[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 songs and bright, upbeat tracks that make your heart dance just by listening! (21–30)
Full-Power BoySukima Suichi
An upbeat rhythm sets the stage for a fiery song that makes your blood boil and makes you want to pour your feelings into it.
With down-to-earth lyrics that celebrate living while psyching yourself up and convey the sense of steadily pushing forward, it naturally makes you feel, “Let’s do our best!”
Joyfulikimonogakari
When it comes to hype songs, Joyful is such a hit that its name always comes up.
Released in 2009 as Ikimono-gakari’s 15th single, the track also made waves as the Glico Pocky song.
It’s the perfect tune for those moments overflowing with joy, guaranteed to get your energy up for no reason at all.
The lyrics are filled with quirky words that make you want to start humming along.
Shape of LoveMISIA feat.HIDE GReeeeN
Aino Katachi is a collaboration song by MISIA and HIDE from GReeeeN.
It became popular as the theme song for the drama “Gibo to Musume no Blues” (Stepmother and Daughter’s Blues).
It’s a love song filled with deep affection for someone special, and listening to it fills your heart with joy.
I’m sure you, too, have someone precious—whether a partner, family member, or friend.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if that special someone felt this way about you? Of course, you can simply enjoy it yourself, but if possible, I hope you’ll share it with someone important to you and share the joy together.
Ode to JoySaitō Kazuyoshi
This is a song released in 2003 by Kazuyoshi Saito, known for his signature tracks “Utautai no Ballad” and “Wedding Song.” The music video featured Matsuko Deluxe, a prominent cross-dressing TV personality, which became a hot topic at the time.
Listening to the opening lyrics, you might think the protagonist has lost something precious and is in despair, but in the latter half, the tone shifts to a hopeful resolve to start over.
It’s not a bright, happy song, but it conveys the joy of difficult days coming to an end and a new beginning taking shape.
Carrying HappinessMrs. GREEN APPLE
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.
At all times.Makihara Noriyuki
I think these lyrics are a timeless masterpiece that Japan can truly be proud of.
If you put being yourself first, even the hard times won’t feel so hard.
It’s a truly wonderful song that makes you want to live positively.
Makki is amazing.
A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly
Superfly’s hit song “Ai o Komete Hanataba o” (“A Bouquet With All My Love”).
It was used as the theme song for the drama Edison no Haha and is a classic love song often played at weddings! This song, which sings of the joy and gratitude of being with the one you love, likely brings the face of someone special to mind for many listeners.
When you think back on the time you’ve spent together, all kinds of memories come flooding back—but when you look to your side and see that special person there… there’s no greater happiness, is there? It’s a joyful song you’ll want to play on anniversaries with the one you love.