[Ode to Joy] A handpicked selection of happy songs and bright tunes that make your heart dance just by listening!
There are many moments in everyday life when we feel joy—like being united with someone you love, achieving a goal, or making up with someone you were fighting with.
In this article, we’ll introduce popular Japanese songs that sing about joy or make you feel joyful when you listen to them.
Each track is filled with warmth and happiness, so give them a listen when things aren’t going well or when you’re feeling down.
It’s also great to listen together with someone important to you or someone you like to strengthen your bond.
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- Songs that bring good luck. Classic lucky hits and popular sure-win tracks that carry fortune.
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- [Thank-You Song] A song to convey your feelings of “thank you” to someone special
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- A gentle song. A classic that calms the heart. A song that makes you feel kind.
Ode to Joy: Carefully Selected Happy and Upbeat Songs That Make Your Heart Dance Just by Listening! (51–60)
cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai
You could even say this is the ultimate hype song.
Whether it’s at karaoke, a party, or a school sports day, it’s a sure-fire track when you want to get pumped up.
Throw in some call-and-response to take it up another notch! It’ll make you want to belt it out at the top of your lungs!
The Theory of HappinessShiina Ringo
Ringo Sheena is often associated with dark or unusual songs, but the lyrics of Koufukuron (A View of Happiness) are incredibly cute, which makes me feel honest and happy.
Its powerful message—one that makes you feel that simply being alive is a joy—keeps me coming back to listen again and again.
Just being alive is a reward.Aoyama Teruma
This song is the one that gently gives me a push when I feel like luck isn’t on my side.
Released by Thelma Aoyama in December 2019, it draws its lyrics from the “messages for living happily” she wrote in her own essays.
Set to a soothing R&B-pop melody, the words wash over you with wholehearted affirmation.
It became one of her signature tracks, to the point that it was later included on the album Scorpion Moon.
When you’re feeling down or losing confidence, listening to it will surely lift your spirits.
Treat yourself and give it a listen.
Everything becomes strength!kuzu
The lyrics just make you feel so energized! The two of them have such powerful, really skilled singing voices, and they leave you feeling refreshed.
Seeing comedians seriously sing and dance in itself makes viewers happy, doesn’t it? I wish they’d make a comeback.
JOin us!!JO1
JO1’s “JOin us!!” is packed with poppy, energetic charm.
Released in December 2024, it was also featured as the TV commercial song for JRA’s “2024 Arima Kinen Promotion.” The track carries a message of “Forget your boring everyday life and let’s have fun together.” Its brisk rhythm and upbeat lyrics will lift your spirits.
It’s perfect for those moments when you want to forget the gloom of daily life or share joy with friends.