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)
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.
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.
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.
Energizing! Heisei-Era Cheer Songs: The Best Hits (11–20)
Love will winKAN
One of Japan’s quintessential cheer-up songs, “Ai wa Katsu” (“Love Will Win”).
It’s the signature track by KAN, as everyone knows.
Although it’s a motivational song filled with abstract expressions, the truth is that KAN usually doesn’t use this kind of lyricism.
Even so, he chose to use a different mode of expression to convey what he wanted to say: that hope exists no matter how daunting the circumstances may be.
Precisely because he wanted it to resonate with anyone, in any situation, he adopted such abstract wording.
TOMORROWMayo Okamoto
In J-pop, words like “tears” and “cry” show up all the time—they’re utterly commonplace.
Phrases like “don’t cry” are so familiar we’ve heard them to the point of boredom.
But Mayo Okamoto’s “TOMORROW” is different.
From the start, this song affirms crying.
No matter how much you cry, it’s fine as long as you become stronger for it.
When you’re overwhelmed with sadness, being told “don’t cry” doesn’t really resonate; but gentle, encouraging words like those in this song—words that stay close and help you look forward—can be a powerful source of strength for anyone, don’t you think?
Go for it!Nakajima Miyuki
Miyuki Nakajima is a female singer-songwriter whose distinctive word choices and vocals have energized many listeners for years.
Among the many classic songs she has left behind, her most popular motivational anthem is probably “Fight!” This song centers on the theme of leaving school after junior high, offering a niche message that cheers on those who enter society and fight without academic credentials.
Still, many of the phrases in the song will resonate even with people who didn’t leave school early.
Be sure to check it out.
Full-Power BoySukima Suichi
Sukima Switch is a music duo that has released numerous hit tunes under the theme of “down-to-earth music.” Their fifth single, Zenryoku Shonen (Full-Power Boy), has been featured in many tie-ins and is widely known as one of their signature songs due to its popularity.
Its message—teaching the importance of facing anything with all your might—can become the energy that helps those hitting a wall move forward.
With its exhilarating pop sound and intricate melodies that reflect life’s difficulties and sense of accomplishment, it’s a refreshing anthem.
