Upbeat songs. Recommended feel-good tracks.

winding roadNovelbright

Novelbright – Winding Road [Official Music Video]

This rock number features a crisp, grand sound and uplifting lyrics that depict the winding journey of life.

Packed with all of Novelbright’s appeal, it conveys the importance of believing in yourself and moving forward step by step, even in the face of adversity.

Created as the theme song for TV Tokyo’s Drama 9 series “Courtroom Dragon,” airing from January 2025, its music video—directed by Hiroshi Tamaki—unfolds with the band performing amid majestic natural scenery.

It’s an encouraging anthem that gently pushes forward those who feel uncertain about their path or who are standing before an important choice.

Let’s give it a tryWANIMA

Yattemiyou

An energetic rock number that lifts your spirits just by listening.

Created by WANIMA in January 2017 for a new commercial in au’s Santaro series, this piece is a rock arrangement of a folk song everyone knows.

It’s a motivational anthem that gives you a push when you want to find the courage to start something new.

Included on the album “Everybody!!” released in January 2018, it topped the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart.

Celebrating the greatness of facing forward and taking on challenges, this song is the perfect cheer anthem for students and for anyone about to dive into a new environment.

That’s good too.Wakeys

That's good too.

An energetic track with a wonderful marching-band rhythm and a poppy vibe! It’s a song by Wakeys, released in April 2025 as the ending theme for NHK Educational TV’s “The Wakey Show.” Created by singer-songwriter Kento Kocchi, the piece was reportedly crafted with the image of children humming along on their way to school in the morning.

The gentle lyrics set to cheerful sounds really resonate.

Perfect for listening before school or work!

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

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.

StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – StaRt

An upbeat, fast-paced sound and powerful vocals make this an inspiring cheer song that stirs the heart! Its lyrics, which give you the courage to keep looking forward and moving ahead, also emphasize the importance of noticing the small joys in everyday life.

Included on the major-label debut mini-album “Variety,” released in July 2015, it was featured as the theme for Kao Merit’s TV commercial and the Fuji TV program “Super Addictive! Laugh-Out-Loud Character Parade.” It’s a track that will lift your spirits when you’re feeling tense or anxious in a new environment, or when everyday life feels a bit stuck.

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

A heartwarming rock tune by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, packed with the sweet-bitter flavor of youth and the anticipation of growth.

Centered on memories with loved ones and the finiteness of life, this song was chosen as the opening theme for the anime “Oblivion Battery,” which began airing in April 2024, and went on to win the 66th Japan Record Awards in December of the same year—achieving the remarkable feat of back-to-back victories.

It offers comfort to those feeling anxious or lonely in a corner of the city, giving them the courage to face forward while embracing their own imperfections.

When the start of a new chapter leaves you feeling low, listening to this track may lighten your heart and help you take a fresh step forward.

FrontiersAwich

Awich – Frontiers (Prod. Chaki Zulu) / Shangri-La Frontier Opening (OP)

This song celebrates the courage to venture into the unknown.

Awich’s powerful rap blends with an energetic beat to inspire listeners.

Written as the opening theme for the second cour of the anime “Shangri-La Frontier” 2nd Season, it explores themes of challenge and growth, asking us about our resolve to carve out our own future.

It will be released digitally on January 5, 2025, with the CD release on March 5.

As Awich’s first anime tie-in track, it’s highly recommended for anyone who wants to keep taking on new challenges without fear.