[Cheer-Up Songs Special] Songs that give you courage when you're feeling down. Encouraging tracks.
When you’ve failed at school or work, when something unpleasant has happened, when things aren’t going well with your partner or friends, or when you just can’t seem to find your energy… We all have times in our daily lives when we feel down, don’t we? When that happens, you might end up feeling apathetic or losing your motivation.
In this article, we’ll share plenty of uplifting, motivational songs that are perfect for those low moments—tracks that will cheer you up just by listening.
Give them a listen when you need the courage to say, “All right!” and take a step forward.
May you shine!
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[Cheer Song Special] Songs that give you courage when you're feeling down. Encouraging tracks (71–80)
countrysideTamaki Kōji
Released in 1996 as a solo song by Koji Tamaki, who had previously been the vocalist of Anzenchitai, this is likely the first track that comes to mind when talking about his songs of encouragement.
It’s said to have been written based on his own experiences while he was recuperating from mental illness during the band’s hiatus.
The chorus’s message—“It’s enough just to be alive”—may be words only he could have woven after being pushed to the brink.
When you’re feeling down, a message this reassuring will surely become a source of strength for you.
TOMORROWMayo Okamoto
It’s a classic cheer song that you still hear often at sports festivals! As a pop anthem that represents the ’90s, its simple, powerful message has surely pushed many people forward.
It fits perfectly as a cheer song for any situation, so when you’re feeling low or down, give it a listen and reset your mindset!
Go for it!Urufuruzu
With this song, Ulfuls suddenly rose to fame and joined the ranks of popular bands.
Their track “Gatts da ze!!,” released in 1995, is a smash hit you still hear all the time on karaoke and TV.
It’s the song that made Ulfuls’ name and is one of their signature tracks.
There’s nothing soft or gentle about it—it’s a rousing, hard-hitting tune that slaps you on the back and says, “Let’s move forward!” If you’re feeling down, overthinking, or after you’ve had a good cry, finish strong by cranking up this song and getting fired up!
[Special Feature: Cheer Songs] Songs that give you courage when you're feeling down. Encouraging tracks (81–90)
counting songamazarashi
A song that carefully counts each event in a life, reexamining its joys and sorrows.
The lyrics weave in the disillusionment felt while trying to live decently as a human being, the difficulty of continuing to trust others, and the importance of having someone with whom you can share your burdens—and it’s impossible not to feel deep empathy.
This work was released in February 2017 and is included on the album “Message Bottle.” When you’re on the verge of losing sight of your purpose or feeling profound loneliness, its warm voice will gently stay by your side and soothe your heart.
winding roadAyaka × Kobukuro
Released in 2007, this collaboration between Ayaka and Kobukuro, “WINDING ROAD,” has become a staple as both a graduation song and a motivational anthem.
Starting right from the chorus, it grabs your heart with a punch, and no matter how many times you listen, it moves you deeply.
It’s easy to see why it’s been loved for so long—there’s a quiet resonance that really sinks in.
It’s also the perfect song to lean on when you’re trying to get over a hurdle or when you feel that with just a bit more effort, the path ahead will come into view.
Love will winKAN
It’s a classic song for cheering at sporting events.
It’s the signature hit by KAN, a singer-songwriter from Fukuoka Prefecture, released in 1990 as his eighth single, and it became a huge success.
It sold over two million copies and can be called a Heisei-era masterpiece.
Its simple melody and relatable message are why it has been listened to for so many years.
Some people might even find themselves humming it before they know it when they’re feeling down.
To Hikarimiwa
It was released in 2012 as miwa’s ninth single.
The song was used as the theme for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama “Rich Man, Poor Woman,” and it reached a personal best of No.
4 on the Oricon weekly chart.
It’s a memorable track with positive, powerful lyrics that make you feel like you can work miracles.