[Ode to Joy] A handpicked selection of happy songs and bright tunes that make your heart dance just by listening!

AdventureYOASOBI

YOASOBI "Adventure" Official Music Video

A YOASOBI song that portrays the “adventure into the extraordinary” everyone dreams of at least once.

Released in February 2023 as the campaign song for USJ, this piece powerfully expresses, with a driving, up-tempo sound, the joy of stepping out from everyday life and diving into a new world with your friends.

Based on lyrics Ayase wrote from actually visiting USJ, the song celebrates the allure of theme parks—glittering parades and nightscapes—awakening a youthful vibrancy in the listener’s heart.

It’s a perfect track for those seeking energy from the extraordinary or wanting to create memories with cherished friends.

RPGSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI「RPG」

SEKAI NO OWARI’s fourth major single is packed with the bonds between friends and a forward-looking spirit.

Its fantastical lyrics liken life to an adventure, beautifully fused with a grand, march-inspired sound featuring bass drum and hand cymbals.

It’s impossible not to be moved by the protagonist, who presses on with strong resolve while carrying feelings of loneliness.

The song was used as the theme for the animated film Crayon Shin-chan: Very Tasty! B-class Gourmet Survival!! and is included on the album Tree.

In 2019, it was also featured in a Toshiba commercial.

It’s the perfect track for times when you’ve faced setbacks or failure, or when you want to strive toward your dreams together with cherished friends.

Happiness.CHiCO with HoneyWorks

Happiness. / CHiCO with HoneyWorks

A gentle message song that tenderly sings of gratitude to family and the happiness found in everyday life, wrapping you in a warm heart.

Included on CHiCO with HoneyWorks’ album “Mabataku Sekai ni i wo Yurasé,” released in September 2020, this piece portrays universal themes like the bond between parent and child and familial love, set to a refreshing melody.

The lyrics, woven with thankfulness from parent to child and from child to parent, remind us of the preciousness of small everyday joys.

It’s a song that quietly stays by your side when you want to express your gratitude to someone important or look back on memories with your family.

JOYYU-KI

YUKI 『JOY』

A light, upbeat dance track marked by a four-on-the-floor rhythm and distinctive synthesizers.

It’s a signature work from YUKI’s solo career, singing about the small joys of everyday life and the complexities of human relationships.

The song carries a unique, floating feel where optimism and a touch of wistfulness coexist.

Released in January 2005 and included on the album “joy” later that year, it also earned praise for its music video featuring YUKI delivering a striking dance performance alongside dancers in full-body black tights.

It’s a recommended listen when you want a spark in your daily routine or a boost of positivity.

rainbow-coloredayaka

Nijiiro – Ayaka (Full)

A gentle, warm singing voice softly wraps around you—this is Ayaka’s tender cheer song.

Released as a single in June 2014, it was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Hanako to Anne.

The lyrics are striking for their strong resolve to keep moving forward even when your heart feels like it might break, and for their hope in a bright future.

Ayaka herself is said to have created the song with a spirit of closeness and support, and that feeling comes through in the gentle melodic line.

It’s the perfect track when you need the courage to take a new step or when you want to cheer on someone important to you.

Carrying HappinessMrs. GREEN APPLE

Carrying Happiness

This song was newly written for the Disney Resort’s summer event.

Released in July 2025, it was also selected as the BGM for the in-park attraction “Baymax’s Happy Ride.” It’s reportedly the first time a Japanese artist’s song has been featured in a park attraction.

With its bright, open melody and poppy arrangement, this refreshing number sets the scene for a special summer.

It topped Billboard JAPAN’s Download Songs chart for the week.

Its hi-fi sound, brimming with happiness, is perfect for when you want to have fun or lift your mood.

It’s a track guaranteed to hype up summer drives and get-togethers with friends.

Tomorrow will surely be a good day.Takahashi Yuu

Yū Takahashi’s directorial debut MV “Tomorrow Will Surely Be a Good Day” — Omokuri Director Edit Version (Short Size)

A warm, hope-filled song that gently sings about the small happenings of everyday life.

Yu Takahashi’s soft vocals vividly depict scenes like people giving up seats on the train and brief, human connections as strangers pass by.

Released in June 2015, the track was featured in the commercial for Daihatsu’s Cast Activa and, starting in March 2017, has also been loved as the departure melody at JR Akita Station.

It’s the perfect song for moments when you feel blue or need a little push to take a step toward tomorrow.

Listening to it with someone dear will surely leave your heart feeling warm and at ease.