A song that celebrates smiles. A smile song that lifts your spirits when you listen to it.
We’ve put together a collection of songs with the theme of “smiles”! When you’re going through tough times or feeling down, your spirits sink and it gets hard to smile, right? But that’s exactly when you should try listening to songs that lift you up.
There’s an old saying: “Good fortune comes to a home that smiles.” Maybe a smile is most needed precisely when you can’t seem to smile.
In this article, we’ll introduce uplifting smile songs, focusing on tracks themed around smiles from a variety of genres.
These are all songs that will make you smile without even thinking about it and fill you with happiness!
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Songs that sing about smiles. Smile songs that make you feel energized when you listen (11–20)
Laugh wellKetsumeishi
Among people who aren’t familiar with rap, some may see it as aggressive, full of criticism toward society or others, and often tied to conflict—a negative image.
This song, “Yokuwarae,” overturns that perception.
I see it as an ambitious work by Ketsumeishi, who are always at the forefront of the rap scene.
While it evokes a certain nostalgia, it doesn’t rely solely on sentiment; this track has a musical comfort that stands on its own.
It’s a surefire song that will bring you a relaxed, genuine smile.
Keep smilingBEGIN with Ahonasutāzu
BEGIN is an acoustic band that carries on the lineage of Okinawan music and shot to fame on “Miyake Yūji’s Ikasu Band Tengoku.” Their showdown with NORMA JEAN, in a bid for the second Grand Ikaten King title, is still talked about today.
Among their songs, the standout smile anthem is “Egao no Manma.” Its lyrics—urging us to keep smiling even in tough times—continue to resonate across generations.
The lyrics were co-written with the one and only Sanma Akashiya, and a part of the chorus features his personal motto.
A person who smilesImai Miki
It was used for a long time as the theme song for NHK’s nightly drama series.
I think many people are reminded of various dramas when they hear this song.
The lyrics and music are by Tomoyasu Hotei.
He can write not only passionate songs but also ones this gentle—truly the mark of a genius artist! The lyric “A smile has the power to change the world” warms our hearts in its own way.
It also suits Miki Imai’s vocal tone and singing so well that you can’t help but admire what a perfect duo they are.
If you listen before bed, you might sleep soundly.
It’s a song that lets you feel a mature, heartfelt smile.
SmileKinjō Shiori
Shiori Kinjō is a singer-songwriter from Okinawa.
Her indie debut song, “Smile,” lives up to its title—it’s a track that suits a bright smile perfectly.
It’s a song that stands by those who are feeling sad, aiming to encourage people who are grieving or crying and bring a smile to their faces.
That intention really hits home.
When we’re feeling down, we lose sight of what’s around us and just sink into our own shortcomings, but realizing that we’re not alone means so much.
This is a song that makes you want to face forward with a smile again.
Your smileHirosue Ryōko
Many people probably fell truly in love with Ryoko Hirosue after listening to her debut single “Maji de Koi suru 5 Byou Mae” (“5 Seconds Before I Fall in Love for Real”).
In fact, you might wonder if there was anyone who didn’t fall for her.
Now, her first collaboration with Mariya Takeuchi since that debut has come true after 23 years—the song is “Kimi no Egao” (“Your Smile”).
The lyric “Seeing your smile lets me smile too” carries the effortless feel of classic Japanese pop.
The kamishibai-style animation that aired on NHK’s Minna no Uta also became a hot topic!
I want to keep smiling.ikimonogakari
A resolute will that simply keeps facing forward comes through and makes my heart swell.
Released in July 2011 as Ikimono-gakari’s 20th single, it was used as the commercial song for Nissan’s “New Nissan Serena.” It’s an up-tempo number that conveys a heartfelt wish to keep smiling even in difficult times, straight and true.
Even though it runs over six minutes, the grand arrangement by Seiji Kameda and the powerful vocals by Kiyoe Yoshioka blend so beautifully that it feels like it’s over in a flash.
The song won an Excellence Award at the 53rd Japan Record Awards and is also included on the album NEWTRAL.
Give it a listen when you’re feeling down or need energy for tomorrow.
Songs about smiles: smile songs that cheer you up when you listen (21–30)
Smile
A song included on Yuzu’s 2003 mini-album “Yuzu Smile,” which was created mainly for children.
Yuzu is best known for their uplifting anthems that gently give you a push, and this track is another masterpiece whose positive lyrics are deeply moving.
Messages like “You’re wonderful just the way you are” and “I love that smile of yours” feel like words from adults to children.
It’s a song we’d love kids to sing with pure, joyful smiles.
