Recommended cheer-up songs for women: classic and popular Japanese hits

Scarred ChampionMISIA & Rockon Social Club

MISIA & Rockon Social Club – The Wounded Champion (Official Music Video)

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.

Even when I become an old ladyMoritaka Chisato

Chisato Moritaka “Even If I Become an Old Lady” (Live)

Chisato Moritaka is a Japanese singer and musician (lyricist, composer, drummer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, and a multi-instrumentalist) as well as a TV personality.

She is affiliated with Up-Front Create.

Her father, Shigeichi Moritaka, performed with the rockabilly band Orange Hill, and her husband is actor Yosuke Eguchi.

After graduating from high school, she made her major debut in 1987.

Prologue to TomorrowHanzaki Yoshiko

Yoshiko Hanzaki “Prelude to Tomorrow” (MV Full Ver.)

The songs sung by singer-songwriter Yoshiko Hanzaki give the impression of gently enveloping listeners with a warm, comforting presence.

The lyrics—conveyed through her long years of artistic activity—carry a sense of hope for the future.

A quiet legendTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – Quiet Legend (Official Music Video)

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.

At all times.Makihara Noriyuki

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “No Matter What” (Music Video) [3rd Single] (1991) Noriyuki Makihara/donnatokimo [No. 1]

The themes of lyrics written by Noriyuki Makihara mainly revolve around events in everyday life and romantic relationships, and abstract expressions are seldom used directly.

He is affectionately known to the public by the nickname “Mackey.” This song is one that helps you stay positive even during tough times or when you’re feeling down.

Mackey is also a fan of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.

In progress (experiment ongoing)Shiina Ringo

Ringo Sheena – In Experiment

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

Nogizaka46 “You Don’t Have to Pretend to Be Strong Until Dawn”

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.