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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Encouraging songs: Timeless tracks that touch the heart, recommended popular picks (11–20)
If I can laughUrufuruzu
This is the song that became a hot topic because Yo Oizumi sings it in the Recruit Rikunabi NEXT commercial.
The commercial shows people being encouraged to take the next step, and this song is truly an anthem for those very people.
It has a powerful energy that makes you want to smile and take that first step forward.
I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu
Kyu Sakamoto’s “Ue o Muite Arukou,” known and cherished overseas under the title “SUKIYAKI,” is one of Japan’s most iconic songs.
So beloved that it’s been covered around the world, it’s a track that resonates anew after disasters or during prolonged hardship, and it’s easy to see why it’s been sung across generations.
Its lyrics and melody are very simple, but that simplicity is exactly what makes it so moving—a quietly wonderful, encouraging song.
It’s a piece you’ll want to listen to slowly while gazing up at the night sky.
Our TomorrowElefanto Kashimashi
It’s a cheer song for people living in the present, starting with lyrics that speak directly to each listener.
What’s warm about it is that it uses “Let’s do our best” rather than “Do your best!!.” The powerful vocals deliver rousing lyrics that many people—young and old, regardless of gender—will draw strength from.
It’s a song that makes you feel like, “Let’s do our best today, too.”
I’ll walk home.Saitō Kazuyoshi
This is a song I want to listen to when I feel a bit worn out in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
It’s a track that makes you feel like it’s okay to take a breather—like walking home for a change or taking a little detour.
If you listen to it while strolling slowly, I think you’ll feel your heart being gently encouraged.
miraclekururi
A track distinguished by its acoustic guitar and soothing vocals.
When you’re tired or feeling down, the gentle lyrics that affirm you pierce through the haze in your heart.
The guitar solo adds a pleasant interlude, and the outro enhances the lingering aftertaste.
TOMORROWMayo Okamoto
This song, Mayo Okamoto’s “TOMORROW,” is always mentioned as one of the definitive hit tracks of the ’90s.
Released in 1995, it’s also a hugely popular karaoke favorite among people from the generation who experienced its success at the time.
Okamoto’s gentle vocals and the truly forward-looking lyrics resonate deeply with listeners of any age and with any worries, making it easy to see why it became such a big hit.
It’s a song that offers comfort no matter what you’re going through—heartbreak, work troubles, or anything else.
Encouraging songs: moving masterpieces that touch the heart, recommended popular tracks (21–30)
moment; instant; a split secondGReeeeN
GReeeeN has many songs with strong messages, and this one has a poignant melody that makes you feel like you need to keep going when you’re struggling or feeling down.
It’s a song that helps you reflect on yourself and gives you a push to move forward.