Recommended cheering songs for men: classic and popular J-Pop tracks
These are all songs that have become classics by now! I’m sure they’re tracks you’ve heard before.
“I can’t do this anymore!” When you’re feeling that way, listening to these will definitely make you think, “I’ll try a little harder.” We’ve gathered only those kinds of songs! Give them a listen when you want to push yourself!
Recommended motivational songs for men: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (1–10)
Myself ROCKONE OK ROCK
A ONE OK ROCK number that teaches us the value of staying true to ourselves without being swayed by the noise around us.
Riding on a high-velocity, energetic rock sound, its fiery message—urging you to live without lying to yourself—resonates deep in your chest.
Released in April 2010 as a TSUTAYA-exclusive rental, it was later included as the lead track on the masterpiece album “Niche Syndrome.” When you’re tired of reading other people’s faces, this anthem reminds you that the lead role in your life is, after all, your own.
Put it on when you want to blow away the haze and charge up your energy for tomorrow!
VICTORYEXILE
A track included on the double maxi single “FANTASY,” released in June 2010.
It was produced as an officially sanctioned Japan National Team support song by the Japan Football Association and was also used as a theme song for Apaman Shop commercials.
The lyrics, infused with the passion to seize victory and a strong will to charge into the future, seem to make your heart burn hotter the more you listen.
The music video also became a hot topic because the Japan National Team’s manager at the time appeared in it.
The grand sound and exhilarating vocals are truly overwhelming.
It’s a number that gives you a powerful push forward when you want to take a step toward your dreams and goals.
FanfareTamaki Kōji
In the days you devote to studying for exams, don’t you ever feel a moment when your heart is about to break? That’s exactly when I want you to listen to a powerful track by Koji Tamaki, the singer-songwriter renowned for his overwhelming vocal prowess.
Released as a single in November 2025, this piece was chosen as the theme song for the TBS Sunday drama “The Royal Family.” Its lyrics, layered with memories of his childhood landscapes in Hokkaido and growing up alongside horses, teach us the importance of moving straight ahead as our true selves—not just chasing wins and losses.
Carried by a driving, exhilarating melody, his voice will warm you and give you a strong push forward through those anxious nights.
EmotionsMAN WITH A MISSION
A song by MAN WITH A MISSION that I highly recommend when you want to boost your study motivation all at once.
Released as a single in February 2013, it also drew attention as the theme song for the film “HK: Hentai Kamen.” The shift from the majestic strings in the intro to a full-throttle rock sound is powerful enough to blast away any drowsiness.
Its fiery message—urging you to charge forward with your emotions burning even in the darkness—will give a strong push to your back as you sit at your desk.
Especially when you feel like your heart is about to break before an exam, feel the wolves’ emotion and seize the glory of passing!
C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK
This is a stirring rock number by ONE OK ROCK that portrays the fiery bonds between friends charging toward their dreams.
While looking back on the youthful days they spent together, it vows that each will shine on the path they’ve chosen, powerfully pushing listeners forward.
Even if they grow apart, the memories in their hearts remain unfading treasures—an encouraging message that gives courage.
Included on the October 2011 album “Zankyo Reference,” this song is perfect to listen to while cheering on friends as they leap into a new world and salute each other’s efforts.
As an anthem that blows away anxiety and loneliness and helps you face forward, it’s definitely worth checking out!
horizonback number
A gem of a track by back number that gently stays close to your heart whenever you hit a wall in life.
Even amid the despair that feels like your dreams and hopes are collapsing, the lyrics portray the journey of looking inward and eventually finding light—sure to move you deeply.
This song is also known for being created in August 2020 for high school students after the Inter-High Championships were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While affirming frustration and sorrow, it gives a sense of the view that awaits beyond overcoming them.
As you step into a new world at graduation, you may feel anxiety or loneliness.
In those moments, this song will wrap your pain in its embrace and give you the quiet courage to take that first step.
You Got Thism-flo
m-flo is a group that fuses a wide range of genres and constantly pursues innovative sounds.
“You Got This,” their first track in about seven years created solely by the three members—LISA, VERBAL, and ☆Taku—is a number brimming with positive energy.
While carrying anxieties yet choosing to move forward, the song expresses that resolve over a danceable beat.
It’s a perfect anthem for when you want to fire yourself up.
far; distant; by farGReeeeN
A pinnacle of cheer songs, a gem-like ballad from GReeeeN.
It’s a track that gives a push to those standing at life’s crossroads, such as setting off on a journey or taking on a new challenge.
The emotionally dramatic music video is a must-see, delivering a surge of passion and a touch of moving inspiration to viewers.
Heretical StarOfisharu Higedan Dism
It’s a powerful song that pushes you forward if you want to change yourself and live true to who you are without worrying about others’ eyes.
Included on Official Hige Dandism’s mini-album “Report,” released in April 2017, this track delivers a message about the importance of sticking to your own path without yielding to society’s pressure to conform.
The lyrics carry a firm resolve—unafraid of criticism from those around you—and reflect vocalist Satoshi Fujihara’s real-life experience of staying true to his convictions when he switched from drummer to vocalist despite being told, “Don’t do it.” It’s a gem of an anthem that we hope everyone looking to take a new step forward will listen to.
Silent majorityKeyakizaka46
The debut single of Nogizaka46, the second installment in Yasushi Akimoto’s Sakamichi Series.
Around the time of the U.S.
presidential election, it was said that people who didn’t openly declare their support for Trump actually constituted the majority.
In that social climate, Akimoto’s foresight in choosing this word as the title can hardly be described as anything less than a God-given talent.