[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!
- [Songs to Listen to When You Want to Die] I want to disappear... A song to support you who feel that way
- Songs that make you feel positive when you listen. Top recommended cheer and positive tracks.
- Songs to listen to when you're feeling down. Recommended feel-good, uplifting tracks.
- [A Cheer for Myself] A pep song dedicated to you who are doing your very best
- [Moving] Tear-jerking cheer song. A roundup of popular motivational anthems that resonate with the heart!
- Songs to listen to when you’re feeling down! Tracks that boost your self-confidence
- [A Life-Affirming Anthem] An Encouraging Song to Cheer You On
- An uplifting song with great lyrics. A wonderful, memorable message that stays with your heart.
- Encouraging songs: timeless masterpieces that resonate with the heart, recommended popular tracks
- Take the first step!! Songs that give you courage, songs that make you persevere when you listen
- Songs to Encourage Those Who Are Ill | Supportive Tunes That Gently Soothe Anxious Hearts
- Songs that help you work hard. Cheer songs for working people.
- [For those doing their best] A collection of motivational cheer songs
[Support Song Special] Songs that give you courage when you’re feeling down. Encouraging tracks (131–140)
Ah, thank goodness.Hana＊Hana
This is Hanahana’s major-label debut single, released in June 1999.
It’s a gentle song that makes you feel calm and loved by everyone.
The harmony of the two voices is so pleasant it naturally brings a smile, and you can feel that they’re singing with smiles too, which is very reassuring.
The lyrics feel kind and sincere—something that could only be written by someone who cherishes the small happinesses of everyday life.
I think a life where you can express your feelings so straightforwardly to the people close to you is truly wonderful.
Make It Out AliveONE OK ROCK
ONE OK ROCK is a four-piece rock band whose commanding, rock-solid vocals and modern rock sound—while rooted in old-school traditions—have earned them high praise both in Japan and overseas.
Their 11th digital-only single, “Make It Out Alive,” chosen as a tie-in track for the smartphone app Monster Hunter Now, opens with powerful vocals and a four-on-the-floor beat that evokes a sense of forward momentum.
Its heavy rock sound blasts away the morning blues and amps you up for your commute to work or school.
With cool English lyrics that deliver a message of pushing forward without giving up, it’s a rock tune that gives you the courage to rise again.
Be yourselfSaucy Dog
“Be yourself” teaches us the importance of living true to who you are, no matter what happens.
The song, which resonates with young people’s emotions and has drawn attention, was included on Saucy Dog’s 2022 album Sunny Bottle.
The band’s sound gently envelops lyrics that portray the shifting feelings that are hard to even organize in your own mind.
Ishihara Shinya’s vocals deliver a soothing warmth along with a refreshing melody.
Take in its kind message that affirms not only what’s right, but also the act of making mistakes.
Everything other than death is just a scratch.Koresawa
This song features Koresawa’s clear, translucent voice, gently accompanying our hearts.
Included on her major-label debut album “Korekara,” released in August 2017, it’s a positive, uplifting anthem that sings about facing life’s hardships and trials with optimism.
Written, composed, and arranged by Koresawa herself, the track fully embodies her unique worldview.
The lyrics, weaving in everyday episodes, leave a strong impression as they celebrate the strength to never be defeated by adversity.
It’s a song that gives you energy when you’re feeling down or losing confidence.
Why not let it become a source of support for your heart?
PlasmaYonezu Kenshi
Kenshi Yonezu’s music gently stays close to a weary heart, delivering a quiet, warming encouragement.
Within a grand worldview like a vast galaxy, it tenderly portrays those split-second choices at life’s crossroads and the first step into the unknown.
In a space woven from electronic tones and distinctive sound design, youthful and energetic sounds resound, stirring the listener’s heart.
Released digitally in January 2025, this work served as the theme song for the theatrical advance version Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-, coloring a project born from the first collaboration between Studio Khara and Sunrise.
When you’re worn out from work or about to take a new step forward, this song will stand by you, gently giving you a push.
Shineyuzu
Released in 2014 as Yuzu’s 41st single, this song was issued ahead of their 12th original album, “Shinsekai,” and was featured in a Nippon Life commercial.
It’s an uplifting, message-driven track that inspires listeners to pursue their dreams.
IndeedAnjura Aki
Speaking of Angela Aki, she has many popular songs, but this one is especially catchy, bright, and full of positive energy.
At the same time, the lyrics depict the struggles of tough everyday life that anyone can relate to, so I’m sure many listeners will empathize.
It’s a song that, despite the daily hardships, makes you remember your beginnings and feel like giving it your best.
While her powerful vocals leave a strong impression, the arrangement’s dynamic ebb and flow offers plenty of highlights throughout.
