[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: Carefully Selected Happy and Upbeat Songs That Make Your Heart Dance Just by Listening! (51–60)
Sun of JoySHE’S
Joyful Sun is a song released in 2018 by SHE’S, a piano rock band from Osaka Prefecture.
It’s a track that lets you feel the joy of not being alone, and I believe it will certainly support those facing hardships or chasing their dreams on their own.
In discussing the song, Inoue, the member who wrote the lyrics and composed the music, also mentioned that making music made him feel he wasn’t alone.
Even if you’re by yourself now, there must have been someone who supported you.
Listening while remembering that makes your heart feel so warm.
LIFEkimaguren
It’s a summer song, but as it lifts your spirits, that refreshing vibe is something only Kimaguren can deliver.
With its stylish rhythm and rap, it makes you want to head to the beach right now.
The chorus sticks in your head, and you can’t help but hum along!
Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā
Anyway, it’s a catchy song.
The lyrics might be about a breakup, but the dancing in the music video and the whole vibe only look like they’re having fun! Just listening to it makes your body start moving—you’ll want to dance.
It might be the ultimate happy song…
celeryYamazaki Masayoshi
Masayoshi Yamazaki’s version has a different vibe from SMAP’s.
It’s addictive in a laid-back way without trying too hard to look cool.
He sings incredibly well—no surprise there.
I find myself listening to it over and over for some reason.
The music video is cute, too.
Ode to Joy: A carefully selected list of feel-good, upbeat songs that make your heart dance just by listening! (61–70)
Here we go! Phantom Thief GirlMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto
Just watching Momoclo gives me energy, but among all their songs, I think this one is the best.
Seeing each member’s unique personality and wholehearted effort makes me feel like, “I can’t sit still!” and “Let’s try something!” It fills me with a positive, proactive spirit.
Roco LotionORANGE RANGE
Summer! Speaking of which, after TUBE, is it ORANGE RANGE?? Music videos packed with the ocean, summer vibes, and gorgeous girls get me totally hyped! If I see a cute girl, I’ll go talk to her! I don’t care if I get rejected! Just go wild! It’s a silly and cute song.
Easy★RiderOkuda Tamio
From his Unicorn days, Tamio Okuda has always been “laid-back and cool.” He’s not flashy, yet he lifts you up.
He’s not eccentric, yet his songs are addictive—he’s the only one who can craft music like that, I believe.
Loved by both men and women, his songs are timeless masterpieces whenever you listen.