For those chasing dreams and goals! Support songs recommended for Gen Z

uneven; bumpy; irregularNEW!Mayumura Chiaki

Chiaki Mayumura “Uneven” MV (Chiaki Mayumura New Song “Uneven” Music Video)

Have you ever felt like you were losing sight of your true self? This is the song I want you to listen to at times like that, sung by Chiaki Mayumura.

It’s a soothing track that affirms the bumpy, uneven parts within you as precious individuality.

It was produced in July 2024 as the CM song for NEC’s job-hunting support campaign “I’m Unstoppable—Move Forward!” and later included on the album “Ufufu,” released in November 2024.

Its boundless imagination blows away that urge to play it small.

treasureNEW!wacci

wacci “Treasure” (Lyric Video)

A heartwarming number that portrays the anxiety and loneliness felt while chasing a dream, and the importance of friends who support each other in those moments.

Just believing you’re not alone can make you stronger, and the time spent together becomes the most irreplaceable treasure—this is the message woven into the song.

It will surely remind you of the bond with “the friends from those days.” The track is included on the album “Kanjō Hyakkei,” released in August 2017.

Interestingly, it drew attention when Miho Takagi named it her “victory song” to listen to before competitions at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics, which also led to a live performance on the TV program “Sukkiri.” It’s a perfect song for those striving toward their dreams or for teammates pushing each other to improve, such as in school clubs.

glareWANIMA

WANIMA “Glare” WANIMA presents 1CHANCE FESTIVAL 2022

This work is characterized by its powerful rock sound and uplifting message.

Released in April 2022 as a digital-only single, it was chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “My School President MG5.” The lyrics, which portray the loneliness, anxiety, and hope of those pursuing their dreams, give listeners the courage to keep challenging themselves.

Packed with WANIMA’s appeal, the energetic performance and catchy melody resonate deeply.

Even when you’re facing hardships, this song will surely give you a strong push to forge your own path.

To Us Who Were Once GeniusesCreepy Nuts

[MV] Creepy Nuts – To Us Who Were Once Geniuses

A message song from the hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts to their past selves and emerging young talent.

Also featured in a TV commercial for Teikyo Heisei University, this track reflects on setbacks and growth, resonating with powerful words that find hope in the future.

Included on their August 2020 album “To Us Who Were Once Geniuses,” it reached as high as No.

5 on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart.

Showcasing Creepy Nuts’ signature energetic style, this song is a courage- and hope-filled number that strongly supports those striving toward their dreams and goals.

Starting OverNEW!DISH//

Starting Over

It’s a track packed with powerful messages that give you a push when you’re ready to make a fresh start or hit the reset button.

The music video—showing the band facing forward even as rain pours down—is striking, and you can feel a fiery energy that reads like a declaration of resolve as a band.

With Hiroki Arai’s exhilarating, fast-paced sound and Takumi Kitamura’s emotional vocals layered together, it’s a song that makes your heart swell every time you listen.

Released in July 2018 as DISH//’s 12th single, the track was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Zoids Wild.

As their first single under the new lineup, I think it also stands as a work symbolizing a major turning point for the group.

Its worldview—shaking off the past and sprinting toward a new future—will likely strike deep in the hearts of those dealing with doubt.

Give it a listen when you want to take on something new or reset your mindset and give it your all.

by all means; no matter what; at any costback number

back number – No Matter What, No Matter What [Official Audio] (NHK Winter Sports Theme Song)

Selected as the theme song for NHK’s winter sports coverage, this work is striking for its band sound that blends intensity with warmth and for Iyori Shimizu’s straightforward vocals.

The lyrics, which depict an inner flame that refuses to be extinguished, resonate deeply not only with athletes taking on their events, but with everyone who strives to meet challenges in daily life.

It’s a powerful track that melts the winter chill and gives you a push when you feel like giving up.

CathartistRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Catharsist [Official Music Video]

Created to coincide with a major sporting festival, this song vividly captures physical sensations like sweat and tears.

Released in June 2018 as the band’s 22nd single, it became widely known as the theme for Fuji TV’s soccer broadcasts.

The exhilarating, fast-paced beat and Yojiro Noda’s signature wordplay in the rap section build into a chorus that feels like the world suddenly opens up—truly breathtaking.

The lyrics convey a sense of emotional catharsis that goes beyond simple wins and losses, encouraging anyone who takes on a challenge, not just athletes.

Later included on the album ANTI ANTI GENERATION, the track is also highly regarded as a visual work, with its music video winning at the SPACE SHOWER MUSIC AWARDS 2019.

Listen to it before a make-or-break moment, and it’s sure to ignite your fighting spirit.