[For those doing their best] A collection of motivational cheer songs
I want to give it my all, but somehow I just can’t get motivated…
I’m sure everyone has felt that way at some point.
If you’re a music lover, moments like these might make you want to listen to some pump-up songs and think, “I’m ready to push a little harder.”
So in this article, we’ll introduce plenty of Japanese songs that will boost your motivation—tracks we’d love for you to hear.
Listen to the songs we’re about to share, and you’ll feel your energy steadily rising!
Don’t overdo it—let’s move forward with the power of music by your side!
- [A Cheer for Myself] A pep song dedicated to you who are doing your very best
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- Songs that help you work hard. Cheer songs for working people.
- [Exams, Club Activities, Dreams] Encouragement songs recommended for teens: Tracks to listen to when you want to do your best
- An uplifting song with great lyrics. A wonderful, memorable message that stays with your heart.
- A collection of uplifting songs: positive tracks to support you
- [A Life-Affirming Anthem] An Encouraging Song to Cheer You On
- Anthems of Challenge: Uplifting Songs That Cheer You On to Take the Leap
- Songs that help you study hard: a roundup of motivational music to boost your drive and concentration
- Before a match or when you feel like giving up! Cheer songs to keep you going in club activities
- Definitely when you want a boost of power! Energetic songs recommended for Gen Z
- [Motivation Injection] Songs to listen to on days when you don't want to go to work
- [Today's Cheer Song] To everyone giving it your all! A gem of an inspiring anthem that resonates with the heart
[For those giving it your all] A collection of motivational cheer songs (111–120)
March of 365 StepsSuizenji Kiyoko
Actress and singer Kiyoko Suizenji, also known by her nickname “Chīta,” is famous for her striking short haircut and kimono-style attire.
Her hit song “Sanbyaku Rokujūgo-ho no Māchi” (March of 365 Steps) was released in 1968 and became a million-seller, resonating with the era of rapid economic growth.
It was also chosen as the entrance march for the 41st National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.
It’s a number that can be called a life-encouragement song; listening to Suizenji’s energetic, boyish vocals naturally makes you want to move forward.
[For those doing their best] A collection of motivational cheer songs (121–130)
I am the strongest.Ado
As one of the insert songs in the anime film ONE PIECE FILM RED, Ado took on the track “I Am the Strongest.” The song was written and composed by Motoki Ohmori of Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, and its lyrics are strikingly positive.
Centered around the titular phrase, it’s a song about encouraging yourself.
We all lose confidence at times, but listening to this track is sure to lift your spirits.
You can also enjoy comparing Ado’s rendition with Motoki Ohmori’s self-cover version.
Horse and deerYonezu Kenshi
A song by Kenshi Yonezu characterized by powerful melodies and lyrics that resonate with the heart.
Written as the theme song for the drama “No Side Game,” it was released digitally in August 2019.
Alongside its grand sound, the lyrics—depicting people who confront adversity and keep moving forward—leave a strong impression.
By listening to one’s inner voice and singing of the importance of love and bonds, this piece encourages those who wish to keep challenging themselves without giving up in the face of hardship.
Give it a listen when you’re striving toward a new environment or goal.
Our TomorrowElefanto Kashimashi
There may be times when your efforts don’t pay off and you find yourself wishing you could go back to the past.
That’s when I want you to listen to “Oretachi no Ashita.” It’s a powerful rock song from Elephant Kashimashi.
The lyrics look back on past memories while urging you to keep moving toward the future.
Because the song reflects on life from your teens through your thirties, it might especially resonate with listeners older than that.
That said, people of any age will find their hearts stirred.
OutsiderAwesome City Club
When you want to stay true to yourself, this is the Awesome City Club song to play.
Released in July 2015 and included on their second album, “Awesome City Tracks 2,” it features a crisp, upbeat groove with sharp guitar cutting and a stylish, urban interplay between male and female twin vocals.
The song’s theme is the importance of following the path you believe in.
That powerful message reportedly became a major turning point for the band.
It was also chosen as the theme song for Akita Asahi Broadcasting’s “Sata Navi!” and drew considerable attention.
If you listen to it when you’re taking a new step forward or feeling a bit unsure, it just might give you the courage you need.
DRAMATENDRE
TENDRE is a multi-instrumentalist who excels on bass, guitar, saxophone, and more.
This is the lead track from his debut EP “Red Focus,” released in December 2017, marking the start of his solo career.
Rooted in soul and funk, the polished sound production gives it a distinctly stylish finish.
Even when burdened with unspoken feelings or wounds, its message encourages accepting them as they are and moving forward—quietly stirring the heart.
It’s a cool, urban pep talk that resonates differently from a typical, gung-ho anthem.
Listen during your commute or on a morning when you want a lift, and the everyday scenery is sure to look more dramatic.
With one liter of loveVaundy
Vaundy, who handles everything from songwriting and composition to video production, delivers genre-defying music.
The track in question, included on the acclaimed album “replica” released in November 2023, quietly stays by your side on days when you feel emotionally empty.
Its light flow and simple band sound seem to affirm the sense of lack and loneliness in everyday life.
It encourages you to accept those unfulfilled feelings as your honest emotions, giving you the push to take the next step.
The album “replica,” which features this song, reached No.
2 overall on the Billboard Japan Hot Albums chart.
It’s a stylish, gentle pep song that can fill you up on mornings when you’re just not feeling it.