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!”
- Songs that help you work hard. Cheer songs for working people.
- An encouraging work song for office workers
- I want to quit my job!! Uplifting songs to listen to when work is tough
- Songs I want to listen to when I'm tired from work
- [A Cheer for Myself] A pep song dedicated to you who are doing your very best
- Masterpieces that sing of effort. Recommended popular songs.
- Power songs that fill you with energy just by listening. Recommended classics and popular tracks.
- A perfect song for Labor Thanksgiving Day. A song that conveys gratitude and encouragement.
- [Motivation Injection] Songs to listen to on days when you don't want to go to work
- Songs with strong messages. Classic J-Pop masterpieces and recommended popular tracks.
- [Today's Cheer Song] To everyone giving it your all! A gem of an inspiring anthem that resonates with the heart
- [Cheer Song] Songs to Listen to During Your Commute
- Job-change anthems: inspiring and popular songs that give you courage
Work songs. Recommended masterpieces and popular songs (31–40)
Hourly Wage Up-Up SongYuuyami ni izanai shi shikkoku no tenshi-tachi
This is a song by Yuuyami ni Izayoi Shi Shikkoku no Tenshi-tachi, originally created as a campaign song for the job listing service “Baitoru.” It feels like those casual chats with coworkers—like, “If my hourly wage goes up, I could buy that!”—have been turned straight into music, and the humor-filled worldview is irresistible.
Channeling the honest hopes shared by everyone who works into a loud but somehow pop-tinged sound, this track grabs listeners by the heart.
First included on the mini-album “Shichiseikatsu” released in July 2022, it was later re-recorded for the best-of album “10th Anniversary: Yuuyami ni Izayoi Shi Shikkoku no Tenshi-tachi,” making it one of their signature songs.
Listen to it on your way home after a tiring shift, and you might just feel the energy to take on tomorrow!
Gachi SakuraShonan no Kaze
For those who push through unpleasant jobs for the sake of their dreams, I recommend Shonan no Kaze’s “Gachi Sakura.” Released in 2010, this song was used as the theme for the film “The Negotiator THE MOVIE: A Battle of Wits at 10,000 Meters.” It portrays someone who left their hometown to chase their dreams but ends up doing nothing but jobs they don’t want to do, feeling anything but cool.
Still, they vow that one day they’ll make their dream come true and bloom in full glory like cherry blossoms.
It’s a song that will empower anyone working while pursuing their dreams.
Hourly wage: ¥850Kamereo
Just from the title, I thought it might be another song parodying part-time jobs, but it actually takes a very positive view of things—finding connections with others and being helpful to someone even in small parts of everyday life within part-time work.
It’s a very uplifting song that inspires the motivation to work.
Working Man OndoHatarakigi Mitsuru (Sawamura Ikki)
A mysterious song that plays before the next-episode preview of the drama Hataraki Man, featuring Ikki Sawamura—who plays the desk editor, Kimio Narita—singing, while Papaya Suzuki and the Oyaji Dancers bust out their signature sharp moves.
When the show aired, the version was different every time, which I found really funny and memorable.
the second man from the bottomKoyama Takuji
The final punchline is one of those unbelievable-yet-plausible stories, but still, you mustn’t hit someone just because they spilled a drink.
If he’d handled it like an adult, his life might have turned out differently.
This is a song from the time when “second from the bottom” was called “booby,” and that second-from-the-bottom spot was in the spotlight.
Work songs: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks (41–50)
Perfect Day310
Born from scenes of refreshing mornings and dusky twilights, this song gently portrays the special moments hidden in everyday life.
310’s crystal-clear vocals deliver a warm message of encouragement to everyone working hard each day.
The track has been available since January 2025 as the opening theme for the anime “I’m the Guild Receptionist, but I Don’t Like Overtime, So I’m Going to Solo the Boss.” Composed by Ryutaro Fujinaga of Elements Garden, the piece beautifully blends a driving rock sound with a pure, graceful melody, tenderly resonating with listeners.
It’s the perfect song for when you’re worn out from work or need energy for tomorrow.
For those giving their all every day, it’s sure to bring comfort and courage.
Don’t Mind Me (feat. Sota Hanamura from Da-iCE)Ayumu Imazu
“Don’t mind me” is a song that cheers you on to keep being yourself and not let work troubles get you down.
Released in 2023, it’s a collaborative track by singer-songwriter Ayumu Imazu and Sota Hanamura from Da-iCE.
When something negative happens, dwelling on it only darkens your mood, right? The lyrics convey a desire to shift your mindset—don’t overthink things no matter what happens; instead, look forward: What will you do on your next day off? Who do you want to become from here? The song encourages living joyfully with that kind of positivity.
Its brisk rhythm also lifts your spirits.