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

≒JOY≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / 1st Song “≒JOY” [MV full]

An exhilarating, upbeat tune that feels like a clear blue sky opens up before you the moment you listen.

With lyrics penned by Rino Sashihara, the song conveys a straightforward message of determination to chase one’s dreams and the bonds between friends.

Released digitally in July 2022 as the group’s first original song, it was also included on their debut mini-album “Kitto, Zettai, Zettai,” released in January 2024.

Hailed as a standout record, it debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Album Chart, reflecting its passionate support.

The music video, set in a school where the members search for yellow fragments, is filled with the sparkle of youth and is a must-see.

It’s a highly recommended track that will naturally bring smiles—perfect for when you’re feeling down or want to brighten the mood at karaoke!

Ganba-tenderiLiFE!

[MV] Ganbattender / iLiFE!

With its up-tempo beat and bright synths that instantly lift listeners’ spirits, iLiFE! delivers.

Built for electrifying call-and-response moments at live shows, this track bursts with positive energy that blows away everyday anxieties and makes you want to hit restart right here, right now.

It’s also known as a key early-number on the July 2024 album “Idol Life Extra Pack,” and drew attention for being produced by TOTEM HIM’S.

Beyond the exhilarating, live-wire momentum that feels like a direct capture of the crowd’s heat, the song’s message quietly nudges you forward when you need to rally yourself.

Give it a listen when you’re about to buckle under study or work pressure, or when you need to psych yourself up before a big moment.

Fall in love.Boku ga mitakatta aozora

The Blue Sky I Wanted to See / “Fall in Love” LIVE ver.

It’s an upbeat track that’s both powerful and cute, perfect for firing yourself up.

Written by Yasushi Akimoto for Boku ga Mitakatta Aozora, it’s included on Type-C of their debut single “Thinking About the Blue Sky,” released in August 2023.

It portrays a shy-in-love protagonist mustering courage by shouting strong words in their heart, and that down-to-earth sense of youth is truly heart-fluttering.

It’s performed by a unit lineup, and each member’s distinctive vocals are great too! In concerts, it’s loved as a staple that instantly ramps up the venue’s energy, and it even opened a show themed around a school festival.

Give it a listen in those moments when you need a push—it’s sure to lift your spirits.

Sky-colored spray of waterBoku ga mitakatta aozora

The Blue Sky I Wanted to See / “Skysplash” Music Video (Theme Song for the Theatrical Anime ‘Give It Your All!’)

It’s a refreshing number that feels like a distillation of youthful sparkle—blazing sunshine and streaming sweat.

Written specifically as the theme song for the theatrical anime “Ganbatte Ikimasshoi,” this piece delivers the passion for rowing atop a driving, exhilarating melody.

It’s also included on the single “Suki Sugite Up and down,” released in November 2024, and when it was first performed at the group’s first-anniversary event in August of the same year, the entire venue came together in excitement.

You can almost see the earnest figures rowing their oars toward their dreams with their teammates, and listening to it will naturally set your heart ablaze.

Give it a listen when you’re about to take on a challenge or need that last push forward.

It will leave you feeling cleansed.

Exclusive fighter≠ME

≠ME (Not Equal Me) / 11th Single “Exclusive Fighter” [MV full] / Haita-teki Fighter (Exclusive Fighter)

Looking for a sharp, powerful message song that feels like battling your inner self? Produced by Rino Sashihara, idol group ≠ME released their 11th single in December 2025.

It stands apart from the sparkly themes of love and youth, portraying a dance tune about confronting the exclusionary feelings within and breaking out of your shell.

Set to Ryo Miyazaki’s edgy beats, center Nanaka Tomita delivers a must-see, commanding performance.

Following their 1st album, “Springtime In You,” it deepens and showcases the group’s world-building.

Give it a listen when you want to change yourself or break through the status quo—you’re sure to find the courage to move forward.

Nearjoy Ondo≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / “Near-joy Ondo” (from National Tour 2025 “Our moon is getting full”) [LIVE ver. full]

The moment the lively intro—reminiscent of Japanese festival music—kicks in, you’re instantly swept up in a thrill that makes your body move on its own.

With lyrics by Rino Sashihara, this track brilliantly fuses idol pop with Bon Odori, creating a festival anthem that lifts your spirits just by listening.

It was freshly etched into memory when it was unveiled as a surprise during the Tokyo stop of the nationwide tour “Our moon is getting full” in September 2025, igniting the venue into a frenzy.

The setup, where members in happi coats and fans become one, is truly a live-show catalyst.

The sounds of taiko drums and flutes bring a fresh twist, setting it apart from typical idol songs.

It’s the perfect tune for when you want to make a joyful ruckus with everyone or crank up the energy at karaoke!

First Love Cinderella≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / 2nd Single Title Track 'First Love Cinderella' [MV full]

If you’re looking for a classic idol song brimming with the flutter of a faint first love, this might be just the one.

With lyrics penned by Rino Sashihara, this sparkling number portrays the down-to-earth feelings of a protagonist in love.

Released as the second single in October 2024, it also made waves by topping major charts like Oricon.

With Reon Esumi at center, the words sung over an exhilarating sound are sure to turn every listener into the heroine of the story.

It’s perfect not only for hyping up karaoke sessions with friends, but also as a powerful ally when you need the courage to take a step forward in love.