Encouraging songs: timeless masterpieces that resonate with the heart, recommended popular tracks
For everyone who just can’t get motivated, who’s stuck in their thoughts after a shock, or feeling down after making a mistake at work—we’ve put together a long list of “encouragement songs” to lift you up.
We’re introducing timeless, heart-touching classics—both new and old—to support all of you giving your best every day.
Watch the MVs while you listen, or pop in your earphones and let the music give you a solid boost!
Use these to recharge your heart and power up.
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Encouragement songs: Timeless tracks that resonate with the heart, recommended popular songs (1–10)
The world is smiling at you.Little Glee Monster
Little Glee Monster is a girls’ vocal group beloved across generations, captivating listeners with their powerful singing.
Their song “Sekai wa Anata ni Waraikakete Iru” (“The World Is Smiling at You”) is their 12th single, released in 2018.
Many people may strongly associate it with Coca-Cola, as it was the brand’s image song that year.
With its uplifting lyrics and strong vocals, it’s a feel-good track that boosts your spirits and leaves you smiling by the time it ends.
flareSuperfly
Because it was the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Scarlet starring Erika Toda, Flair is known by a wide range of people, regardless of age or gender.
With a voice that combines strength and gentleness, it’s a track that clears away gloomy or hazy feelings.
The lyrics slip smoothly into anyone’s heart, but for those who are struggling or feeling uncertain, don’t they resonate all the more powerfully? It’s a song that, when you listen to it, warms your heart and makes you feel stronger.
beautiful-nessBiSH
BiSH’s “beautiful sa” pulls you in with its striking, attention-grabbing lyrics right from the start.
The words feel raw and real—and haven’t we all felt this way at some point? You can’t say it out loud, but you feel like you’re being swallowed by the darkness in your heart, or you start to hate yourself for thinking about nothing but these things.
But when you listen to this song, it tells you, “It’s not just me—everyone feels this way,” and, carried by its light, upbeat melody, it lifts your mood just a bit.
It’s a quintessential BiSH-style encouragement anthem.
Encouraging songs: Timeless tracks that touch the heart, recommended popular picks (11–20)
Fukuwarai (a traditional Japanese “lucky laugh” face-making game)Takahashi Yuu
When you’re looking for encouragement or a song that speaks to your heart, many people probably choose songs by Yu Takahashi.
His track “Fukuwarai” is a perfect pick-me-up—one that hits the core of your heart and pierces straight through.
It’s packed with raw, human feelings we don’t often show on the surface.
If you listen closely, it can move you to tears, and by the time it ends, you feel refreshed.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to keep as a charm for your heart when you’re completely worn out by everything.
Dear, boyHump Back
Hump Back’s major-label debut single “Dear, Boy,” released in 2018.
It’s a signature Hump Back number that’s hugely popular both as a high-velocity, classic coming-of-age song and as a track that stirs your heart with memories of youth.
Many listeners will be moved from the very first lines, which hit you right where it hurts.
Although the title says “boy,” it’s a song that women and girls can relate to as well—one that gives you a gentle push and makes you think, “Maybe I’ll try a little harder again tomorrow.”
Rough MakerBUMP OF CHICKEN
Rough Maker.
As the name suggests, it’s a song about a “person who makes smiles” encouraging someone who’s feeling down.
Each track unfolds like a story, with the arc of a short novel.
When you’re utterly depressed, listening to it might soothe you a little.
If you read the lyrics all the way to the end, you should find yourself smiling!
Soul RevolutionSuperfly
A powerful, driving song that can pump up any scene: Superfly’s “Tamashii Revolution.” Many of you probably remember it as NHK’s soccer theme for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
It’s the perfect number for sports or work when you want to fire yourself up before a match or a crucial moment, to rally a heart that’s about to sink.
Rather than gently giving you a nudge, it gives you a solid shove and sends you off—highly recommended for those times you want that kind of push.