Encouraging songs: timeless masterpieces that resonate with the heart, recommended popular tracks

rootKing Gnu

King Gnu – Root

This gem of a mid-tempo ballad sings of the resolve and kindness to live like a “root”—a modest presence that supports someone dear.

Carried by beautiful harmonies of piano and strings, King Gnu’s signature modern rhythmic feel intertwines with choral lines reminiscent of a children’s song, resulting in a track that resonates deeply.

Written as the theme song for the TBS Sunday drama “Diamond Sleeping in the Sea,” airing from October 2024, the piece brims with profound understanding and empathy for those who steadily persevere.

When you feel on the verge of losing your way, or when you wish to be someone’s support, this song will gently stay by your side.

The BeginningONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – The Beginning [Official Music Video]

An empowering anthem that gives a strong push toward a hope-filled future.

Through the protagonist who keeps searching for a reason to move forward, this song gives you the courage to overcome setbacks and hardship.

Featuring ONE OK ROCK’s powerful sound and passionate vocals, this memorable track was released in August 2012 and gained attention as the theme song for the film Rurouni Kenshin.

The film and the song’s worldview harmonize beautifully, movingly depicting the protagonist’s resolve to face the past and take a new step forward.

When you stand at a crossroads in life and feel anxious about the future, listening to this song is sure to give you a supportive push.

Outlineimase

[imase] Outline (MV)

This gem of a song was created with heartfelt care by imase from Gifu Prefecture as the anthem for the 103rd All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

It captures the feelings of players facing trials through sing-along choruses, powerful beats, and a grand string arrangement.

This richly layered soundscape stirs the souls of people who keep moving toward their dreams despite adversity.

It’s highly recommended as an encouragement song for everyone dedicated to sports.

Wonderful DaysUNICORN

Unicorn - Wonderful Days

At the time, this was the final single from Unicorn before they disbanded.

I hope that even those who keep running headlong every day will listen to this song and take a moment to stop.

The you who has worked so hard up to now will surely give a push to the you that lies ahead.

Kokoro-eroodo obu mejyaa

Road of Major / Kokoro-e

Road of Major, who unfortunately disbanded in 2007.

“Kokoro-e” was used as the opening theme song for the anime Major ~1st Season~.

Some of you might feel a sense of nostalgia.

The lyrics, infused with rock spirit, feel as though they understand you as you do your best.

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In the Great Sky and on the Vast EarthMatsuyama Chiharu

In the Vast Sky and Earth / Chiharu Matsuyama

He is also known for having great confidence in his singing voice, and when he appeared on a TV program he even said that as long as he’s alive, no one better at singing than him will ever appear.

He’s known for his sharp tongue as well, saying things like he would only appear on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen if he could be the final act.

March Toward TomorrowKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – March Toward Tomorrow (Full ver.)

Written by Keisuke Kuwata in 2011, at a time when many people were anxious about tomorrow, this is a marching song of hope.

Its unadorned, simple sound centered on acoustic guitar seeps all the more deeply into the heart.

The lyrics carry a strong message to the disaster-stricken areas, and there is a verse that sounds as if it sings “in Tohoku,” a characteristically modest form of encouragement from Kuwata that is profoundly moving.

This warm number was released in August 2011 as part of a triple A-side single and was also used in an NTT Docomo commercial.

It’s a talisman-like song, perfect for those moments when you want just a little boost of energy or a gentle push on the back.