[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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[Ode to Joy] Carefully selected happy songs and bright tunes that make your heart dance just by listening! (41–50)
HappinessAI
Happiness, known as AI’s signature song.
It became famous as a Coca-Cola commercial song, and in 2020 it was covered by Eito, known for his hit song Perfume.
It’s also a popular choice for celebrations like weddings.
The lyrics sing about “smiles” and “happiness,” and it’s very encouraging when you’re feeling down—listening to it lifts your spirits.
When you’re happy, it feels like it amplifies your joy.
It’s a cheerful song I’d love for you to gift to someone who’s feeling low or to someone special, and listen to together.
Invincible happiness!suzumiya haruhi (CV: hirano aya) nagato yuki (CV: chihara minori) asahina mikuru (CV: goto yuko)
It’s an irresistibly happy number that feels like a big “We’re back!” to fans who’ve been waiting for years.
Sung by Aya Hirano, Minori Chihara, and Yuko Goto, the track is set to release in July 2025.
It was born from the crowdfunding project launched in November 2024 to commemorate the release of “Theatrical Haruhi Suzumiya.” The colorful sound that gets your body moving without overthinking perfectly embodies the series’ energy.
The lyrics’ message—about charging ahead by your own rules with strong resolve, and how the meaning of encounters follows later—will make listeners’ hearts skip.
When you want to punch a hole through a dull routine, put this song on!
Over DriveJUDY AND MARY
Just hearing YUKI’s voice lifts my spirits! The lyrics have a slightly girlish edge, a touch of cuteness, burning passion, and a hint of loneliness—so many charms packed into one song.
The band’s performance is cool too, and the guitar solo and the rest are just irresistible.
cheeseKimura Kaera
This work is filled with feelings of happiness.
It’s a song Kaela Kimura wrote specially to celebrate her best friend’s wedding.
The lyrics are packed with blessings for her friend and wishes for their happiness.
Seeing the happy face of someone you care about is truly a joy, isn’t it? The song was also selected as the theme for the film “What’s So Good About Being Ninety?” and was released in June 2024.
Its pop, light, and breezy melody is wonderful—just listening to it will naturally bring a smile to your face.
If you have a friend who’s getting married, why not give this song a listen? It will surely warm your heart as you recall the times you’ve spent together.
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.
Our TomorrowElefanto Kashimashi
I like the lyrics.
They make me think, “Let’s do our best!” and at the same time give me a sense of unity, like, “Let’s all do our best together!” It’s a song that creates a great atmosphere.
The vocals are cool, too, and I think it would feel amazing to be able to sing like that.
Seesaw Game: A Song of Brave LoveMr.Children
It’s a song with a mysterious charm that lets you look at yourself from a bird’s-eye view, almost as if you’re teasing yourself, yet still feel encouraged and positive.
I think it’s a song that gives you a push, wholeheartedly affirming the joy of falling in love and of living.
Sakurai’s vocals are also outstanding.