[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.
- A happy song that makes you feel happy just by listening
- Songs that hype you up just by listening—recommended tracks from timeless classics to the latest releases
- [Celebration Song] Guaranteed to get everyone pumped! A celebratory song to give to someone special
- [Power Songs] The best bright, energizing tracks that lift your spirits!
- [Celebration Song] A heart-brightening playlist of celebratory songs to color your special day
- Songs that bring good luck. Classic lucky hits and popular sure-win tracks that carry fortune.
- A collection of bright, cute songs: recommended tracks to lift your mood
- Exciting to listen to! A happy song that makes you feel good
- [Thank-You Song] A song to convey your feelings of “thank you” to someone special
- Power songs that fill you with energy just by listening. Recommended classics and popular tracks.
- Masterpieces that sing about smiles and grins. Recommended popular songs.
- [2026] Get in the Groove Just by Listening! A Collection of Recommended Popular J-POP Songs
- 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)
travelingUtada Hikaru
It’s a high-energy track by Hikaru Utada.
When I listen to it while driving or walking, the exhilarating sense of speed makes me want to start singing.
The music video’s quality is also incredible, and its colorful palette puts me in an incredibly happy mood.
I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu
It lifts your spirits and leaves you feeling refreshed—truly a masterpiece.
Kusano’s lyrics have a slightly mysterious, transparent quality that draws you in.
There’s a soothing comfort that puts your heart at ease, and it makes you want to keep listening forever.
Ode to Joy: Carefully Selected Happy and Upbeat Songs That Make Your Heart Dance Just by Listening! (31–40)
Thank youikimonogakari
The famous song “Arigatou,” which expresses heartfelt gratitude, was released by Ikimono-gakari in 2010 and used as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyobo.
This song, which conveys the bond between two people, is also popular as a wedding classic.
The lyrics, depicting the resolve to walk together and gratitude for the person by your side, together with the moving melody, well up tears.
Rather than a bubbly joy, it’s a song that lets you feel a gentle, quietly blooming happiness.
Super Celebratory Song ~Is It Okay to Be This Happy?~FRUITS ZIPPER
FRUITS ZIPPER is an idol group that’s especially popular among teens and people in their twenties.
Their pop song perfectly suited for celebratory moments is “Super Festive Song ~Is it okay to be this happy?~.” It’s an upbeat track that sings about celebrating happy occasions.
The lyrics include playful wordplay, like punning on “hare no hi” (a special day) and “seiten” (clear skies), adding plenty of fun moments.
Another charming feature is a section in the latter half built around handclaps, inviting listeners to join in as they enjoy the song.
Dear you,Novelbright
Haikei, Shin’ai naru Kimi e (Dear, My Beloved You) is a track included on Novelbright’s second mini-album EN., released in 2019.
The lyrics express gratitude for meeting a special person who provided the chance to find a place where the singer can truly be themselves during a time of struggle.
It’s not easy to find a place where you can be yourself, is it? But when you encounter such a wonderful person or place, you’re sure to feel overjoyed.
With its liberating sound, it’s a very pleasant song to listen to.
TOMORROWMayo Okamoto
A true classic among classics, the kind you’ll find in textbooks.
It’s not a song that gets you hyped, but it gently encourages the listener, and the refreshing feeling after you hear it is irresistible.
It makes the small stuff seem insignificant and helps you look forward.
As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE
When I first heard it, I literally thought, “What is this?!”—it’s such an incredibly energizing song.
Yoshida’s voice hits me right in the chest.
Just like the lyrics say, even if things don’t go well, I’ll keep trying again and again without giving up! That sense of power and joy wells up inside me.