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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 Energy Songs to Listen to in May (51–60)

every dayYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Mainichi (Every Day)
every dayYonezu Kenshi

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.

Even if, even ifRyokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Tatoe Tatoe' Music Video (93rd Senbatsu ver.) / Ryokuoushoku Shakai
Even if, even ifRyokushokushakai

Some of you might be looking for a pep song to blow away the May blues.

If so, let me introduce “Tatoe Tatoe.” It’s a track Ryokuoushoku Shakai wrote specifically as a theme song for a high school baseball tournament.

The lyrics are a cheer for those who feel like they’re about to be overwhelmed by hardship.

Inspired by baseball fight songs, its driving sound gives you a powerful push forward.

It could be a great song to send to a friend feeling down from the May blues.

sparkleFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Kirari (Official Video)
sparkleFuji Kaze

A refreshing pop tune woven from a driving Eurobeat sound and light, buoyant melodies! Fujii Kaze’s transparent vocals brilliantly capture a positive attitude that lightly overcomes life’s hardships.

While centered on romance, the song also celebrates the precious, shining moments in everyday life and the wonder of walking through life with someone you love.

It was written in May 2021 as the theme for Honda’s VEZEL commercial.

In December of the same year, he delivered a memorable remote performance from his hometown in Okayama at NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It’s a song that encourages you as you step into a new stage of life and stays close to your heart.

weak insectBaba Toshihiko

Toshihide Baba – Weak Insect (MV edit)
weak insectBaba Toshihiko

Some of you may have just gone through a change in your environment this spring and are feeling lonely or anxious.

For you, I recommend listening to Toshihide Baba’s “Yowai Mushi” (“Weak Bug”).

Its lyrics depict the frailty of people who look down on those weaker than themselves, as well as one’s own negativity.

As you listen, pay attention to what kind of mindset the narrator reaches after confronting these feelings.

By the way, the music video is also known for being created by the comedian Tekken.

Be sure to watch it alongside the song.

Blow away the May blues! Cheer and energizing songs to listen to in May (61–70)

SAKURA175R

It’s a bright and refreshing song that’s so typical of 175R.

As the title “SAKURA” suggests, it’s a spring song, but I think listening to it in May, a little after April, can still make you feel positive.

Let’s look forward to new encounters and live each day to the fullest!

Hurricane Lily, Boston MaryAAA

AAA / Hurricane Riri, Boston Mari (short ver.)
Hurricane Lily, Boston MaryAAA

It’s a song that’s a bit different from the usual AAA, incorporating punk rock elements.

With lyrics by Masatoshi Mashima, it has a finish that brightens listeners just by hearing it.

It’s an energetic number we especially want people dealing with worries or hardships to hear.

far awayASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION 'Haruka Kanata'
far awayASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

A four-piece rock band known by the nickname “Ajikan,” ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION has been thrilling fans with their exhilarating rock tunes.

This track, included on their first mini-album “Houkai Amplifier,” was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Naruto.

Its lyrics, which remind you of the individuality you’re in danger of losing amid hectic days, can rouse hearts that tend to grow lethargic in the May blues.

With emotional vocals and guitar sounds that stoke your feelings and raise your spirits, it’s a rock tune that helps you reclaim the vital passion you’d forgotten.