Recommended cheer-up songs for women: classic and popular Japanese hits
From timeless classics to the latest hits.
Bright, poppy, and irresistibly cute—the essence of J-POP!
A collection of Japanese cheer-up songs, mainly by female artists.
Among them is the hugely popular “Santaro & Oni-chan” for women—uh-oh!
For the rest, you’ll have to read the article to find out…
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- Birthday songs recommended for women: classic and popular Japanese hits
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- [Exams, Club Activities, Dreams] Encouragement songs recommended for teens: Tracks to listen to when you want to do your best
Recommended empowerment songs for women: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (11–20)
Scarred ChampionMISIA & Rockon Social Club
This rock-style track is the fruit of a collaboration between MISIA and Rockon Social Club, serving as an anthem filled with courage and hope.
It sings of the strength to face hardship, the resolve to rise again, and the passion to keep moving forward, seamlessly blending MISIA’s powerful vocals with the band’s rich, heavy sound.
Released in September 2023, it was selected as the theme song for NHK’s Rugby World Cup 2023 coverage and was performed as the finale at the 74th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen on December 31.
It’s a highly recommended song whenever you need a boost—whether watching a sporting event, training, or standing at a crossroads in life.
Banzai ~ So glad I loved you ~Urufuruzu
Ulfuls is a four-member Japanese rock band.
Formed in 1988, they made their debut in 1992 with the single “Yaburekabure” on Toshiba EMI.
Their official fan club is called “Ulful Club.” They have mascot characters such as Waimo-kun, Uchi-mo-chan, Honky Man, and Metahan Boy.
The vocalist, Tortoise Matsumoto, frequently appears on television not only for his music activities but also as a film actor and variety show talent.
I’ve Got the PowerAbe Mao
Singer-songwriter Mao Abe drew attention after winning the YAMAHA TEENS’ MUSIC FESTIVAL 2006 Oita competition as a high school junior.
Her ninth digital-only single, “I’ve Got the Power,” the first release from her private label KAGAYAKI RECORDS, features a cool ensemble that showcases her commanding vocals and lingers in the ear.
The lyrics evoke a sense of making a new decision and may give a push to those feeling anxious about starting something new.
It’s a powerful yet delicate pop tune that reaffirms Abe’s vocal prowess and expressive artistry.
The world calls it love.Sambomasutā
A Japanese three-piece punk rock band consisting of Takashi Yamaguchi, Yoichi Kondo, and Yasushi Kiuchi.
In general, vocalist Yamaguchi is responsible for writing the lyrics and composing the music.
Their sound is primarily straightforward punk rock with frequent shouts, while also showing influences from soul and funk.
At the same time, they have gentle, melodic songs that hint at blues and pop, as well as tracks in a nu-metal/mixture-rock style that incorporate hip-hop and rap.
In progress (experiment ongoing)Shiina Ringo
This song carries a powerful message from Ringo Sheena: “Let’s use ourselves as test subjects and explore how to live better!” Released in July 2025 as the campaign song for Shiseido Ultimune, it resonates perfectly with the campaign’s ethos of breaking free from every constraint.
Set to an energetic rock sound, it’s an anthem to freely experimenting without fear of failure.
When you’re held back by others’ eyes or conventional wisdom and can’t take the first step, listening to this track will spark the motivation to say, “Let’s just try it.”
You don’t have to put on a brave face until dawn.Nogizaka 46
It’s a warm song that embraces your fragility, telling you there’s no need to put on a brave face.
Released in September 2019 as Nogizaka46’s 24th single, it sold over one million copies in its first week on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
You may find yourself acting tough, but inside you’re overwhelmed with anxiety.
This work gently stays by the side of those spending such lonely nights, kindly telling them it’s okay to be honest with themselves until dawn breaks.
When you’re worn out from trying too hard, listening to it might give you a small dose of courage to accept yourself as you are and take another step forward.
Recommended cheer-up songs for women: Classic and popular J‑pop hits (21–30)
A quiet legendTakeuchi Mariya
A heartwarming anthem dedicated to everyone who stays true to their beliefs.
It’s a hymn for people who pursue their lives with single-minded devotion, regardless of fame, and it gently stays close to the listener’s own heart.
The story that the inspiration came from being moved by Mao Asada’s performance at the 2014 Sochi Olympics conveys Mariya Takeuchi’s compassionate gaze, wishing to celebrate the smiles that come after overcoming trials.
Released in July 2014, the song was used as the theme for a Fuji TV documentary program and is also included on the album TRAD.
The choral collaboration—reuniting Mariya Takeuchi with Tatsuro Yamashita, Keisuke Kuwata, and Yuko Hara for the first time in 26 years—symbolizes the song’s special warmth.
It’s a perfect track for when you’re striving toward a goal or when you want to quietly honor someone’s efforts.