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 of hard work. Recommended popular songs (1–10)
Effort just one millimeter aheadNon Stop Rabbit
It’s a song that conveys the importance of putting in the effort now for the future.
The lyrics are striking, as if shaking your heart and saying, “Nothing ever goes exactly the way you want—don’t let that make you give up.” Listening to this track makes you feel ashamed not to try… It’s top-tier pop rock that energizes you from start to finish.
And the chorus will definitely make you want to sing along!
sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI
This song gently whispers, “I see you trying your best.” It’s a track by the band SEKAI NO OWARI, released as a single in 2018.
Chosen as NHK’s theme song for both the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics and the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympics, it drew significant attention.
With its relaxed yet grand arrangement, warm melody, and Fukase’s soft vocals, it creates a deeply moving atmosphere that resonates in the heart.
Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster
It’s a cheer song that sings about how the effort you put in together with your friends will one day become your own treasure.
It’s a track by the female vocal group Little Glee Monster, included on their 2018 album “juice.” It drew attention when it was chosen as the support song for the 96th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
Effort doesn’t always yield results, does it? But if you give up because of that, you truly end up with nothing.
There are precious things you can gain only because you tried your best… why not set out to find them?
Philosophy[Alexandros]
![Philosophy[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jIysnJZewLQ/sddefault.jpg)
This is a rock number that conveys both the frustration toward oneself for no longer being able to push on without realizing it, and the resolve to throw away that version of yourself.
It’s a track by the rock band [Alexandros], released digitally in 2020.
The piece was born from an NHK program project called “[ALEXANDROS] 18 Festival.” A solid, weighty rhythm carries Yohei Kawakami’s straight-shooting vocals, building an expansive, grand sonic world.
Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO
A signature song by SHISHAMO released in 2017.
It was created after vocalist Asako Miyazaki, while watching a Kawasaki Frontale match, was moved by the supporters’ passionate cheers.
From the very first line, it grabs you with its impact.
Although many cheer songs use words like “fight!” or “do your best,” this one never does.
Instead, it deeply resonates with the feeling of simply trying to get through each day as best as you can, without forcing yourself to “try harder.” I’m sure many people have drawn strength by likening their favorite artist or idol to a hero and thinking, “Okay, just a little more—I can do this!” It’s a song that gives you that extra push when you need one more burst of effort.
Bridge of Gloryyuzu
Released in 2004, this is Yuzu’s 21st single.
It also served as the official theme song for NHK’s coverage of the Athens Olympics, so I imagine many people have heard it.
Its powerful lyrics—asserting that even if you shed tears over unseen efforts, only glory awaits beyond—carry the warm, quintessentially Yuzu feel.
It’s a song that almost seems like only Yuzu could have sung.
Shineieiri reo
This is her second single, released in 2012.
She wrote both the lyrics and the music herself.
Leo Ieiri’s crisp, dignified vocals amplify the power of the lyrics even more.
There’s something especially persuasive about her singing.
Maybe that aura comes from the fact that, despite strong opposition from her parents, she moved to Tokyo alone at 16 and kept working toward her musical dream.
When you’re working hard, there are moments of doubt, but this song gives you a positive message about overcoming them with unwavering conviction—and with another version of yourself by your side.