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 tracks (51–60)
DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE
This song stays close to the inner voice we all have and offers a chance to rediscover our true selves.
With melodies that gently embrace the anxieties and conflicts of youth and lyrics woven with positive messages, Mrs.
GREEN APPLE conveys the importance of fostering self-esteem.
Released in January 2025 as the theme song for NHK General’s special program “18 Festival,” and performed together with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation, the piece is a warm, comforting track that soothes hearts tired from work.
When daily life overwhelms you and you feel like you’re losing yourself, listening to this song will give you the courage to accept who you are, just as you are.
Old Man Hanasa ka after a night shiftCover Girls
This song, which really gets the otagei going, is so fast-paced that I couldn’t grasp the lyrics’ meaning while singing it, but reading them, they’re actually quite deep.
The older man working the night shift packs cardboard boxes, and his boss is younger—tough for a man, right? Even in a life like that, the song says that small connections with others can make you feel happiness in life.
Daughter of the CircuitPUFFY
No introduction needed—this is a hit by the popular female duo PUFFY, produced by Tamio Okuda.
Their debut song “Asia no Junshin” was shocking, but the laid-back vibe of this track is just as refreshing.
PUFFY’s charm really lies in their natural, unforced style.
This song is a relaxed PUFFY-style take on a woman taking a job as a race queen.
You can imagine race queens watching over the drivers with just this kind of feeling.
By the way, if you place this single’s cover next to the cover of “Nagisa ni Matsuwaru Etcetera”…
well, I’ll let you discover the rest for yourself! Listening to it while you work will surely put you in a good mood.
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.
Work Songs: Recommended Masterpieces and Popular Tracks (61–70)
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.
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.
Headlights / TaillightsNakajima Miyuki
The ending theme of NHK’s legendary hit show Project X.
The program itself was popular among middle-aged and older viewers, but this song’s relaxed feel and its encouragement that there’s still more ahead resonated with a wide range of generations.
Incidentally, in the final episode of the show, the artist themselves delivered a passionate live performance in the studio.
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!