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.
Classic songs that sing of freedom. Recommended popular tracks (1–10)
Rainbow-Colored WarSEKAI NO OWARI
In contrast to its catchy sound arrangement, this piece carries a philosophical message that asks, “What is freedom? What is life?” It’s a song by the band SEKAI NO OWARI, also known for hits like “Snow Magic Fantasy” and “RAIN,” and it’s included on their first album, EARTH, released in 2010.
The mixed sound that blends electronic music and rock is very pleasant to listen to, and Fukase’s gentle vocals really shine.
TRAIN-TRAINTHE BLUE HEARTS
Is freedom something you can see, or is it invisible? In “TRAIN-TRAIN,” one of THE BLUE HEARTS’ signature songs released in 1998, vocalist Hiroto Kōmoto sings that “freedom is invisible.” That’s why he runs like a train.
Even if the freedom he seeks lies far away, he never gives up and keeps on running—an anthem that cheers you on in life.
For me to be myselfOzaki Yutaka
One of Yutaka Ozaki’s signature songs, this piece expresses a firm resolve.
When Ozaki, who endured a life full of suffering, sings it, the difficulty of being truly free comes through all the more strongly.
It seems that what hinders freedom is visible to some and invisible to others.
Perhaps Ozaki saw too much.
This song makes you feel that way.
A view I’ve never seen beforeSuda Masaki
It’s an emotional rock number that makes you feel like pushing forward, even if it means charging ahead recklessly.
Sung by Masaki Suda, who’s been hugely successful as an actor, it was released in 2017 as his debut single.
Many of you might know it as it was featured in an au commercial.
It was created as a support song for Japan’s national soccer team.
With its powerful arrangement and vocals, the song alone feels like it gives you the strength to face tomorrow.
It’s a refreshing piece that puts you in the mood to “just try anything” anyway.
Partners on the road to freedomShiina Ringo
It’s a cool rock tune that makes you ponder what true freedom really is.
The song is by singer-songwriter Ringo Sheena, who also fronts the band Tokyo Jihen, and it was released digitally in 2012.
It was written as the theme song for the drama ATARU.
The way the driving tempo syncs with her energetic vocals is irresistible! This is exactly what it means to be emotionally stirred.
If you listen when you’re sleepy or want to reset your mood, it might leave you feeling refreshed.
wandererOkuda Tamio
This is the eighth single sung by Tamio Okuda, which also became well-known as the theme song for TV Asahi’s documentary variety program “Thrilling! Big Daddy.” Inspired by images from the show—such as the large family diving into the sea or suddenly moving house—the song conveys a strong sense of freedom.
It was released in 1998 and re-released in 2005.
IncompleteMr.Children
Included on the 2015 album REFLECTION.
As the title suggests, this is a song that conveys the vibrant energy of a band that continues to evolve.
Listening to it leaves you feeling bright and uplifted—like, I can still take on new challenges! My heart is free! The lyrics make you feel as if you could soar into an endless blue sky, while Kazutoshi Sakurai’s expansive vocals and the fresh, invigorating guitar phrases are truly refreshing and stirring.
Many people find encouragement in Mr.Children’s songs, and this one is a highly recommended anthem among them.
