[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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[Cheering Songs Special] Songs that give you courage when you’re feeling down. Uplifting tracks (111–120)
DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s “Darling,” created as the theme song for NHK General’s special program “18-sai,” was performed together with 1,000 young people.
The song gently speaks to the importance of living true to yourself and the joy of having support from those around you.
Their joint performance on the special broadcast in December 2024 left a deep impression on many viewers.
Its emotional melody and powerful message resonate, encouraging listeners to keep moving forward even in difficult times.
It’s a song that quietly stays by your side when you’re feeling unwell or hoping for a loved one’s recovery.
[Cheer-Up Song Special] Songs that give you courage when you’re feeling down. Uplifting tracks (121–130)
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE
A masterful song by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE that delicately portrays the radiance and anxieties of youth, as well as the conflicts we carry while growing up.
Chosen as the opening theme for the anime “Oblivion Battery,” which began airing on TV Tokyo in April 2024, this piece gently embraces the memories accumulated as time passes and the feelings of confronting the unease hidden in everyday life.
Its refreshingly youthful guitar sound and clear, transparent vocals resonate with listeners’ hearts and give them courage.
It won the 66th Japan Record Award, marking the band’s first-ever back-to-back victory.
When you feel lost or anxious, or when you wish someone would give you a push forward, give it a listen.
You’ll surely find a budding feeling of cherishing yourself.
The BeginningONE OK ROCK
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.
Star Lablationkerakera
A radiant pop tune by Kerakera, marked by its bright, bouncing beat and sparkling melody.
With plainspoken warmth, it gently embraces the feelings of a clumsy yet earnest protagonist who strives to face forward.
The courage to cherish one’s individuality, to take a step toward an ideal self even while uncertain, is truly moving.
Released in May 2013, it drew attention as the theme song for the Ryoko Shinohara–starring drama Last Cinderella.
It’s a supportive song that quietly stays by the side of anyone anxious about entering a new environment or hoping to convey their feelings to someone important.
Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman
A powerful anthem that finds beauty in staying out of the spotlight.
It carries gratitude for everyone who offers support, the strength to keep going even when unnoticed efforts draw no attention, and a wish to become someone who nourishes another’s heart.
Written for NHK’s “Minna no Uta” broadcast from December 2024 to January 2025, the song is included on the album “Thank You.” Inspired by the words of Tomoshige Yamashita, honorary manager of the Seiryo High School baseball team, its weight and heartfelt message have been soothing many listeners.
When you feel your efforts aren’t rewarded, or when you’re on the verge of losing your sense of purpose, this song will gently stay by your side and give you courage.
It’s okayMarushii
A refreshing three-piece rock band formed in Fukuoka Prefecture.
They’ve had numerous tie-ins, including songs for Menicon commercials and as theme music for ABEMA dramas, so you may have already heard their breezy vocals without realizing it.
Their song “Daijoubu” (“It’s Okay”) has also been chosen as the support song for the All Japan High School and All Japan Junior High School Cheerleading Championships.
The lyrics—“You’ve worked so hard in practice, so it’s natural to feel anxious, but it’ll be okay”—encourage everyone who listens.
You’re sure to feel uplifted too.
It’s a youth-empowering anthem—a ‘seishun’ cheer song—you’ll likely be hearing more and more often in many places!
LOSERYonezu Kenshi
Kenshi Yonezu, who also enjoys tremendous popularity as the Vocaloid producer Hachi and continues to dominate the J-POP scene with his musicality, released his major 5th single LOSER as a double A-side with Number Nine.
The contemporary dance Yonezu performs in the music video also drew a lot of attention.
Its message—embracing being a loser and moving forward—may give you the courage to throw yourself in with nothing to lose.
Featuring an ensemble built around edgy guitar sounds that will lift your spirits, it’s a rock tune you’ll want to hear when you feel close to breaking.
