Masterpieces that sing of effort. Recommended popular songs.
Work, studying, club activities, everyday life…
To make anything go well, daily effort is essential.
But even when we know that, it’s hard to keep it up—that’s what makes it difficult!
Everyone has times when they want to try hard but just can’t.
In those moments, how about listening to some wonderful music and giving it one more push?
In this article, I’ll introduce not only songs themed around effort, but also songs that cheer you on as you keep trying.
If you take in the messages woven into the lyrics, I’m sure you’ll be able to keep going.
Take your time and listen to the songs we’re about to introduce.
- [A Cheer for Myself] A pep song dedicated to you who are doing your very best
- [For those who strive] An encouraging cheer song
- Club Activity Youth Songs: Motivational Anthems and Timeless Tracks of Memories with Teammates
- Anthems of Challenge: Uplifting Songs That Cheer You On to Take the Leap
- Timeless songs that sing of hopes and dreams. Masterpieces that lead those who strive toward the future.
- For those chasing dreams and goals! Support songs recommended for Gen Z
- [Deeply Moving] A Tear-Jerking Cheer Song: Popular Inspirational Anthems That Resonate with the Heart
- Before a match or when you feel like giving up! Cheer songs to keep you going in club activities
- A song that encourages you just by listening
- A gift to dream-chasers! Songs about dreams and anthems that help make them come true
- [A Life-Affirming Anthem] An Encouraging Song to Cheer You On
- [Today's Cheer Song] To everyone giving it your all! A gem of an inspiring anthem that resonates with the heart
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
Masterpieces that sing about perseverance. Recommended popular songs (11–20)
GloriousBE:FIRST
A moving song themed around effort and challenge has been born.
This work from BE:FIRST powerfully portrays people advancing toward their dreams.
The lyrics capture the sight of pressing forward even while covered in mud, the strength to overcome setbacks, and the hope for a future where we shine together.
Released digitally in November 2023, the song was created as the support anthem for the 102nd All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
It’s a track that gives a push to young people who keep taking on challenges and fills them with courage.
It’s the perfect song for those striving to realize their dreams or moving toward their goals together with their teammates.
RPGSEKAI NO OWARI
A classic song about hope and adventure has been delivered by SEKAI NO OWARI.
Through the worldview of a fantasy RPG, it portrays growth and challenge in real life.
It sings of the bonds between companions and the courage to face hardships, sending a powerful message to listeners.
Released in May 2013, the track was also used as the theme song for the Crayon Shin-chan movie and was loved by a wide range of generations.
Its march-inspired arrangement and stories among the band members also drew attention.
It’s recommended for those chasing their dreams or standing before a new challenge.
Be sure to listen to this song packed with the charm of SEKAI NO OWARI.
Yume-yumeONE OK ROCK
It’s a powerful song that emphasizes the importance of never giving up on your dreams and continuing to chase them.
Set to a funky dance-rock groove, it highlights ONE OK ROCK’s signature energetic sound.
Released in July 2007, the track was also used as the opening theme for ABC TV’s “M-PARA Special Zone,” helping it reach a wide audience.
The lyrics encourage turning everyday life into an adventure and facing challenges with self-belief.
By underscoring the importance of persevering through setbacks, this work offers strong encouragement to anyone striving toward their dreams.
About meMrs. GREEN APPLE
Released in 2019 by Mrs.
[Green Apple], this song—brimming with bittersweetness and romance—was also the theme for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
When you’ve poured yourself into something and lose, the frustration can be overwhelming, right? This song makes you feel like it honors the losers in that harsh world of competition and affirms the journey you’ve taken.
It paints light and shadow, and the words that especially stand by the feelings of the defeated slip gently into your heart through its grand worldview and Omori’s high-toned vocals.
It makes you want to believe that effort is never wasted and can create beautiful days.
No matter how, no matter howshikuramen
This song conveys the importance of continuing to move forward even when facing difficulties.
Cyclamen’s powerful melodies and heartfelt lyrics inspire courage and hope in listeners.
It sings about overcoming failures and setbacks and taking a step toward your dreams, capturing the hearts of many.
Released in March 2014, it was selected as the support song for the 86th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, drawing significant attention.
It’s a recommended track for students who are striving through hard work and for anyone about to embark on a new challenge.
One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
This is an inspiring song that sings of courage and hope in overcoming life’s trials.
While depicting summer scenes and the brilliance of youth, it conveys the importance of taking that first step forward.
Released in August 2010, the song was used as the Asahi Broadcasting Corporation’s high school baseball support song and as the theme for “Nettou Koshien,” moving the hearts of many.
With its refreshing melody and powerful lyrics, it resonates as a motivational anthem centered on effort and challenge.
It is truly a life-affirming support song that encourages everyone facing difficulties.
Accompanied by the warm vocals of FUNKY MONKEY BABYS, why not take your first step toward your dreams?
Masterpieces that sing of effort. Recommended popular songs (21–30)
The world still doesn’t know you yet.Abe Mao
Mao Abe’s song, which celebrates the importance of effort and challenge, delivers a message that truly resonates.
It embodies a strong determination not to be defeated by oneself, conveying the value of the growth and sense of fulfillment that await beyond overcoming hardship.
Released in May 2012, the track drew attention as the theme song for the NHK TV program “Haru Navi.” A nationwide tour, “Mao Abe Live No.4,” was also held, bringing the song directly to fans.
It’s a recommended track for anyone who feels moments of discouragement or needs the courage to keep moving forward.