Uplifting! Heisei-Era Cheer Songs: The Best Hits
Here come the true classics: a roundup of the cheer songs that were big hits in the Heisei era!
The 1990s were the peak era for CD sales, and the Heisei period produced countless hit songs that are still sung today.
These are tunes everyone could hum along to.
They topped sales charts and are frequently featured on music shows.
Focusing on the “Best Hits,” we’ve compiled a variety of cheer songs—from anthems by the era’s biggest artists that defined Heisei, to hidden gems born from special projects with a touch of cool sophistication.
Dive in whenever you’re feeling nostalgic and in need of the comfort that Heisei cheer songs bring.
- An energizing song that was a hit in the 2000s—a classic that gives you strength.
- Just listening will lift your spirits! Energetic and cheer-up songs that defined the Heisei era.
- [Hit Songs of the 1990s] The Best Uplifting J-Pop Hits!
- [A Life-Affirming Anthem] An Encouraging Song to Cheer You On
- Songs from the Heisei retro era that will get any generation excited! Timeless tracks you’ll want to listen to now.
- [Cheer-Up Songs Special] Songs that give you courage when you're feeling down. Encouraging tracks.
- [Exams, Club Activities, Dreams] Encouragement songs recommended for teens: Tracks to listen to when you want to do your best
- [For those doing their best] A collection of motivational cheer songs
- Cheer songs that were hits in the 2000s
- [Showa-Era Classics] A carefully selected collection of uplifting anthems that empower people across generations
- Songs that make you feel positive when you listen. Top recommended cheer and positive tracks.
- Now’s the time to listen! Uplifting Showa-era songs that brightened Japan
- Just listening will surely move your heart! A moving song that represents the Heisei era.
[Feel the Boost!] Heisei-Era Cheer Songs: The Best Hits (1–10)
That’s important.Daiji MAN Burazāzu Bando
DaijiMAN Brothers Band’s biggest hit, “Sore ga Daiji” (“That’s What Matters”).
With its catchy melody built on the Canon progression and its positive lyrics, it became a massive hit in the early 1990s.
The song’s real charm, I believe, lies in its “gentle yet forward-looking message that never forces you to overexert yourself.” Some motivational songs can be quite tough.
Those tracks have their appeal too, but when you’re truly worn down, you also want encouragement that feels kind.
This song meets that need perfectly—it’s the ideal uplifting track.
There’s always tomorrowUrufuruzu
Kyu Sakamoto’s classic song “Ashita ga Aru sa” (“There’s Always Tomorrow”).
In the 1960s, when rapid economic growth spurred the development of various industries and the times were changing at a dizzying pace, it was also an era shadowed by many issues facing workers.
“Ashita ga Aru sa” gained enormous popularity as a supportive anthem that gently encouraged those people.
This version by Ulfuls is a perfect fit for those of us living today.
Its lyrics, which portray both the hardships of a harsh society and a faint glimmer of hope, will help you forget the fatigue of everyday life.
rainbowFukuyama Masaharu
Masaharu Fukuyama is not only an actor but also a highly active artist.
He has been active for many years and continues to be loved by a wide range of people, with strong popularity among teens even today.
While many might associate him strongly with ballads, he has also released numerous uplifting, cheer-type songs.
Among them, the one I especially recommend is Niji (Rainbow).
It’s a song about the importance of not setting limits on yourself and continuing to move forward with your head held high.
Progresskōkua
Progress is a song I want hardworking adults to hear.
It was released in August 2006 by the rock band kokua.
The track was written as the theme song for the TV program “Professional: Shigoto no Ryuugi,” which focuses on people working on the front lines in various fields.
Although it’s often thought to be a song by singer-songwriter Shikao Suga, it was officially released under kokua, a band formed by leading figures in the music industry.
You may sometimes find yourself reflecting on your career and feeling uncertain.
This song will gently stay by your side as you struggle yet continue to fight forward.
ultra soulB’z
B’z have been loved for many years for their powerful vocals and fiery musicality.
Even today, they keep gaining new teenage fans—their popularity shows no signs of slowing down.
Among B’z’s songs, one support anthem I especially want to recommend is Ultra Soul.
Some of you might be thinking, “Huh?” It’s true that the song is often used on variety shows these days, which has given it a somewhat comical image.
But in reality, it’s a bona fide encouragement song.
Its lyrics depict an unwavering drive to seize your dreams no matter what, and they’re sure to awaken the ambition sleeping inside you.