[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
- [Deeply Moving] A Tear-Jerking Cheer Song: Popular Inspirational 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
[Cheer Song Special] Songs that give you courage when you’re feeling down. Encouraging tracks (161–170)
AkariMy Hair is Bad
A gem of a song that captures the feelings of people who keep fighting hard even while weary from everyday life.
Included on My Hair is Bad’s album “ghosts,” released in July 2024, this track vividly portrays the inner heart that puts on a brave face while harboring weakness, along with the will to move forward nonetheless.
Emotional guitar tones and powerful vocals gently embrace the emotions deep within.
The album “ghosts” also features the theme song for the film “Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary” and the official theme for the 96th Senbatsu as presented by MBS.
When work or relationships weigh on you and your heart feels like it might break, this song will be by your side and help you take a step toward tomorrow.
GANBA!!PANBE
PANBE’s uplifting anthem delivers courage and energy to listeners with positive messages and hope-filled vocals.
Alongside a gently embracing melody, it sings about valuing bonds with friends, staying true to yourself, and finding the courage to take a new step forward.
Released in December 2024, this work features vocals that showcase each member’s individuality and a friendly, catchy pop sound.
Included on the album “Panvilion,” it carries a warm message that stays close to each person’s heart.
Whether you feel lost or anxious in daily life, or you’re about to take on something new, it will surely give you a gentle push forward.
It’s us.imase
Musician imase, who picked up an instrument for the first time at 20 and made his major debut the following year.
His eighth digital-only single, “Bokurada,” written for NTT Docomo’s “ahamo” web commercial “What does it mean to be an adult?”, leaves a lasting impression with its distinctive vocals over a refreshing ensemble.
Its message—that the future’s possibilities are limitless—may give a reassuring push to those struggling with doubts and worries.
It’s a positive pop tune whose modern melody inspires a forward-looking mindset.
Peter PanYuuri
This is a moving song that celebrates the importance of pursuing your dreams.
Known as one of Yuuri’s signature works, the track was released in August 2020 and resonated with many people.
The lyrics express a strong determination to follow one’s own path without being swayed by others’ opinions.
Its powerful message gives listeners a push forward, making it an anthem for everyone striving toward their dreams.
Starting in April 2021, it was also featured in corporate commercials for DIP Corporation, bringing the song to an even wider audience.
This piece is perfect for those who want to stay true to their convictions or who are on the verge of giving up on their dreams.
Why not give it a listen when you’re feeling down or in need of courage?
AlrightNishino Kana
A warm, encouraging song whose soft yet powerful vocals stay close to your heart.
Released by Kana Nishino in June 2011, it’s included on the album “Thank you, Love.” The lyrics, imbued with Nishino’s wish to cheer on those who are doing their best, deliver a message of support to “you,” who keep running straight ahead.
It’s a song that gently gives you a push on the back, urging you to keep facing forward and moving on, even in hard or sad times without giving up.
It’s a track we especially hope those striving toward their dreams and goals will listen to.
FRIENDSHIPH Jungle with T
H Jungle With t, the unit formed by Masatoshi Hamada of Downtown and Tetsuya Komuro, is known for “WOW WAR TONIGHT,” released in 1995 amid the Komuro Family boom.
The following year, in April 1996, they released this song, “FRIENDSHIP.” While it didn’t reach the sales of the previous two releases, it’s a track that carries a message about living life without cutting corners.
AMBITIOUSHOUND DOG
The 13th single by HOUND DOG, released in April 1988.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “Chomolungma ga Soko ni Aru” (“Chomolungma Is There”).
Sung by Kohei Ohtomo, a quintessential man’s man, the song is infused with passionate emotion and cheerfully encourages you to face life with positivity.
It kicks off with a crisp, catchy melody, and the chorus makes you want to raise your arm and sing along with everyone.
It’s a track that shows, through lived experience, that people can keep shining forever, giving you courage and hope.
