Songs that Teach the Value of Life | A Collection of Masterpieces Celebrating the Wonder of Living
We all think we understand the weight of the words “Cherish life,” but not many of us consciously make time in our daily lives to reflect on what life truly means.
In this article, we introduce songs that help us rediscover the preciousness of life.
We’ve gathered a variety of tracks that teach us the importance of “life” and “living”: not only songs that directly take life as their theme, but also those that give us hope to live and convey the wonders of being alive.
Take a moment to pause and think about the value of life—and listen to these timeless songs that offer just such a moment.
- An irreplaceable masterpiece that conveys the meaning of life and the preciousness of existence. A deeply moving song of encouragement.
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- A classic Japanese song about life. A track that gives you energy.
- [Songs to Listen to When You Want to Die] I want to disappear... A song to support you who feel that way
- [Memorial Song] A moving classic and love song dedicated to a beloved person embarking on a journey to heaven
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- Timeless songs that sing of hopes and dreams. Masterpieces that lead those who strive toward the future.
- [Thank-You Song] A song to convey your feelings of “thank you” to someone special
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
Songs That Teach the Value of Life | A Collection of Masterpieces Conveying the Wonder of Living (31–40)
birthdayKumaki Anri
This song became a hot topic after being chosen as the theme for a segment on an information TV program that introduces newborn babies.
It’s a track by singer-songwriter Anri Kumaki, released in 2008 as her 12th single.
Its gentle yet powerful message—reminding us of the happiness of simply being alive—leaves a strong impression.
As the title suggests, it’s also hugely popular as a birthday song.
Kumaki’s soft, sincere vocals are truly lovely, aren’t they?
And still, we go on living.ATSUSHI/Nobuyuki Tsujii
Released in 2013, “Soredemo, Ikite Yuku” (“Still, I Will Live On”).
The lyrics were written and sung by EXILE’s ATSUSHI, while the world-renowned pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii composed the music and performed the piano.
In life, I think everyone inevitably faces painful and difficult times.
But it’s precisely then that we should pause and reflect on the preciousness of life.
This song teaches us the strength to keep living no matter what happens.
It affirms the value of life and gently stands by us in our moments of hardship.
How to Eat LifeEVE
Eve’s song “How to Eat Life” is an encouraging anthem that stands by listeners’ hearts.
Released in December 2019, it has brought a warm light to people grappling with loneliness and setbacks.
Its lyrics skillfully portray both the weight and the beauty of living, giving courage especially to those going through difficult times.
When everyday life feels hard, when the meaning of living becomes unclear, this song will surely shine brightly on everyone seeking a ray of hope.
Goodbyekariyushi 58
This is a song by Kariyushi 58, a rock band from Okinawa.
It was released in 2009 as their sixth single and was used as the theme song for the drama “Zenigeba.” It’s a slightly bittersweet message song that says no matter what happens, tomorrow will come.
Even if someone important is gone, time keeps passing… From the lyrics and vocals, you can feel the mercilessness and sorrow of that reality, along with a straightforward resolve: “Even so, we’ll keep on living.” It’s a passionate masterpiece that anyone can relate to.
The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP
Written by Noriyuki Makihara, this is one of SMAP’s signature songs, known across generations.
It was the catalyst that propelled SMAP from being hugely popular idols to truly national icons.
Today, the song is so famous that it’s featured not only in music contexts but even in English textbooks.
Its lyrics—“Each of us is special,” “Let’s value our true selves”—have resonated with many people.
It remains a massive hit that continues to encourage countless students and working adults.
Songs That Teach the Value of Life | A Collection of Classics Celebrating the Wonder of Living (41–50)
Koto no Haayaka
Ayaka is a singer-songwriter who has released numerous hit songs, known for a powerful yet gentle voice.
Her 14th single, “Kotonoha,” created as the theme song for the TV drama Tsubaki Stationery Store: Kamakura Letter-Writing Shop Story, features an emotional melody that stirs the heart.
Its lyrics, which depict encounters and frustrations over the course of a long life, may resonate with listeners through their own experiences.
It’s a ballad with a pleasantly cohesive ensemble that you’ll want to keep listening to.
Across timeHY
This song begins with a beautiful intro featuring the Okinawan stringed instrument, the sanshin.
The feeling that we must pass on the ways of living through harsh times, inherited from our ancestors, and bear witness to the lives they lived speaks to the preciousness of life.
Back then, the lives that mattered were not only one’s own, but also those of one’s family—the lives of the loved ones by your side.
Life is not something that belongs only to oneself.
It sounds as though this song sings of the very origin of the reverence for protecting life.
