Work songs: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks
There are plenty of songs that cheer on people working hard every day, but I’ve put together a selection of so-called “message songs” for those who are labeled—or call themselves—corporate drones.
I’m sure there are tracks you’ll find nothing but relatable, so when you’re worn out from work or need a little mental breathing room, listen with the idea of finding comrades.
These songs will make you feel relieved or crack a smile, and they should help you reset and think, “Maybe I can push just a little more!”
Work songs. Recommended masterpieces and popular songs (1–10)
It’s fine.Urufuruzu
An irresistibly bright and upbeat rock number that truly embodies a Kansai-born band.
When work isn’t going well or you’ve made a mistake, listening to it is sure to be a refreshing pick-me-up.
People from Kansai are said to keep a closer personal distance than those from Kanto, and maybe that shows in their language too—when someone says “eenen” (meaning “it’s fine” or “don’t worry about it”), it somehow lifts a weight off your heart.
The members must really like the phrase, since “Een-en” isn’t just a single—it’s also the title of their eighth album.
It’s a song that makes you want to work even harder.
Fight! SalarymanKetsumeishi
If you’re tired from work, this is the one song to play.
It’s an especially recommended upper-tune for people who’d say, “I don’t usually listen to Ketsumeishi.” In the music video there’s a scene where they’re waving around oshibori (wet hand towels), and get this— the first-press limited edition CD actually came with a premium oshibori as a bonus.
The lyrics go, “I’ll do proper reporting, contacting, and consulting; I’ll meet my quotas; I’ll work hard at my forced smile; I’ll go home on the last train,” tracing, with a touch of self-mockery, the template of a Japanese salaryman.
The way Ketsumeishi performs it without a hint of snideness is exactly their skill! It even played energetically in Gurunavi commercials, so some of you may have heard it!
Progresskōkua
Progress by kōkua, famous as the theme song for NHK’s documentary program “Professional: Shigoto no Ryūgi.” kōkua, a supergroup formed by renowned musicians including Shikao Suga, was actually put together just for this song.
The person I am now feels different from the sparkling image of adulthood I imagined as a child or when I was just starting out in the working world.
I make mistakes, I get increasingly cynical, and all my worst sides seem to come out.
Even so, this song makes me feel like: this is who I am, so I’ll accept it, look to the future, and do my best.
Hymn to LaborMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto
Kenji Otsuki—aka Oken from King-Show (Muscle Girl Band)—handled the lyrics.
King-Show’s “Worker M” ends with a siren, but this one starts with a siren.
The melody composed by Ian Parton of The Go! Team and the trumpet blaring through the chorus are almost too cool for an idol song.
Labor CALLINGdohatsuten
Dohatsuten’s 2009 track “Labor CALLING” turns the grueling grind of working every day for a week into song.
Not only Monday through Friday—plenty of people work without a break on weekends too.
The lyrics strike a chord from start to finish for those folks.
You understand you have to do your best for your family and for consumers, but it makes you want to ask, “So where’s my reward?” Dohatsuten sings that feeling perfectly.
And within the song, there’s also a cheer that says, “Even so, let’s somehow keep going together!”
Shut up.Ado
A song that defined 2021 and catapulted Ado to nationwide fame.
It not only swept major music awards, but also went mega-viral on social media and TikTok, earning the label of a track squarely in the heart of Generation Z.
With bold lyrics that seem to vent the frustrations of young people living under a completely new set of rules, unlike those of the Showa and Heisei eras, it struck a major chord.
“Usseewa” even became a buzzword, and there were rumors that some elementary schools issued an “Usseewa ban.” Ado doesn’t write songs herself but is active strictly as a “singer,” which adds to her air of mystery.
Her stage name “Ado” is derived from “ado,” a supporting role in Kyogen theater.
It’s a song I recommend you listen to when you’re fed up with work.
Song of LoveSutoroberī Furawā
This is the theme song of the popular game series Pikmin, which began with its release as a title for the Nintendo GameCube.
While the soothing vocals sung over a gentle accompaniment are striking, the lyrics are often pointed out as a “wage slave song” by the public.
That’s because the lyrics describe Pikmin being plucked from the ground and bravely fighting enemies or performing tasks, which overlaps with the image of company employees working hard at their jobs.
Once you think of it that way, it suddenly starts to sound a bit heartbreaking…
If you’re someone working in a harsh environment, there may be parts you can relate to.
Let’s quit this company.sendamitsuo
For anyone thinking, “That’s it, I’m really quitting this company!!,” this is a laugh-out-loud song that hits the bullseye.
It’s sung by Mitsuo Senda, and the “Naha-naha” gag that Takeshi Kitano sometimes does? The original was actually Mitsuo Senda’s.
Senda was a comedian who defined an era on TV and radio in the 1970s.
True to his style, the lyrics are packed with hilarious salaryman “relatable moments,” like “All the easy work gets scooped up by the boss,” “They preach cost-cutting but entertainment golf is a different story,” and “Even if you butter up the boss, you get shipped off to the sticks.” After listening to this song, you might actually calm down and decide not to quit.
Put it on when you want to soothe your mind.
My boyfriend is a salaryman.SHINE’S
A hit song by SHINE’S, the duo formed by Yosuke Ito and Taro Sugimura.
The name SHINE’S, of course, comes from the plural of “shain” (employees).
They started performing while still working as salaried employees, and there’s even an anecdote that their company banned their showbiz activities, leading them to quit.
The song was crafted with a good old Showa-era vibe, and its fun call-and-response parts made it a favorite as a party tune.
The lyrics are a laugh-out-loud series of workplace stereotypes—poking fun at the high pride of trading-company men, the hollowness of those in apparel, and more.
It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser at karaoke! But from a woman’s perspective, thinking “So this is how salarymen look to us…” is a bit of a wake-up call.
Receiptpawāzu
Powers’ “Receipt,” a song about salarymen’s all-too-relatable receipt struggles.
Powers, who once worked as a comedy duo, released it in 1989.
Receipts from client entertainment, receipts from taxi rides, receipts during solo assignments away from home—salarymen and receipts are inseparable.
For those who spend every day buried in receipts, it’s a track that will have you nodding along, “Yes, that’s exactly it.” When you’re fed up with the daily grind of chasing receipts, singing this song is highly recommended!