Work songs: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks

lighterutatane
A person from the melodic hardcore boom generation who loves music, photography, and eating. I’ve been going to live houses for over 20 years. I’m at the age where summer festivals are starting to feel tough physically. I sometimes try shooting live photos and videos for MVs. I’m not great at English, so I often listen to straightforward Japanese rock that hits directly, but if someone recommends something, I’ll listen to anything—Western or Japanese—broadly and casually. I like cooking while listening to music; it’s a nice way to relieve stress.

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 Tracks (61–70)

chefKudō Shintarō

Shintaro Kudo, Chef

chefKudō Shintarō

Those are nice lyrics.

Instead of words, seeing the chef at work warms the heart—watching a halfhearted part-timer’s attitude turn into genuinely smiling service.

And the chef who told you “Don’t give up on your dreams” is surely a benefactor who changed your life.

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HanasakaAkioka Hideharu

Hanaita / Hideharu Akioka / Seijirou

HanasakaAkioka Hideharu

Apprenticeship as a chef is truly not something one can endure without extraordinary mental fortitude.

The title “Hanasaka” refers to the head of the kitchen—the person who oversees everything—and is a unique, singular role within the establishment.

Even when a wakita (assistant chef) finally sees their training bear fruit, they remain fundamentally in a supporting position to the head chef.

It takes long years of hardship and effort, but precisely because of that, the skills of those who become full chefs are something Japan can be proud of.

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Plasterer KonetaroNiinuma Kenji

Kenji Niinuma: Konetaro, the Plastering Craftsman

Plasterer KonetaroNiinuma Kenji

Mr.

Kenji Niinuma himself already has the aura of a craftsman, like a plasterer.

Plasterers are indispensable during construction, but there are, of course, many hardships on the road to becoming fully qualified.

It’s through the daily discipline of kneading and kneading, then applying and applying, that one can hone their skills as a craftsman.

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In conclusion

We introduced work songs—supportive tracks for everyone doing their best every day.

Rather than simple cheer-up songs, many of them are pieces you’ll likely relate to.

I hope they help you forget tough work for a moment or ease some workplace stress.

Let’s keep doing our best again tomorrow!