rock arrangement in true WANIMA style.

Even when you’re feeling sluggish before starting to study, the song’s exhilarating drive will naturally boost your motivation.

Its positive message—urging you to try first without fearing failure—will give powerful encouragement to anyone tackling entrance exams or test prep.

Released as a digital single in January 2017, it also created a buzz as the theme song for au’s “Santaro” commercial series.

Give it a listen when you want to face your weaker subjects with a positive mindset.

FunnyBunnythe pillows

the pillows / Funny Bunny

“Funny Bunny,” one of the pillows’ signature songs, is included on their eighth album, HAPPY BIVOUAC, released in 1999.

Many artists have covered it, and it’s even been used in commercials.

For a lot of people, it’s a song that brings them to tears, or one they turn to when they’re exhausted by everything.

Though it has a soft, gentle feel, the chorus hits hard—it’s a track that grabs you by the heart.

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A bright futurenever young beach

never young beach – Bright Future (official video)

The generous expansiveness of vocalist Yuma Abe’s voice is pleasing to the ear and makes you feel the future is bright.

The fact that the band name comes from “never, young, and beach — each sounded cool, so we put them all in” is a charming touch, too.

I’m really looking forward to the increasingly dynamic future of Nebayan.

Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa

Lord of Major / Precious Things

A signature song by the rock band Road of Major, known for their rough yet beautiful high-tone vocals and catchy melodies.

Its uplifting lyrics—about moving toward your dreams, even if you stop many times, while supporting each other as friends—give courage to listeners.

Mercurytofubeats

tofubeats – Mercury feat. Onomatopoeia Minister (PV)

Its somewhat languid, relaxed tone slips effortlessly into your ears.

It’s a wonderfully refreshing song.

Listening to it makes me feel as if I’m strolling through a daydream.

When you’re tired of pushing yourself with forceful positivity, this is exquisite city pop that reminds you how to apply just the right amount of effort.

morning gloryHakuho & Kae

morning glory

Born from a segment on TV Tokyo’s special program “Shimurá & Hakuhō’s Isn’t It Amazing!” in June 2014, this is a support song wishing for recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake.

When it was performed on the show, it drew a huge response and many called for a CD release.

In February 2016, marking five years since the disaster, it was officially released as a duet by Hakuhō and J-pop singer Kae.

The lyrics contain memories of once-peaceful summers and the resolve to set out once again from there.

Its message—joining hands and turning tears into light—resonates warmly not only in the disaster-hit areas but in the hearts of all who listen.

It’s said that Hakuhō carried a karaoke track with him even while traveling and practiced repeatedly in preparation for the recording.

That sincere dedication, combined with Kae’s soaring vocals, brought two artists from different fields together as one, resulting in a one-of-a-kind recovery song.

NO MORE CRYD-51

D-51 / NO MORE CRY Gokusen theme song

A signature song by D-51, a hugely popular artist known for straightforward lyrics and a clear, pure singing voice.

It carries a strong message of walking together with a loved one toward a bright tomorrow, and its positive lyrics and upbeat melody energize everyone who listens.