Songs that make you feel positive when you listen. Top recommended cheer and positive tracks.
When you’re not getting the results you hoped for despite your efforts, or when changes in relationships or your environment leave you with all kinds of worries, it’s only natural to feel discouraged and down.
At times like these, many people probably think, “I want to switch my mindset!”
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of songs that will lift your spirits.
We’ve gathered a variety of positive tracks—from anthems filled with uplifting messages to songs whose atmosphere alone can offer encouragement.
Each song is sure to give you strength!
Let’s listen to some wonderful music and face forward without pushing ourselves too hard.
- [A Life-Affirming Anthem] An Encouraging Song to Cheer You On
- An uplifting song with great lyrics. A wonderful, memorable message that stays with your heart.
- An encouraging, uplifting song that stays close to your heart. A cheer song.
- Take the first step!! Songs that give you courage, songs that make you persevere when you listen
- [A Cheer for Myself] A pep song dedicated to you who are doing your very best
- [For those doing their best] A collection of motivational cheer songs
- A song that makes you feel happy. A smile song that brings a grin to your face.
- [Power Songs] The best bright, energizing tracks that lift your spirits!
- [Cheer-Up Songs Special] Songs that give you courage when you're feeling down. Encouraging tracks.
- A collection of uplifting songs: positive tracks to support you
- [Moving] Tear-jerking cheer song. A roundup of popular motivational anthems that resonate with the heart!
- Just listening will lift your spirits! Energetic and cheer-up songs that defined the Heisei era.
- Songs that help you work hard. Cheer songs for working people.
Songs that lift your spirits when you listen. Top recommended anthems and positive tracks (151–160)
CharacterRyokushokushakai
“Just live as yourself.” This pop tune teaches you exactly that.
It’s a piece by the Aichi-born rock band Ryokuoushoku Shakai, released digitally in 2022.
Included on their third album, Actor, it was also featured in a Morinaga confectionery commercial.
Infused with elements of funk, it’s a rhythmic track whose piano-centered arrangement and radiant vocals fit together beautifully.
A song that lightens your step and your heart.
Let’s do our best.SMAP
SMAP, a five-member idol group celebrated as a national phenomenon, enjoyed immense popularity.
Their 14th single, “Ganbarimashou,” was used as the opening theme for the travel quiz show “Naruhodo! The World.” Its message—keep doing your best every day no matter what others think—can give you a push when you’re feeling down.
With its pop melody and tight ensemble brightening your mood, it’s a powerful, uplifting tune.
Jasminesumika
The band’s name comes from the word “sumika” (meaning “dwelling”), and they’re a four-piece rock band that operates with a distinctive approach: creating works in collaboration with a wide range of artists, including filmmakers, photographers, painters, architects, ceramicists, sculptors, and poets.
This is their fourth digital single.
Written specifically as the theme song for the TV information program “Viking MORE,” the track features a catchy, pop melody propelled by brisk, driving drum beats that lift your spirits.
Its positive message—ignore unnecessary noise from the outside and be yourself—combined with the song’s brightness, seeps into you when you’re feeling down.
A gem that lightens a heavy heart.
Same ThingHoshino Gen
Gen Hoshino brings us a song imbued with the resolve to lovingly embrace the contradictions and absurdities of emotion.
It’s an ambitious work created in collaboration with the UK band Superorganism, featuring English lyrics.
Set to a sleek electropop sound, it paints a worldview where rainy days and sunny days, hatred and love—all hold equal value.
Released in October 2019, it impressively reached No.
1 on the Oricon Digital Albums chart.
Its bold, modern reinterpretation of the traditional concept of wabi-sabi also drew attention.
This is a piece that stays by your side when you feel stuck or face unreasonable circumstances, supporting you as you try to keep moving forward in everyday life.
I’m a messMY FIRST STORY
MY FIRST STORY is a rock band fronted by Hiro.
They’re always in the spotlight, with events like joint shows with ONE OK ROCK.
One of their signature songs is “I’m a mess.” Set to a driving, fast-paced sound, it sings about the loneliness and inner struggle of those chasing their dreams.
Many listeners likely resonate with its message.
Another big draw is the pleasing high-tone vocals—his voice gently gives you a push forward.
Reaching the futureatarayo
Aratayo is a band with the concept of “growing by feeding on sorrow.” Their track “Reach, Toward the Future,” featuring vocalist-guitarist Hitomi’s strikingly emotional voice, is one of their most energetic songs.
Written specifically as the opening theme for TV Asahi’s Thursday drama “Keiji to Kenji, Tokidoki Hanji,” the song delivers a courageous message that encourages moving forward despite various hardships, aligning perfectly with the show’s themes.
The music video, which beautifully captures that imagery, is also moving—so if you can, watch it together with the song.
Songs that lift you up when you listen. Top recommended cheer and positive songs (161–170)
rainbow-coloredayaka
This song by Ayaka, which was used as the theme for the NHK morning drama series Hanako to Anne, features a lively rhythm and a melody that’s a joy to listen to.
Because of its lyrics, it’s often used as an image song for weddings, but the strong sense of celebrating all kinds of new beginnings makes it perfect for resetting your heart when you’re feeling down.