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
- [Moving] Tear-jerking cheer song. A roundup of popular motivational 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 of effort. Recommended popular songs (21–30)
OH!SHISHAMO
A SHISHAMO-style life-affirming anthem that transcends its time.
The lyrics stay relentlessly positive, saying things like, “Even if someone laughs at you for giving your all or working hard, don’t let it get to you.” That message, fused with a sound that’s both pop and rock, gives listeners real courage.
With this song in particular, the raw, straight-from-the-heart lyrics feel exhilarating.
It’s a track I’d love to hear live once I’m done with work or studying.
peace signYonezu Kenshi
It was also used as the opening theme for the hugely popular TV anime My Hero Academia.
The anime tells the story of a boy who was originally timid but gains special abilities and grows stronger.
The lyrics of this song seem to have been written with that narrative in mind.
The lines about people becoming strong through hard work are moving even outside the context of the anime.
Masterpieces that sing of effort. Recommended popular songs (31–40)
excessively earnest; overly serious to a fault; straight-lacedCreepy Nuts×Ayase×Ikuta Rira
This song is a heartwarming anthem for people who keep working earnestly despite the fatigue and frustrations they feel in everyday life.
Created collaboratively by Creepy Nuts, Ayase, and Rira Ikuta, the piece beautifully blends their unique styles to deliver an approachable melody and a powerful message.
Released in March 2022, it was used as the theme song for Nippon Broadcasting System’s “All Night Nippon” 55th Anniversary commemorative performance.
It resonated with many listeners, reaching No.
6 on the Billboard JAPAN Download Songs chart.
Whether you struggle with mornings but still push yourself to wake up early, or you’re clumsy yet refuse to give up and keep trying, this song stands by and encourages everyone who is giving life their all.
BELIEVENiziU
It’s a new J-POP song that sings about the importance of facing forward and keeping on going.
NiziU’s energetic vocals and dance performance really shine in this track.
The lyrics, which emphasize believing in yourself and continuing to walk toward your dreams, are sure to give listeners a gentle push forward.
It’s included on their first EP, “RISE UP,” released in July 2024, and was also used as the ending theme for the anime “Tower of God: Return of the Prince.” When you’re working hard toward your goals but not seeing the results you hoped for, listening to this song will surely give you the courage to move forward again!
doorGReeeeN
It’s a positive song that tells you there’s nothing to do but press on and keep moving forward.
It’s a track by the music group GReeeeN, who have created many famous songs like “Kiseki” and “Hoshikage no Yell,” and it was released as a single in 2008.
Rather than being bright and catchy, it feels like a song where a quiet fire burns deep in the heart.
When you’re thinking, “I want to overcome this and become a new me,” this song might help—so by all means, give it a listen.
WINDING ROADAyaka × Kobukuro
It was released in 2007, yet it still gets used in commercials and ranks on karaoke charts, maintaining steady, enduring popularity.
The lyrics about each of us having our own goal far ahead, out of sight, may be part of the appeal.
You won’t find the exact words “Let’s work hard!” in the song, but the overall vibe radiates a determination to spare no effort in reaching one’s goals.
SMILE ~Like a Clear, Sunlit Sky~Kuwata Keisuke
This is the support song for the “Let’s Do It Together 2020” project, launched by the five commercial TV networks joining forces to boost excitement for 2020.
The lyrics, which speak to us saying “Let’s do our best together,” give you courage.
Effort matters, of course, but it’s also very much Keisuke Kuwata’s style not to preach by saying “Effort is important.” It’s a song that brings the new National Stadium vividly to mind.