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
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- Timeless songs that sing of hopes and dreams. Masterpieces that lead those who strive toward the future.
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- [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 perseverance. Recommended popular songs (41–50)
HinataSUPER BEAVER
SUPER BEAVER is a rock band that began activity in 2005.
Their song “Hinata” is a captivating number with lyrics that give a push to anyone taking on a challenge.
The message—“Failing is painful, but enduring without trying is even harder, so let’s move forward”—is sure to give you the courage to get through tough times.
The music video, which portrays people giving their all, is also wonderful, so be sure to check it out along with the song!
Even if, even ifRyokushokushakai
It’s a very pure message song that sings, “I’m cheering you on anytime, anywhere.” Created by the pop band Ryokuoushoku Shakai from Aichi, it was released as a digital single in 2021.
It served as the official MBS theme song for the 93rd National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.
The soaring horn section and vocals leave a strong impression.
The light rhythm and overall tone make it a delight to listen to.
The sentiment in the lyrics—how seeing you work so hard naturally makes me want to cheer you on—is truly wonderful.
StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE
This work captivates with its refreshing melody and exhilarating, fast-paced sound.
It delivers a stream of positive messages, punctuated by a brisk tempo and pop-savvy word choices.
Originally released in July 2015, the song gained major attention in 2017 when it was featured in Kao’s “Merit Shampoo” commercial.
Starting life in a new environment can bring anxiety and uncertainty.
That’s exactly when you should listen to this track.
Its wind-in-your-hair sense of exhilaration will fill you with excitement and anticipation.
Let’s give it a tryWANIMA
We often hear it in au commercials, don’t we? WANIMA took the children’s song “Picnic” and turned it into an original life-cheering anthem.
True to its title, “Yatte Minayo” (“Give It a Try”), it calls on listeners to take action and just try.
Listening to this song makes you feel that no effort is too much.
Highly recommended.
Believe in yourselfAbe Mao
A song released in 2014 whose piercing vocals and driving sound, so characteristic of Mao Abe, give you energy.
Even as it is, there are times—especially when you’re working hard at something—when you end up comparing yourself to others.
And once you start comparing, you can’t help but feel down.
With the message “Believe in yourself,” this is a pep song that makes you feel like you can overcome a wavering heart.
It overflows with her kindness and strength, and it makes you feel like, “This is only the beginning!” Let’s keep doing our best while remembering to acknowledge ourselves now and then.
Workin’ HardFuji Kaze
Singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze has drawn major attention with several of his releases, including songs featured in car commercials.
In 2023, he created this track as the theme song for the Basketball World Cup.
The lyrics, inspired by his own experience on a school basketball team and by watching games, carry the message that “results aren’t everything—there’s beauty in striving and giving your all.” While some felt that Fujii’s characteristically stylish sound wasn’t suited to a sports theme song, this track can be considered a must-listen: a new kind of anthem that encourages not only athletes but anyone working hard toward their goals.
CrossKamenashi Kazuya
This is a song created as the theme for the sports program “Going! Sports & News,” featuring Kazuya Kamenashi.
It conveys a strong will to push steadily toward one’s goals.
The lyrics were written by Kamenashi himself, and he has said they reflect the feelings of athletes he has encountered through sports coverage.
Another highlight is that Tomoyasu Hotei composed the music, with a powerful, guitar-driven sound that evokes the strength to carve out the future.
It’s a song that portrays the importance of believing in yourself as you chase your dreams, and the determination to press on, trusting in the efforts you’ve built up over time.
