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.
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.
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.
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.
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.