A collection of uplifting songs: positive tracks to support you

HappinessAI

AI – Happiness

AI, whose powerful, heart-punching vocals have earned her popularity across a wide audience, is widely known for this song being used as Coca-Cola’s Christmas campaign song for five years starting in 2011.

It’s a number packed with happiness that makes anyone who listens feel joyful.

Released in December 2011, the track is also included on the acclaimed album “INDEPENDENT.” Its positive message—that even in tough times, someone’s smile can bring happiness to those around them—resonates deeply when carried by her soulful voice.

The lyrics, which wish for the happiness of loved ones, are encouraging when you’re feeling down, and when you’re happy, they seem to amplify that joy.

It’s a happy song I’d love for you to share with someone special or someone who needs a pick-me-up, and listen to together.

I want to keep smiling.ikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “I Want to Keep Smiling” Music Video

A resolute will that simply keeps facing forward comes through and makes my heart swell.

Released in July 2011 as Ikimono-gakari’s 20th single, it was used as the commercial song for Nissan’s “New Nissan Serena.” It’s an up-tempo number that conveys a heartfelt wish to keep smiling even in difficult times, straight and true.

Even though it runs over six minutes, the grand arrangement by Seiji Kameda and the powerful vocals by Kiyoe Yoshioka blend so beautifully that it feels like it’s over in a flash.

The song won an Excellence Award at the 53rd Japan Record Awards and is also included on the album NEWTRAL.

Give it a listen when you’re feeling down or need energy for tomorrow.

Fukuwarai (a traditional Japanese “lucky laugh” face-making game)Takahashi Yuu

Yu Takahashi - Fukuwarai

Yu Takahashi has many songs that give you the strength to keep going when times are tough and help you stay positive.

This track is exactly one of those: it conveys, in a straightforward way, that smiles are a universal language that transcends linguistic barriers.

The hope that one person’s smile will inspire another’s, creating a happy chain that spreads across the world, really resonates.

Released in February 2011 as Takahashi’s third single, this song became widely loved as the CM song for Tokyo Metro’s “TOKYO HEART.” For some reason, Yu Takahashi’s music brings a deep sense of reassurance—it makes you feel like you have an unfailing ally.

Listening to it gives you that comforting feeling, like a dose of nourishment for the heart—an empowering number.

Strangerstuki.

tuki. “Strangers” Official Audio (Insert song from the TBS Sunday Theater drama series “Caster”)

I can’t get enough of the grand sound arrangement! This is a piece created by singer-songwriter tuki.

for TBS’s Sunday drama “Caster,” released in June 2025.

The lyrics, which depict the will to move into the future with conviction, overlap with a soul-stirring vocal performance that will set your heart ablaze.

It’s perfect for when you want to relive the drama’s emotions or need the courage to take a step toward tomorrow.

Be sure to embrace this powerful message!

weeeekNEWS

NEWS – weeeek [Official Music Video]

NEWS is an idol group that keeps evolving as they overcome countless trials.

Their seventh single was released in November 2007 and drew attention for being written by GReeeeN.

From the playful call-and-response in the intro, the song bursts into a fast-paced rock sound that instantly lifts your spirits.

While it sings about the everyday reality from Monday to Sunday and a vague anxiety about the future, its irresistible brightness seems to laugh those worries away.

The track was also used in a “Crymson / RUSS-K” commercial and, together with the album “pacific,” reached No.

1 on the charts simultaneously.

It’s a song that revitalizes a work-weary heart and gives you the energy to face tomorrow—truly like an energy drink in musical form!

You don’t have to put on a brave face until dawn.Nogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 “You Don’t Have to Pretend to Be Strong Until Dawn”

It’s a warm song that embraces your fragility, telling you there’s no need to put on a brave face.

Released in September 2019 as Nogizaka46’s 24th single, it sold over one million copies in its first week on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

You may find yourself acting tough, but inside you’re overwhelmed with anxiety.

This work gently stays by the side of those spending such lonely nights, kindly telling them it’s okay to be honest with themselves until dawn breaks.

When you’re worn out from trying too hard, listening to it might give you a small dose of courage to accept yourself as you are and take another step forward.

Dynamic RyukyuIkuma Akira

Dynamic Ryukyu / Akira Ikuma

This soul-stirring track by Akira Ikuma masterfully fuses Okinawa’s traditional performing art Eisa with a funky groove.

The lyrics, penned by Daiichi Hirata, open with a prayer to the sea and sky, inspiring listeners and powerfully celebrating people’s dreams and bonds.

With sanshin and drums resounding, the sound makes you feel as if you’re swept up in the frenzy of a festival.

Released in August 2009, the song became familiar as the theme for Orion Beer commercials and gained attention when it was used to cheer on high school baseball teams.

Since then, it has become a staple anthem in the world of sports.

It’s sure to give a fiery push to anyone striving toward their goals.