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: moving masterpieces that touch the heart, recommended popular tracks (41–50)
FanfareTamaki Kōji
This is a rousing anthem powerfully sung by Koji Tamaki, famed for his overwhelming vocal prowess, riding on a melody full of drive and momentum.
Released as a single in November 2025, it was chosen as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “The Royal Family.” Drawing on his childhood experiences in Hokkaido and paralleling life with the growth of a horse, this work was created with those images in mind.
Its message—that life isn’t only about winning or losing, and that it’s important to face forward and move on as your true self—resonates deeply with listeners.
Pick this song when you need that extra bit of courage at a crucial moment.
DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE
An uplifting anthem of youth themed around self-affirmation and love made a dazzling debut as the theme song for NHK General’s special program “18 Festival.” This piece from Mrs.
GREEN APPLE offers solace to young people who feel they might lose sight of their true selves.
It carefully portrays the emotions of helplessness in the face of time’s passage and life’s absurdities, while gently encouraging the courage to keep moving forward.
Its bright, pop-rock-based melody, aggressive guitars, and memorable piano rhythms blend exquisitely.
Performed together with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation during the program broadcast on December 25, 2024, it became a major talking point.
It’s a song meant for those burdened by doubts and anxieties, and for anyone searching for their own path.
Don’t give upZARD
When you feel like you might be defeated, when your heart feels like it might break, this is the song you’ll want to listen to: “Makenaide,” released in 1993 as ZARD’s sixth single.
It’s an upbeat cheer song that encourages people of every generation through any hardship.
dance hallMrs. GREEN APPLE
This song is also well known as the theme for the morning information program “Mezamashi 8.” Delivered by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, it reminds us that we ourselves are the protagonists on the stage called life.
Even when things are tough, it gives you a push, telling you that in the end everything will be okay—like a protective charm in song form.
The track is included on the mini-album “Unity,” released in July 2022, and it won an Excellence Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards.
It’s the perfect song to start an important day or to listen to when you need a boost of energy.
excessively earnest; overly serious to a fault; straight-lacedCreepy Nuts×Ayase×Ikuta Rira
This song is a heartwarming anthem for people who keep working earnestly despite the fatigue and frustrations they feel in everyday life.
Created collaboratively by Creepy Nuts, Ayase, and Rira Ikuta, the piece beautifully blends their unique styles to deliver an approachable melody and a powerful message.
Released in March 2022, it was used as the theme song for Nippon Broadcasting System’s “All Night Nippon” 55th Anniversary commemorative performance.
It resonated with many listeners, reaching No.
6 on the Billboard JAPAN Download Songs chart.
Whether you struggle with mornings but still push yourself to wake up early, or you’re clumsy yet refuse to give up and keep trying, this song stands by and encourages everyone who is giving life their all.
Bitter VacationMrs. GREEN APPLE
Released in 2024, this song by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE was chosen as the theme for the film “Saint Young Men THE MOVIE: Holy Men VS the Demon Army.” Set to a gentle melody, its message about the importance of resting well is filled with warmth that quietly supports everyone.
Motoki Omori, the band’s vocalist, has been a fan of the original work since junior high school, and he approached the songwriting with deep affection for and understanding of the piece.
For those who tend to overwork themselves in their busy daily lives, or who wish to find a bit more calm in their hearts, this song will surely offer a lovely moment of healing.
Full-Power BoySukima Suichi
As you’d expect from Sukima Switch, who place great importance on words and cherish the Japanese language when creating their music, this is an encouraging song with forward-looking lyrics that make you want to do your best.
Because they always write lyrics and compose music collaboratively, the lyricist and composer are often credited simply as Sukima Switch.