An uplifting anthem of love and courage. Recommended classics and popular songs that boost your spirits.

Dear, boyHump Back

Hump Back – “Dear, Boy” Music Video

A warm, encouraging song that stands beside anyone standing at a crossroads in life.

Its memorable blend of a gentle melody and a powerful band sound tenderly embraces the anxieties and doubts of chasing a dream, as well as the feelings of those on the verge of giving up.

Released as Hump Back’s major-label debut in June 2018, the track was featured as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Buzz Rhythm 02” and as the commercial song for the Shinken Zemi High School Course.

It was also chosen as the theme song for the Kumamoto Tournament of the National High School Baseball Championship, capturing the hearts of many young people.

When you want to strive toward your dreams but can’t quite find the courage to take that first step, this is the song to listen to.

It assures you that detours are never in vain, and that every experience will surely become a source of strength.

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

A masterful song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE that delicately portrays the radiance and anxieties of youth, as well as the conflicts we carry while growing up.

Chosen as the opening theme for the anime “Oblivion Battery,” which began airing on TV Tokyo in April 2024, this piece gently embraces the memories accumulated as time passes and the feelings of confronting the unease hidden in everyday life.

Its refreshingly youthful guitar sound and clear, transparent vocals resonate with listeners’ hearts and give them courage.

It won the 66th Japan Record Award, marking the band’s first-ever back-to-back victory.

When you feel lost or anxious, or when you wish someone would give you a push forward, give it a listen.

You’ll surely find a budding feeling of cherishing yourself.

The BeginningONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – The Beginning [Official Music Video]

An empowering anthem that gives a strong push toward a hope-filled future.

Through the protagonist who keeps searching for a reason to move forward, this song gives you the courage to overcome setbacks and hardship.

Featuring ONE OK ROCK’s powerful sound and passionate vocals, this memorable track was released in August 2012 and gained attention as the theme song for the film Rurouni Kenshin.

The film and the song’s worldview harmonize beautifully, movingly depicting the protagonist’s resolve to face the past and take a new step forward.

When you stand at a crossroads in life and feel anxious about the future, listening to this song is sure to give you a supportive push.

one’s true feelingssumika

sumika / Honne [Music Video] *Theme song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Championship

An encouraging song that gently embraces life’s doubts and inner struggles—about moving forward while battling the urge to give up.

It carefully portrays the setbacks and loneliness everyone feels at least once, and the way we overcome them by supporting one another.

With a warm melody that lights the way like a beacon of hope and a powerful, inspiring message, this work was written as the official support song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, and from April 2021 it was also featured in a TV commercial for Aisin Corporation.

It’s a song I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who’s chosen their own path but still feels uncertain, and to those who want to cheer on friends striving toward their dreams.

Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi

Like the Moon Tonight / Elephant Kashimashi

A gem of a rock ballad that sings of overcoming everyday nihilism and loneliness, and of hope for the future.

The protagonist, walking alone through the darkness, reexamines their path under the moonlight and prepares to take a new step forward—a quietly moving scene.

The lyrics, infused with feelings of alienation in the city and longing for someone dear, resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in July 1997 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Because the Night is Bright with the Moon,” this work became one of Elephant Kashimashi’s signature songs.

When you feel lost in life, when someone comes to mind, when you need the courage to move forward—Hiroji Miyamoto’s soulful voice will stay close to your heart and gently give you strength.

A March for Youchesu maika

To you who feel lost and about to stop: 'A March for You' by Chesmaika

It’s a song whose forward-looking message, filled with hope and courage, truly resonates.

Its warm lyrics and powerful, uplifting melody stand out, offering comfort to those who feel uncertainty or anxiety in their daily lives and challenges.

It compassionately addresses the worries of people living today—wanting recognition, pushing themselves too hard, or lacking confidence in their choices—while brimming with kindness that values each person’s own pace.

Written and composed by Chessmaica’s Tiiga in September 2017 and released on YouTube, this piece is perfect for times when you feel lost or when you want to encourage someone important to you.

Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman

Berry Goodman “Become the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves” Music Video (NHK ‘Minna no Uta’ December 2024–January 2025)

A powerful anthem that finds beauty in staying out of the spotlight.

It carries gratitude for everyone who offers support, the strength to keep going even when unnoticed efforts draw no attention, and a wish to become someone who nourishes another’s heart.

Written for NHK’s “Minna no Uta” broadcast from December 2024 to January 2025, the song is included on the album “Thank You.” Inspired by the words of Tomoshige Yamashita, honorary manager of the Seiryo High School baseball team, its weight and heartfelt message have been soothing many listeners.

When you feel your efforts aren’t rewarded, or when you’re on the verge of losing your sense of purpose, this song will gently stay by your side and give you courage.