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, Heart-Touching Masterpieces and Recommended Popular Tracks (151–160)
AkariMy Hair is Bad
A gem of a song that captures the feelings of people who keep fighting hard even while weary from everyday life.
Included on My Hair is Bad’s album “ghosts,” released in July 2024, this track vividly portrays the inner heart that puts on a brave face while harboring weakness, along with the will to move forward nonetheless.
Emotional guitar tones and powerful vocals gently embrace the emotions deep within.
The album “ghosts” also features the theme song for the film “Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary” and the official theme for the 96th Senbatsu as presented by MBS.
When work or relationships weigh on you and your heart feels like it might break, this song will be by your side and help you take a step toward tomorrow.
ParadiseNiziU
NiziU is a nine-member girls’ idol group formed by members who won their spots through the J.Y.
Park–led project “Nizi Project.” Their song “Paradise” is a classic cheer-up anthem.
The gentle vocals that feel like a soft push on your back and the mellow sound are sure to lift a tired heart.
The music video—where all members are unified with black hair and pink dresses—also makes a strong impression.
Be sure to check it out alongside the song!
We AreONE OK ROCK
This heartwarming rock number by ONE OK ROCK carries a message that empathizes with the anxieties and struggles of young people.
Garnering attention as NHK’s soccer theme song, the track is included on the album “Ambitions,” released in January 2017, and in December 2016 it achieved a collaboration with 1,000 eighteen-year-olds on NHK’s “18-Fes.” Blending the powerful energy of rock with pop elements, its exhilarating sound underscores the importance of living true to oneself and calls for the empowerment of youth.
Advocating that we can become beacons of hope, this song will gently encourage those seeking to boost their self-esteem or take that first step forward.
Kimisidai TrainONE OK ROCK
An uplifting anthem that powerfully leads you toward a hope-filled future! It’s a classic by ONE OK ROCK packed with a message that radiates positive energy and resonates with listeners.
The lyrics gently speak to the courage to take on challenges and the importance of believing in yourself, striking a chord in your heart.
Included on the album “Zankyo Reference,” released in October 2011, it’s known as a fan favorite that creates a strong sense of unity with the audience at live shows.
It’s the perfect song when you’re troubled or anxious and need the strength to take a step forward.
A warm track that stays by the side of anyone feeling down and gives them a gentle push forward.
We againSG
Singer SG, whose popularity has surged on social media platforms like TikTok.
He originally gained attention by leveraging his language skills—covering English and Korean songs in Japanese, and Japanese songs in Korean.
His original track “Bokura Mata” (“We, Again”) is a gentle-voiced number that gives you courage.
The lyrics are especially striking for moments when you and someone close must go separate ways—like graduation or starting a job—blowing away feelings of loneliness.
When a painful parting comes, why not take your time and listen to this song?
Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO
An encouraging song that heals the fatigue of weekdays and stays close to your heart.
Released by SHISHAMO on their February 2017 album “SHISHAMO 4,” the song became widely known after being featured in an NTT Docomo commercial.
Inspired by watching matches of Kawasaki Frontale, the soccer club from the band’s hometown of Kawasaki, it vividly portrays people who, despite being swamped by work or studies during the week, are uplifted by the “heroes” they meet on the weekend and move forward with a fresh outlook.
The anxieties and setbacks we feel in life—and the strength to overcome them—resonate alongside an approachable melody.
It’s a song that stands by you in moments when you’re tired from work or study, or when you hit a wall, giving you the push to keep going by looking up to someone’s example.
Encouraging songs: timeless tunes that touch the heart, recommended popular tracks (161–170)
NEW WORLDSixTONES
SixTONES are active in many fields, including appearances on variety shows.
They’re now an idol group everyone knows, but they once went through a tough period working their way up.
NEW WORLD is a song that tells the story of the group’s journey so far and their hopes for the future.
The lyrics have a strong narrative feel, so you may come away with the same sense of satisfaction as after finishing a story—and it will likely fire you up to say, “I’ll do my best too.” By the way, the song has a self-shot one-take music video, and the interactions in it are a must-see.
