Just listening will lift your spirits! Energetic and cheer-up songs that defined the Heisei era.
No matter the era, many people switch their mood through music.
There are songs that give you a push, songs that get you hyped, and songs that light up a karaoke session—there are truly countless tracks in the world.
This time, from the Heisei era, which produced many classic hits, we’ll introduce songs that can lift your spirits just by listening.
When you’re feeling down or stressed, try finding the perfect song to match your mood!
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Just listening makes you feel energized! The Heisei era’s signature feel-good and cheer-up songs (11–20)
The world is smiling at you.Little Glee Monster
This one is a must for a feel-good anthem! It’s Little Glee Monster’s “Sekai wa Anata ni Waraikakete Iru” (“The World Is Smiling at You”).
Released in August 2018 as their 12th single, it was also selected as Coca-Cola’s annual image song for 2018.
The fresh, sparkling rhythm and the group’s rich choral work feel so good to listen to.
With its positive message that if you smile as yourself, the world will smile back, this track is truly a vitamin for the heart.
It’s an upbeat number that makes your body want to move just by listening, making it perfect for your morning run or walk! The powerhouse sound—winner of the Composition Award at the 60th Japan Record Awards in 2018—will blow away a gloomy mood and recharge you for tomorrow.
LOVE 2000hitomi
This is the 17th single by hitomi, a leading female singer in the J-POP scene.
Released in June 2000, it was also used as the image song for Nippon TV’s “Gekikukan Pro Yakyu 2000.” The track is characterized by lyrics that explore the essence of love and a poppy, catchy melody.
It’s also known as a favorite of Naoko Takahashi, the Sydney Olympics women’s marathon gold medalist, giving it an uplifting, cheer-song aspect.
It’s a recommended number for times when you’re struggling with work or relationships and want to reflect on yourself.
one thing or anotherFujii Takashi
A relentlessly upbeat dance tune produced by Daisuke Asakura.
As Takashi Fujii’s debut single, this gem blends GAKU-MC’s forward-looking lyrics with effervescent synth sounds.
Just listening makes your body move on its own, brimming with the kind of energy that blows your worries away.
Released as a single in 2000, it went on to secure a spot at the 51st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and in 2025 it was featured as the song for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Oronamin C commercial—proof that it continues to be loved across generations.
Highly recommended when you need a boost or want to shake off a sedentary slump! Move your body to the up-tempo beat, and you’re guaranteed to feel refreshed in both mind and body.
Joyfulikimonogakari
It’s that catchy, popping-sounding track you’ve probably heard at least once in a Pocky commercial.
Released in 2009 as a double A-side single with “YELL,” it created a huge buzz as the theme song for Ezaki Glico’s ads.
The upbeat arrangement, featuring a horn section and handclaps, pairs with Kiyoe Yoshioka’s bright, smile-inducing vocals to make your body start moving without even thinking.
It’s perfect for getting hyped with friends, and it’d be amazing played at school events or sports days.
It’s also a karaoke staple everyone knows, making it an ideal pick when you want to liven up the mood.
Mini Moni. Janken Pyon!Minimoni.
The debut single from Mini Moni, a unit from Hello! Project, released in January 2001.
It topped the Oricon weekly chart for two consecutive weeks and became a major hit, ranking 15th on the year-end chart.
The song was featured on numerous TV programs, including TV Tokyo’s “Oha Suta,” and was later included on the album “Mini Moni Song Daijiten Vol.
1,” making it a track that thrilled children at the time.
Most notably, it was produced by Tsunku♂, with unique lyrics themed around rock-paper-scissors and a friendly, easy-to-follow dance routine—an irresistibly fun song you can enjoy without overthinking.
March Toward TomorrowKuwata Keisuke
Written by Keisuke Kuwata in 2011, at a time when many people were anxious about tomorrow, this is a marching song of hope.
Its unadorned, simple sound centered on acoustic guitar seeps all the more deeply into the heart.
The lyrics carry a strong message to the disaster-stricken areas, and there is a verse that sounds as if it sings “in Tohoku,” a characteristically modest form of encouragement from Kuwata that is profoundly moving.
This warm number was released in August 2011 as part of a triple A-side single and was also used in an NTT Docomo commercial.
It’s a talisman-like song, perfect for those moments when you want just a little boost of energy or a gentle push on the back.
Just listening will lift your spirits! Energetic and cheer-up songs that defined the Heisei era (21–30)
I want to keep smiling.ikimonogakari
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.