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

Tracks of HopeSazan Ōrusutāzu

Southern All Stars – Tracks of Hope [Live at ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL, 2018]

A gem of a message song woven with hope for the future and memories etched deep in the heart.

Created by Southern All Stars in September 1990 as an insert song for the film Inamura Jane, this piece gives you the courage to face forward while holding the past close.

It was also used as the theme song for Fuji TV programs Mezamashi TV and FNS 27-Hour Television.

Wrapped in a refreshing melody and warm lyrics, why not take a moment to recall nostalgic memories and the people you cherish? Adopted as the departure melody at JR Chigasaki Station, this song has blended into everyday life and continues to soothe the hearts of many.

SOMEDAYSano Motoharu

Motoharu Sano “SOMEDAY” MUSIC VIDEO

A gem of a song that portrays the brilliance of youth and its end with a powerful sound and lyrics that resonate deeply.

One of Motoharu Sano’s signature works, it weaves together the emotions that accompany young love, dreams, and growth with a beautiful melody.

Its universal themes of graduating from innocence and growing into adulthood have left a lasting mark on many hearts.

Released in June 1981 and later included on the album of the same name the following year, the song was also featured in 1989 as the CM track for JR Tokai’s “Fight! Express” campaign.

Celebrating the importance of holding on to dreams and ideals, it continues to be cherished as an anthem that stands by those at life’s crossroads, giving them the courage to take a new step forward.

For me to be myselfOzaki Yutaka

[Official] Yutaka Ozaki “To Be Who I Am” (LIVE CORE IN TOKYO DOME 1988-09-12) [Track from the 1st album ‘Seventeen’s Map’] YUTAKA OZAKI / MY SONG

This is a song that powerfully sings about the importance of living true to yourself.

The candid, conversational lyrics and the warm, gentle melody resonate deeply.

The frictions and conflicts in relationships that everyone experiences, along with a strong desire for self-fulfillment, are sure to evoke profound empathy in listeners.

Included on Yutaka Ozaki’s debut album “Seventeen’s Map,” it has continued to be close to many hearts since its release in December 1983.

In 1997, it was used as the theme song for the drama “Boku ga Boku de Aru Tame ni,” and it has been covered by prominent artists such as Mr.Children.

It’s a heartwarming anthem I recommend to anyone standing at a crossroads in life, searching for their path ahead.

RUNNERbakufū suranpu

Bakufu Slump “Runner” MUSIC VIDEO (HD)

A heart-stirring anthem of encouragement themed around a track-and-field team, depicting young people who keep running with single-minded devotion.

Released in October 1988, it’s a medium-tempo rock number by Bakufu Slump.

Powerfully interwoven are its strong guitar riffs, exhilarating sense of speed, and the passionate vocals of Mr.

Sunplaza Nakano.

Featured as an insert song on the TV show “Tensai! Takeshi no Genki ga Deru TV,” it became a major hit, reaching No.

6 on the Oricon weekly chart.

Through evocative scenes that summon memories of youth, the song gently sings of bonds with friends and hope for the future.

A gem of a track that stands beside anyone about to take a new step forward.

FateOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Fate [Official Video]

This is a rousing cheer song filled with passion that makes anyone feel empowered to face forward.

The lyrics, which capture an indescribable page of youth, carry a message that pushes all challengers onward.

The beautiful melodies and powerful brass sound woven by Official HIGE DANDism inspire listeners’ hearts like cheers from the stands.

Released in July 2019, this track was chosen as the “2019 ABC Summer High School Baseball Cheer Song” and the theme song for TV Asahi’s Nettou Koshien.

It reached No.

3 on the Billboard JAPAN HOT 100 weekly chart and became a major hit, earning Platinum certification.

It’s a song we’d love to send to everyone striving toward their dreams and goals.

It’s also perfect for karaoke when you want to sing your heart out and boost your spirits.

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.

In the Sun and the DustCHAGE and ASKA

[MV] In the Sun and Dust / CHAGE and ASKA

A powerful pop number that captures the sparkle of youth and the struggles of life.

Released as a single by CHAGE and ASKA in January 1991, this work warmly portrays young people who carry dreams and hopes while confronting a reality that doesn’t go their way.

Its lyrics, interweaving the joy and poignancy of living, leave an even deeper impression through a beautiful, resonant melody and effective use of synthesizers.

Chosen as a re-cut single from the album “SEE YA,” it gained wide support after being featured in a Nissin Foods commercial and as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s program “TIME3.” When you feel overwhelmed by work and daily life and want to pause to face your own heart, this song will be there to gently stay by your side.