An idol-sung cheer song: A roundup of recommended tracks that lift your spirits when you listen

Sora-buneTOKIO

Sora-fune (Sky Ship) – TOKIO (Full)

A signature song by TOKIO, created as an anthem to cheer on people standing at important crossroads in life.

Its powerful message—of forging your own path by your own will—gives a boost to countless baseball players.

Released in August 2006, this work, which instills courage and hope in the face of difficulty, debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

It drew attention as the theme song for the drama “My Boss My Hero,” and won the Lyricist Award at the 48th Japan Record Awards.

In March 2007, it was also chosen as the entrance march for the 79th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, stirring the hearts of young people aiming for Koshien.

A gem of a song for anyone continuing to pursue their dreams or standing at a turning point in life.

Kitearashi

ARASHI – Kite [Official Music Video]

It is a grand message song beloved across generations.

With the power of music, its warm melodic line and powerful orchestration resonate in the heart, comforting people’s feelings and conveying hope for the future and the courage to take on challenges.

Written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu as the NHK 2020 Song, it was premiered from the New National Stadium during the 70th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in December 2019.

It sold 911,000 copies in its first week, marking Arashi’s first million-selling single.

Included on the album “This is 嵐,” it continues to encourage people in many situations.

It’s the perfect song for reminiscing about family memories or expressing gratitude to someone important.

Willive

[Official] Anime “Pokémon: Terastal Debut” Opening Theme “Will”

This is the opening theme that plays in the new chapter “Terastal Debut” of the TV anime Pokémon.

It’s performed by the globally popular group IVE.

Wow—the positive, energetic vibe with themes of friendship and adventure is irresistible! The song conveys a strong will to move forward into the future with the bonds you share with your friends close to your heart.

Released in April 2024, this marks IVE’s first-ever anime tie-in.

The members have reportedly loved Pokémon since they were young, and that pure affection shines through in the sparkling sound and vocals.

If you listen to it when taking a new step or working toward a goal with your companions, it’ll surely give you a powerful push forward.

Later included on the mini-album “ALIVE,” it’s a perfect track for the start of an adventure!

Self-esteem skyrocketing, lovey-dovey songHatsuboshi Gakuen

Hatsuboshi Academy “Self-Esteem Skyrocketing ↑↑ Shuki-Shuki Song” Official Music Video (Self-affirmation Explosion! Love-Love Song)

At First Star Academy, an idol training school where students gather to become top idols, one of its characters, Kotone Fujita—voiced by Hikaru Iida—performs this song, whose high-energy sound leaves a powerful impact.

The way she keeps saying “I love it” to cheer herself up when her self-esteem dips is incredibly cute! Even listeners who are feeling down will find themselves perking up along with her.

It’s an adorably uplifting anthem you’ll want to hear when you’re trying to learn to love yourself.

D.D.Snow Man

Snow Man「D.D.」MV (YouTube ver.)

With a powerful beat, a song has emerged that lets the individuality of all nine members shine.

It’s a track filled with Snow Man’s strong aspirations for their dreams and their determination to move forward.

Through both vocals and dance, it expresses the act of pressing on—even when pausing at times, even when feeling uncertain.

Released in January 2020 as a simultaneous debut with SixTONES, it sold 1.328 million copies in its first week and topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

An anthem meant for those striving to overcome hardship and look ahead.

This gem of a song is packed with a moving message and a perfectly synchronized dance performance by the nine members.

HeroesMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto

Momoiro Clover Z [MV] Heroes -MUSIC VIDEO-

It’s a cheer song filled with passion—just listening to it lifts your spirits! This track, sung by Momoiro Clover Z, was chosen as the official support song for Japan’s team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

With its powerful message and catchy melody, it was released in November 2021.

The lyrics convey the courage to face your ideals and keep moving forward, even in the face of difficulties.

It’s a song for anyone striving toward their dreams, feeling nervous before an important match, or losing confidence.

It will surely awaken the “hero” within you.

Ultra-strong ultimate exerciseHatsuboshi Gakuen

[Gakumas] Yume Hanami Birthday Commemorative Single “Super-Strong Ultimate Exercise” - Game Size Lyric Video CD Pre-orders Now Open! [THE iDOLM@STER]

It’s a bright, high-energy idol song brimming with cheer.

Released as a single from First Star Academy in April 2025.

With its up-tempo groove, addictive melody line woven with rap parts, and an irresistible sense of dynamism that makes your body move, it’s packed with charm.

It brilliantly captures the personality of Yume Hanami, who loves sports and hates to lose.

Perfect for boosting your motivation during morning walks or jogs, or anytime you want to get pumped for a workout.