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.
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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 Classics Celebrating the Wonder of Living (41–50)
NamingB’z
B’z, now renowned as Japanese artists who stand on the world stage.
Carried by their distinctive melodies is a “message to those who have created life.” When life is born, everyone vows to cherish it.
Yet as time passes, we often forget that resolve.
“Naming” reminds us of the profound responsibility borne by those who have brought a life into the world—something we must never forget.
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.
Only by livingKiroro
It’s a wonderful message song that turns a question to the parents who gave birth to and raised us into music.
Created by the female duo Kiroro, it was released in 2005 as their 15th single.
It became a hot topic when it was chosen as the opening theme for the anime “Mushiking: The King of Beetles – Legend of the Forest People.” If you watched it back then, it might bring back memories.
The sparkling piano tones and the clear, soaring vocals blend beautifully and really touch the heart.
It’s a masterpiece that makes you think, “My life exists because of my parents…”
Island SongTHE BOOM
Well-known across generations and also popular as a karaoke song, this piece is set in Okinawa during World War II.
It reflects the islanders’ prayers and the countless precious lives lost; so much was taken by war, and the only thing gained was a lesson.
It was likely created with the hope that such a tragedy would never be repeated.
Every time I listen to the lyrics, tears well up with a feeling I can’t put into words.
traces of prayerRADWIMPS
RADWIMPS is a rock band that captivates fans with film scores that deeply resonate with each work and band songs marked by a singular, unparalleled individuality.
Their second indie single, “Kiseki,” is particularly striking for its rapidly shifting ensemble.
Its message—depicting the joys and hardships of living—prompts many listeners to reflect, overlaying it with their own lives and feelings.
It’s a rock tune whose catchy melodies and arrangements linger in the ear, evoking the meaning of life.
JupiterHirahara Ayaka
Ayaka Hirahara’s debut single “Jupiter” is a song released in 2003.
Its original melody was composed by the British composer Gustav Holst and is also used as a hymn in the Church of England.
The idea of setting Japanese lyrics to that original piece is said to have been Hirahara’s own proposal.
The melody evokes the boundlessness of the cosmos, and the lyrics, which seem to question the essence of life, make you reflect on life anew.
When I listen to this song, it feels as though it accepts me as I am, deep down, and by the time I reach the end, hot tears naturally begin to fall.
I think it helps you remember the preciousness of life.
FlowerNaka Kousuke
Singer Kousuke Atari, who began learning shima-uta on his own and won the Effort Award at the Amami Folk Song Grand Prize, has earned high praise for his vocals.
His third single, Hana—selected as the theme song for Satsuma Shuzo’s “Satsuma Shiranami” commercial—was newly written by the duo of Naotaro Moriyama and Omodaka Takashi.
Its message, which tells us that simply being alive is wonderful, is likely to soothe the hearts of those struggling with how others judge them in the world beyond school.
A lyrical number, it wraps the listener in a gentle voice that stays close to the heart.