[May Songs] Uplifting Cheer Songs & Moving Mother’s Day Song Collection

BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – BOW AND ARROW

Crafted by Kenshi Yonezu, this song was released in January 2025 as the opening theme for the TV anime “Medalist,” which portrays the world of figure skating.

The lyrics are compelling for their delicate yet powerful expressions—depicting the bond between mentor and pupil through the motif of bow and arrow in the title, as well as the radiant resolve that emerges from overcoming setbacks.

Coupled with a driving, high-tempo melody, the piece vividly captures the emotional nuances of those who take on challenges, gently encouraging anyone striving toward their goals.

When you need the courage to charge toward your dreams, this song is sure to be a reassuring ally.

every dayYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Mainichi (Every Day)

A warm cheer song by Kenshi Yonezu that portrays people who keep looking forward while carrying daily fatigue and a sense of powerlessness.

Its up-tempo feel and catchy melody are pleasant to the ear, offering comfort to those pressed by their busy days.

Released in May 2024 and written specifically as the theme for Japan Coca-Cola’s “Georgia” commercial, the song features lyrics inspired by Takuboku Ishikawa’s tanka poetry, depicting the struggles of work and life in a contemporary light.

Included on the album “LOST CORNER,” it showcases a light, breezy performance with seven dancers in the music video.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to as a reward to yourself—during your morning commute, a quick break at work, or when you want to unwind at the end of the day.

Dear, boyHump Back

Hump Back – “Dear, Boy” Music Video

This is Hump Back’s major-label debut song, an anthem that sings of challenging your dreams and holding onto hope.

With a powerful sound and lyrics that resonate, it gently gives a warm push to those facing setbacks and anxieties.

Created with thoughts of the bandmates from their high school days, the track was featured as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “BUZZ RHYTHM 02” in June 2018 and as the theme song for Kumamoto Asahi Broadcasting’s coverage of the 102nd National High School Baseball Championship Kumamoto Tournament, capturing the hearts of many.

If you listen to it in moments when life in a new environment wears you down, or during times when motivation is hard to find, you’ll feel the energy to face tomorrow welling up inside.

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

A heartwarming rock tune by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, packed with the sweet-bitter flavor of youth and the anticipation of growth.

Centered on memories with loved ones and the finiteness of life, this song was chosen as the opening theme for the anime “Oblivion Battery,” which began airing in April 2024, and went on to win the 66th Japan Record Awards in December of the same year—achieving the remarkable feat of back-to-back victories.

It offers comfort to those feeling anxious or lonely in a corner of the city, giving them the courage to face forward while embracing their own imperfections.

When the start of a new chapter leaves you feeling low, listening to this track may lighten your heart and help you take a fresh step forward.

We AreONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK: We Are [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

This heartwarming rock number by ONE OK ROCK carries a message that empathizes with the anxieties and struggles of young people.

Garnering attention as NHK’s soccer theme song, the track is included on the album “Ambitions,” released in January 2017, and in December 2016 it achieved a collaboration with 1,000 eighteen-year-olds on NHK’s “18-Fes.” Blending the powerful energy of rock with pop elements, its exhilarating sound underscores the importance of living true to oneself and calls for the empowerment of youth.

Advocating that we can become beacons of hope, this song will gently encourage those seeking to boost their self-esteem or take that first step forward.

The True Nature of TearsSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “The True Form of Tears” MV (Theme song for NHK Night Drama ‘Vanilla na Mainichi’)

A warm ballad by SUPER BEAVER that powerfully sings of delicate feelings deep within the heart.

Written in January 2025 as the theme song for NHK General’s late-night drama “Vanilla na Mainichi,” this piece gently embraces unspoken feelings and the struggle to be honest with oneself.

Born from the band’s vigorous activity following their major-label re-signing, it delivers a sound that suggests a new frontier following the album “Ongaku.” It’s a song that offers a chance to face your true self through tears when you feel lost to the May blues.

It will quietly stay close to those whose hearts waver between wanting to be recognized by others and wanting to remain true to themselves.

Rolling DaysWANIMA

WANIMA「Rolling Days」OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

A youthful rock tune that captures the quiet of early morning and the restlessness within.

WANIMA powerfully conveys young people’s anxieties, conflicts, and their strong determination to move forward, riding on a brisk, fast-paced melody.

It’s a warm song that feels like a close friend walking beside you—comforting troubled hearts and cheering them on.

Created as an anthem for high school students devoted to their clubs and studies and released in August 2024, this track gently supports those feeling tense or uneasy in new environments, as well as anyone striving toward their dreams.