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: moving masterpieces that touch the heart, recommended popular tracks (21–30)
Fight! SalarymanKetsumeishi
They began their activities in 1993 and have a history of declining an invitation to perform on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
They have many celebrity fans, and they are especially popular in professional baseball, where players such as Okada and Sho Aranami have used their songs as walk-up music.
Rising SunEXILE
Even after HIRO’s retirement, EXILE continues their activities.
This song was chosen as a charity single to support recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake.
With the message, “Even if you’re in the darkness now, the sun will rise someday,” it’s a song that feels like it rescues those sinking under the weight of their efforts.
If you’re struggling right now, EXILE will cheer you up with warmth and hope.
Encouragement songs: timeless, heart-touching masterpieces and recommended popular tracks (31–40)
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE
A masterful song by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE that delicately portrays the radiance and anxieties of youth, as well as the conflicts we carry while growing up.
Chosen as the opening theme for the anime “Oblivion Battery,” which began airing on TV Tokyo in April 2024, this piece gently embraces the memories accumulated as time passes and the feelings of confronting the unease hidden in everyday life.
Its refreshingly youthful guitar sound and clear, transparent vocals resonate with listeners’ hearts and give them courage.
It won the 66th Japan Record Award, marking the band’s first-ever back-to-back victory.
When you feel lost or anxious, or when you wish someone would give you a push forward, give it a listen.
You’ll surely find a budding feeling of cherishing yourself.
AnyMr.Children
The 23rd single released by Mr.Children in 2002.
Issued in the year of their 10th major‑label debut anniversary, the song carries the message, “Let’s keep facing forward no matter what.” There’s a story that after its release, when the vocalist Sakurai suffered a cerebellar infarction, he was encouraged by this very song he had written.
together; along with; bothWANIMA
This is an uplifting song that gently conveys the importance of facing forward and living on.
Its message-rich lyrics blend beautifully with a driving sound, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released by WANIMA in August 2016, the track was featured in Nivea Kao’s 8×4 commercial and captured the hearts of many.
Influenced by the Kumamoto earthquake that occurred during production, the lyrics also weave in thoughts of home and the preciousness of life.
It’s a song to hear when you feel close to losing your way, when you’re ready to take a new step, or when you want to keep moving forward alongside cherished friends.
IcarusGReeeeN
All of the members balance careers as dentists and singers, and they’re also known for not showing their faces as artists.
Even now, they do not appear in the media in a way that reveals their real faces, nor have they disclosed their real names.
They also never show their faces at live shows or other events.
While some people may be curious about what they really look like, there’s no doubt that their singing voices are a source of encouragement.
Fight Songarashi
Lyrics by Arashi, composed by Kazunari Ninomiya.
It was aired on TV as the theme song for “G no Arashi,” but people outside the fanbase might not know it well.
It’s a concert staple, though it seems it’s often treated as a playful song and the lyrics aren’t always sung properly.