Recommended cheering songs for men: classic and popular J-Pop tracks

Let’s become a familyFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Let’s Become a Family (Full ver.)

A love song woven by Masaharu Fukuyama, a gem of a ballad overflowing with warm affection.

Its gentle melody tenderly embraces the precious feelings you share, harmonizing beautifully with heartwarming lyrics that focus on marriage and family bonds.

It carefully portrays gratitude toward one’s partner and hope for a future walked together, making it a timeless masterpiece that resonates deeply with listeners.

Released in August 2011, the song was featured in the commercial for Recruit’s wedding magazine Zexy and reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It has continued to be cherished at many weddings ever since.

This is a song that stays close to the heart—one to listen to when you want to feel the bond with someone special or when you’re about to take a new step in life.

For example, Hiro—just like you were.Takehara Pisutoru

For example, Hiro—just like you were—Takehara Pistol

An unusual talking blues in which almost the entire lyric is a stream of complaints about my late friend, Hiro.

From the listener’s perspective, it’s a rare kind of song that just keeps airing grievances about a complete stranger, yet as you listen, you get the feeling you’re the one being encouraged.

Bullseye!! My hunch was spot on!!Takehara Pisutoru

Pistol Takehara “A Perfect Bullseye!! A Premonition Hit the Mark!!” Lyric Video (Credit Saison Collaboration ver.)

This song was used as the theme for a Credit Saison commercial supporting Japan’s national soccer team.

It’s a track by folk singer Pistil Takehara, released as a digital single in October 2024.

The powerful band sound and rugged vocals are outstanding—it’s a song that makes you sit up straight just by listening.

The lyrics convey a sense of anticipation for growth that comes from staying true to one’s convictions, and it really fires you up.

I think it’s a motivational anthem that can give you strength in many situations.

BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – BOW AND ARROW

A new song by Kenshi Yonezu written as the opening theme for the TV anime “Medalist.” The protagonists, who push forward without fearing failure, are depicted with powerful imagery likening them to a bow and arrow.

The story of companions who overcome setbacks and strive to regain their brilliance on the ice is deeply moving.

Released as a digital-only single in January 2025, the piece was written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu himself, who also created the cover illustration.

It’s a song that stays by your side at life’s turning points—when you’ve worked hard yet can’t find confidence and feel like breaking—and gives you a gentle push forward.

KICK BACKYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – KICKBACK

This track blends an energetic rock sound with drum and bass, featuring a fast tempo and a structure rich in key changes.

Written specifically as the opening theme for the anime Chainsaw Man, it was released digitally in October 2022.

The lyrics, symbolizing hard work and a forward-looking attitude toward the future, give listeners hope and energy.

Conveying the importance of striving to overcome hardships and carve out one’s own future, this song is perfect for tough times or when you need to rise again.

It’s a gripping, cool piece that showcases the multifaceted talents of Kenshi Yonezu.

CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi

Cheers

This is one of Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s signature works, carrying a warm message of blessing to celebrate new beginnings.

Loved by many as an anthem cheering on those stepping onto life’s big stage, it’s a heartwarming piano folk ballad that gently stands by you and gives you the courage to move forward.

Released in September 1980, the song was born from the feeling of congratulating a friend on their wedding, then re-recorded in 1988 and became a major hit.

It also became familiar as the theme song for Kirin Lager Beer commercials in the 1990s.

It’s a powerful song of encouragement that stays close when you or your friends are at life’s milestones or starting anew, and when you need a lift yourself.

50%Ofisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – 50% [Official Video]

As a pep song dedicated to people who tend to push themselves too hard in modern society, Official HIGE DANDism’s gentle message strikes a chord.

It speaks to us with a grand, gospel-tinged sound, encouraging us to face forward at our own pace without overexerting ourselves.

Written as the theme song for the film Cells at Work! released in December 2024, the piece gives voice to those living in an era where endless competition is the norm.

It also harmonizes beautifully with the film’s worldview and its message of “taking care of your own body.” It’s best enjoyed while relaxing in front of a smart speaker.

When you want to soothe a tired mind and body, when you feel like treating yourself kindly, this song will surely be by your side.