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.
- [Songs with Great Lyrics] Masterpieces you’ll want to listen to while savoring the words that resonate with your heart
- 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.
- [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 soul-cleansing song that sings, “I’ve become the wind and I’m freely flying through the sky.” It’s a signature work of tenor singer Masafumi Akikawa, released as a single in 2006.
Originally, it was a poem that drew attention in the United States, translated and set to music by composer Man Arai.
What’s so good about this song, after all, is the lyrics, isn’t it? As I mentioned earlier, the message—“Though I have died, I’m not in the grave; I’m freely flying through the sky”—is truly wonderful.
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!
BURNTHE YELLOW MONKEY
Disbanded in 2004 and reunited in 2016, THE YELLOW MONKEY—affectionately known as “Iemon”—has fans across a wide range of ages.
One of their signature songs, “BURN,” was released as a single in 1997.
It’s also a very popular karaoke number.
While the song doesn’t sing about freedom in a direct way, you can feel a palpable heaviness; for those who long to obtain freedom, it’s sure to strike a chord.
It’s a song that seems to express yearning for freedom and the state of being constrained.
A classic anthem to freedom. Recommended popular songs (21–30)
Because it’s a free countryMōningu Musume.
Morning Musume can’t be defined by the word “idol” alone—their dancing and expressive power always amaze me.
This song, Because It’s a Free Country, was released in 2018 as their 66th single under the name Morning Musume ’18.
It’s a cool, danceable track with many lyrics I can really relate to.
I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to become stronger and think positively.
It’s a song that gives you the strength to move forward, with a toughness that says you won’t fret over what’s already done.