Masterpieces that sing of freedom. Recommended popular songs.
When work, studies, or relationships aren’t going well and everything feels stifling, we all sometimes find ourselves thinking, “Ah, I just want to be free…” Freedom may be one of the things people seek most in life.
We fight for freedom, we struggle for it.
These are songs that sing of those daily endeavors and ways of living.
Some are quite serious—so moving they can feel heavy on the heart.
I hope you can find something that fits your current mood—songs that resonate, give you strength to live, or warm your heart—and use them as a change of pace.
- Masterpieces that sing about various lives. Recommended popular songs.
- Masterpieces that sing of freedom. Recommended popular songs.
- Timeless songs that sing of hopes and dreams. Masterpieces that lead those who strive toward the future.
- Masterpieces that sing of effort. Recommended popular songs.
- Encouraging songs: timeless masterpieces that resonate with the heart, recommended popular tracks
- A classic song that sings of the future. Uplifting future-themed music that inspires hope.
- A classic Japanese song about life. A track that gives you energy.
- Songs that give you strength. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- [Must read] Songs with great lyrics. Moving songs you’ll want to listen to while reading the lyrics
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Songs with powerful lyrics. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- Stress-relief songs to listen to when you’re irritated—tracks that will make you feel refreshed.
- Classic songs that celebrate courage. Recommended popular tracks.
Iconic songs that sing of freedom. Recommended popular tracks (11–20)
Becoming a Thousand WindsAkiyama Masashi
It’s a heart-cleansing song that says, “I’ve become the wind and I’m freely flying through the sky.” It’s a signature work of the tenor singer Masafumi Akikawa, released as a single in 2006.
Originally, it was a poem that drew attention in the United States, which composer Man Arai translated and set to music.
In the end, isn’t the best part of this song the lyrics? As I mentioned earlier, the message—“Though I’ve died, I’m not inside the grave; I’m freely flying through the sky”—is truly wonderful, isn’t it?
I want to become the wind.THE BOOM
I’d like to say it’s a group made up of members from Okinawa, but the members are actually from Yamanashi.
The Okinawan vibe is so strong that I think a lot of people probably get the wrong idea.
The band has since disbanded, but this song feels so pleasant to listen to—it makes you feel the breeze of the tropics and a sense of freedom.
It’s one of those tracks that refreshes your heart and makes you think, “Freedom is wonderful,” isn’t it?
FREEDOMglobe
Although some time has passed since its release, it still sounds forward‑looking.
It’s a track by the music unit globe, which dominated the Japanese scene in the ’90s, released in 1996 as their fifth single and featured in a KDDI commercial.
The fusion of rock and electronic music is a hallmark of composer Tetsuya Komuro’s approach.
The socially conscious lyrics, which probe global affairs through the theme of “freedom,” are also striking.
dissonanceKeyakizaka46
“Fukyouwaon” was released in 2017 as Keyakizaka46’s 4th single.
Yurina Hirate took the center position for this song, and its intense choreography drew attention; their performance at the 2019 NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen also became a hot topic.
The song makes a strong statement about seeking freedom and refusing to be a yes-man.
For those dealing with stress at work or enduring daily pressure from above, it’s a track that may weigh heavily on the heart—and perhaps spark change.
Freedom10-FEET
The lyrics, of course, but also the powerful rock sound really give you energy! It’s a track by the three-piece band 10-FEET, who are also known for hosting the music festival Kyoto Daisakusen, and it was included as a coupling track on their sixth single “BUZZING,” released in 2004.
This heated, passionate sound is so characteristic of them.
And the lyrics, with their message of “Don’t worry about regrets or failures!” give you a boost.
Definitely give it a listen when you want to blow away stress and worries!
I’m free.Saitō Kazuyoshi
A track included as the seventh song on the 1999 album “golden Delicious hour.” All the lyrics are in English.
At the end of the song, it repeatedly says “I am free.” Depending on how you listen, it can feel like someone is telling you “You are free,” giving you a reassuring push forward.
A classic anthem to freedom. Recommended popular songs (21–30)
1000 ViolinsTHE BLUE HEARTS
As a Japanese punk rock band, THE BLUE HEARTS are popular across a wide range of ages and have a near-legendary status.
Their song “1000 no Violin” was released as a single in 1993 and is well known from commercials and more.
It also drew attention at the time when Aoi Miyazaki sang it in an ad for earth music&ecology.
True to THE BLUE HEARTS, the free-spirited, liberated, and straightforward lyrics—combined with a sense of nostalgia—resonate deeply.