RAG MusicUplifting Songs
A wonderful upbeat song

Blow away the May blues! Cheer songs and feel-good tunes to listen to in May

May is when the new lifestyle finally starts to settle down a bit, isn’t it?

With the first long holiday of the new fiscal year behind us, many people may find it hard to get motivated due to a mix of getting used to things and feeling a little worn out.

That’s probably the May blues!

In this article, we’ll introduce uplifting Japanese songs we recommend to anyone struggling with the May blues.

We’ve selected a wide range—from tracks that instantly boost your mood to songs that soothe a tired heart—so if you tend to fall into negative thinking during May, be sure to check these out!

Blow Away the May Blues! Cheer and Energizing Songs to Hear in May (21–30)

Don’t give upZARD

Don't give up (What a beautiful memory ~forever you~)
Don't give upZARD

This is the sixth single by ZARD, a music unit formed around female singer Izumi Sakai, who passed away suddenly in 2007.

The song was used as the ending theme for the TV drama “Reiko Shiratori de Gozaimasu!” and even today it’s frequently heard on sports and variety programs.

With lyrics that cheer on those chasing their dreams and a catchy melody, it offers strength to people about to enter society or to anyone feeling discouraged.

It’s an uplifting anthem—one that gives you the courage to take that extra step—and it’s beloved by a wide range of listeners.

Star Lablationkerakera

The gentle vocals of the female singer, the pure lyrics, and the uplifting rhythm never fail to make me smile and feel energized.

As a new chapter begins, this is a perfect song for May—especially for those struggling with the so-called “May blues.” Listening to it can lift your spirits and fill you with fresh hope.

Blow away the May blues! Cheer and feel-good songs to listen to in May (31–40)

Tomorrow will surely be a good day.Takahashi Yuu

Yū Takahashi’s directorial debut MV “Tomorrow Will Surely Be a Good Day” — Omokuri Director Edit Version (Short Size)
Tomorrow will surely be a good day.Takahashi Yuu

This is the 13th single by singer-songwriter Yu Takahashi, who continues his music career with passion—holding events like the Akita CARAVAN MUSIC FES out of a desire to energize his home prefecture of Akita.

Chosen as the theme song for Daihatsu’s “Cast Activa” commercial, the track features a breezy arrangement centered on acoustic guitar that feels really pleasant.

Its message—that even if your actions aren’t rewarded in the moment, they may eventually come full circle and bring a smile to someone’s face—can help ease the hearts of many new members of the workforce who often run into obstacles.

It’s a number that encourages you to keep going straight with what you believe in.

SUNHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – SUN (Official Video)
SUNHoshino Gen

This is the eighth single by singer-songwriter Gen Hoshino, who is so active across music shows, dramas, and commercials that there’s hardly a day you don’t see him on TV.

Although it was written as the theme song for the TV drama “Kokoro ga Pokitto ne,” the intro and the B-melody incorporate a tune he performed for comedian Yūki Himura’s birthday, reflecting Hoshino’s playful spirit.

Its airy, refreshing feel evokes a leisurely day off and soothes the mind and body tired from work.

It’s the perfect track to listen to on a weekend to refresh yourself when you’re feeling the May blues and lacking energy.

OtonokeCreepy Nuts

Creepy Nuts – Otonoke [Official MV] [Dandadan Opening]
OtonokeCreepy Nuts

It’s a masterpiece that eerily yet beautifully portrays how music slips into the human heart, gently intersecting the worlds of the occult and animation.

The unconventional track by Creepy Nuts was released in October 2024 as the opening theme for the popular anime “Dandadan.” Featured on the album “Legion,” the song has earned high acclaim, including reaching No.

1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

It’s an ambitious work that reinterprets the power and influence of music through the lens of “kaiji” (supernatural phenomena) and fuses it brilliantly with the anime’s worldview.

Highly recommended not only for fans of ghost stories and urban legends, but also for anyone intrigued by the mysterious allure of music.

May bluesKIRINJI

Gogatsubyou (2018 Remaster)
May bluesKIRINJI

Amid the crossing of spring greenery and sunlight, this gem of a masterpiece delicately portrays the feelings of urban dwellers.

It was released by KIRINJI in October 1998 on the classic album Paper Drivers Music.

Its mellow, country-tinged light melody beautifully balances a fresh sense of the season with the solitude of city life.

Within the lyrics, everyday scenes reveal a subtle sense of unease—struggling to adapt to a new life and feeling unsure about the distance between oneself and others.

Quietly beloved, the song resonates with those who carry anxiety or emptiness brought on by changing environments, and with anyone who finds it hard to feel at home in the city.

to clear up (weather)Yorushika

Yorushika – Haru (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
to clear up (weather)Yorushika

When I close my eyes, feelings for someone dear well up inside me.

The soundscape—melding electronica and rock—built from a translucent singing voice, guitars, and synthesizers is striking.

This is a song Yorushika released in January 2024, depicting the anticipation of a bright future with the arrival of spring.

It was selected as the opening theme for the second cour of the TV anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and was also featured in a collaborative web commercial with Suntory’s gin SUI.

Its poetic world overlays the fluctuations of emotions—joy and pain, hope and despair—onto natural phenomena like rain and sunshine, offering comfort to those who feel lost while sensing the transience of spring.