[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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- A gentle song. A classic that calms the heart. A song that makes you feel kind.
Ode to Joy: A handpicked selection of feel-good, uplifting songs and bright tunes that make your heart dance just by listening! (1–10)
A world that sways around youMarushii
A super-sweet love song by the three-piece band Marcy that captures happy moments with a lover.
It gently sings of feelings that can’t quite be put into words even as you find everything about your partner dear, and of the hopeful anticipation for a future you’ll walk together.
Chosen as the image song for JTB’s “Remote Consultation from Home” campaign, it aired nationwide starting in May 2025, bringing viewers the exciting feeling of travel.
It’s a song we especially want you to hear if you’re nurturing feelings for someone you love, or if you want to reconnect heart-to-heart with someone important.
Ingot of Pure Lovetuki.
A healing song by tuki., brimming with dazzling feelings for everyone in love.
Comparing love to an ingot, its lyrics capture a shining, pure heart, expressing unfiltered sincerity in full.
Balancing the weighty resonance of the word “ingot” with the flutter of a crush, this piece leaves a deep afterglow despite its simplicity.
Included on the album “15,” released in January 2025, it’s infused with the candid sensibility of a 15-year-old.
If you have a romance you can’t help but reminisce about, or if you’re in love right this very moment, this is a work you’ll want to hear.
So GoodReiko
A track by REIKO where a light, breezy groove and R&B elements blend exquisitely.
It’s filled with a positive message that hints at the start of a new morning.
Released digitally in May 2024 as her second single, it features a distinctive electric piano sound.
It’s a song that can lift your spirits and clear your mind when you’re feeling down or unsettled.
It might also be nice to listen to it with someone special to deepen your bond.
Ode to Joy: A handpicked selection of happy, upbeat songs that make your heart dance just by listening! (11–20)
New WorldBUMP OF CHICKEN
This is a song overflowing with the joy of a special encounter.
It’s a track by the rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN, released in 2019.
Have you ever had a meeting that completely changed the way you see the world? In this song, the narrator says they came to understand the meaning of the life they’ve lived and the life they will live through a certain encounter.
Coupled with its happy sound, just listening to it makes you feel delighted too.
It makes you want to go see someone important to you!
Having someone you likeJY
A refreshing love song by JY that delicately captures the subtle stirrings of realizing you’re in love.
Though the protagonist struggles with frustration at not being able to be completely honest, they keep looking forward, believing they can “start over as many times as it takes,” making it a story anyone can see themselves in.
Lively guitar and a dynamic melody line further elevate the feelings of being in love.
Released in August 2016, the song was used as the main theme for a Fuji TV Monday 9 p.m.
drama, and its music video—directed by Mika Ninagawa—also drew attention.
It’s perfect not only for those wrestling with romance, but also for anyone who wants to reaffirm their straightforward feelings for someone they love.
Fukuwarai (a traditional Japanese “lucky laugh” face-making game)Takahashi Yuu
This is a single released by Yu Takahashi in February 2011 that gently conveys the warm power of a smile.
Centered on an acoustic guitar, its heartwarming sound and melodies that closely follow people’s feelings leave a strong impression.
The song was inspired by messages from listeners submitted to a TOKYO FM New Year’s Day special in 2010.
It was featured in Tokyo Metro’s “TOKYO HEART” commercial and as the 20th anniversary CM song for Tsukiji Gindaco.
For those carrying worries or anxiety, or whose hearts are tired, this track has a mysterious power that might just bring a natural smile to your face.
A bouquet for meAdo
A heartwarming song by Ado that sets feelings of self-affirmation and gratitude to melody.
Created in March 2025 as the new commercial song for Coca-Cola’s “Georgia,” this piece beautifully blends a refreshing pop sound with a powerful vocal performance.
It gently sings of the joys and frustrations of everyday life, and the hope for tomorrow, conveying the importance of recognizing yourself and facing forward.
The catchy melody crafted by the creator unit HoneyWorks is also striking.
It’s a song that resonates when starting your morning, taking a new step, or giving yourself a little reward amid a busy day.