If you’re a hardworking office worker, there are probably days when you feel like, “I just can’t do it today…” During busy seasons you might be stuck working overtime, maybe you’ve made a big mistake, or you could be struggling with relationships at work.
In this article, we’re introducing a selection of motivational songs for office workers to listen to in times like these.
We’ve picked not only songs themed around working life, but also classic anthems that can support you when your spirits are low.
Find a song that matches your feelings and situation, and hang in there just a little longer.
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Work Cheer Songs for Office Workers (1–10)
Our TomorrowElefanto Kashimashi
It’s a passionate song by Elephant Kashimashi that could be called an anthem for adults who’ve accumulated life experience.
Its gentle, conversational sound and Hiroji Miyamoto’s powerful vocals deliver the song’s message straight to the listener.
The lyrics are striking as they look back on memories with friends built up to the present and speak to both those friends and oneself about pressing on with life.
It’s a track that helps you feel the importance of bonds with your companions and turns that feeling into the power to move forward.
Fight! SalarymanKetsumeishi
It’s a song that expresses the feelings of a salaryman, asserting that companies and society are sustained precisely because there are people working hard on the front lines.
While depicting the frustrations that build up through the work that any office worker can relate to, it also gives the impression of urging listeners to do something fun after work so they can overcome those feelings.
The sound conveys a festive vibe, yet also a powerful energy, as if storing up strength for working.
It’s a track that teaches us that refreshing ourselves is essential to keep up our efforts.
Sailing DayBUMP OF CHICKEN
One of BUMP OF CHICKEN’s signature songs, this track is uptempo and distinctly rock in feel.
It served as the theme song for the film “ONE PIECE THE MOVIE: The Dead End Adventure,” and its lyrics depict a traveler who, while struggling, rows their boat with all their might in pursuit of a dream.
When work isn’t going well, when you feel stuck, or after experiencing a setback, listening to this song will surely give you the courage to move forward again.
progressSuga Shikao
This song is the signature track of kōkua, the band Suga Shikao belongs to, and a solo cover version by Suga Shikao was later released.
It’s a masterpiece in which Suga Shikao’s gentle voice soothes the listener’s heart—one you should listen to when you’ve experienced setbacks.
The lyrics carry a message that encourages those who feel crushed by the gap between ideals and reality.
True to its title, “Progress,” the song gives you the courage to keep moving forward step by step, even after a setback.
coloring; color scheme; hues; decoration; embellishment; added flair (figurative)Mr.Children
It’s a warm, comforting song that seems to tell us that the things around us and our unremarkable everyday life are what truly matter.
Included on the album “HOME,” it has been described as “the track that most symbolizes this album.” Even when the repetitive work we do feels pointless, it speaks to how those small results circulate and spread out into the world.
It calls on us to think about what our small tasks are connected to, saying that this mindset is essential for bringing color to our daily lives.
Hymn to LaborMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto
This is a song by Momoiro Clover Z that was released on Labor Thanksgiving Day in 2011.
The composition was done by Ian Parton of The Go! Team, and the lyrics were written by Kenji Otsuki.
As the title suggests, the lyrics depict labor, and the overlapping sounds—reminiscent of a police drama theme—create a unique, intriguing world.
While asserting that society exists thanks to those who work, it’s an interesting track that seems to boost one’s motivation to work.
It’s fine.Urufuruzu
This is one of Ulfuls’ signature songs that I want you to listen to when you’re struggling at work, feeling lost, or losing confidence.
Just like the title “Eenenn” (“It’s all right”), the warm, accepting lyrics gradually give you the courage to move forward as you listen.
Because it’s sung in Kansai dialect, it feels like Tortoise Matsumoto is speaking directly to you, which makes it feel familiar and personal.
It’s great to listen while reading the lyrics, but I also recommend going all in and listening loud on headphones.