Popular Uplifting Songs Ranking [2026]

One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS92rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “One More”

Released in August 2010 as the 14th single, this song was chosen as the cheer anthem for the 92nd National High School Baseball Championship.

Many of you will fondly remember Masahiro Tanaka appearing on the cover and in the music video.

The hopeful message—“If you can just hang on one more step, your dream will come true”—overlaps with the image of high school players striving toward their goals and resonates deeply when you hit a wall in work or life.

With a structure typical of Funky Monkeys, alternating rap and catchy melodies, it peaked at No.

8 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and remained on the charts for 47 weeks, becoming a long-running hit.

It’s a tear-jerking support song that we especially want those who are giving their all—or on the verge of giving up—to hear.

Bridge of Gloryyuzu93rank/position

Yuzu “Eikou no Kakehashi” Music Video

An enduring masterpiece by Yuzu, the folk duo that represents Japan.

It embraces all the pain and setbacks of the past, the days of effort piled up without running away, and makes you feel proud of who you are now.

That warm yet powerful message resonates deeply with anyone striving forward.

Released as a single in July 2004, it was used as the theme song for NHK’s broadcast of the Athens Olympics.

Many will remember it alongside the moving scene of the men’s gymnastics team winning gold for the first time in 28 years.

Give it a listen when your club activities aren’t yielding the results you want, or when exam pressure feels overwhelming.

You’ll find the courage to believe that none of your steps so far have been in vain—and to keep moving forward.

Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā94rank/position

Effeminate / Golden Bomber – Music Video

Familiar from TV and the NHK New Year’s Eve music show, this song captures the feelings of a heartbroken man with an upbeat melody.

Its message—filled with lingering attachment to an ex, regret, and the wish to be together again—has resonated with many.

Released in October 2009, the track has spawned yearly “buzzword” versions that reflect the spirit of the times.

In fiscal 2013, it won the JASRAC Gold Award, a remarkable feat for an indie release.

It was also used in a House Foods “Mega Shaki” commercial, gaining popularity across a wide audience.

Perfect for amping up sports festivals and dance events, it’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike can enjoy dancing to.

LOVE MachineMōningu Musume.95rank/position

Morning Musume. 'LOVE Machine' (MV)

At the end of the 1990s, when J-pop was shining at its brightest, this number by Morning Musume swept Japan into a frenzy.

It’s an irresistibly upbeat dance tune that makes your body move just by listening, and it’s no exaggeration to say it gave immeasurable energy to Japan at the time.

The friendly melodies crafted by Tsunku♂ and the gorgeous, funky sound produced by Dance☆Man continue to set our hearts dancing across generations.

Released in September 1999 as their seventh single, the song became a defining track for the group, setting a huge record with total sales of about 1.64 million copies.

It was even featured in an NHK drama, making it a national anthem that people of all ages can hum along to.

Belt it out at karaoke with friends from your generation, and that excitement from back then will come rushing back—perfect for creating the best memories.

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)GReeeeN96rank/position

GReeeeN – Michi (Road/Path)

A classic GReeeeN song to listen to when you hit a wall with daily studies or club activities and feel like giving up.

Released in January 2007, it was their memorable debut single and was featured widely in the media, including as the opening theme for CDTV.

The lyrics convey a message of believing in yourself and moving forward no matter the difficulties, offering comfort and courage to listeners.

It’s loved by top athletes as well—pitcher Yu Darvish has said it supported him.

In 2017, it was used in a SUBARU commercial, drawing renewed attention a decade after its release.

When you feel uncertain about the path you’ve chosen, this is a cheer song that gently nudges you forward.

Curtain callYuuri97rank/position

Curtain Call by Yuuri: My Hero Academia Special Music Video / My Hero Academia Season 7 Cour 2 Opening Theme Anime MV

This is a song by Yuuri featuring an exhilarating, up-tempo rock melody and lyrics filled with hope as two people strive to understand each other.

It powerfully and directly sings of the protagonist’s strong resolve to keep pursuing the path they believe in, while showing empathy toward those they stand opposed to.

A rousing cheer song that gives you a push to chase dreams together with teammates at sports days and athletic festivals, it was released in July 2024 and chosen as the opening theme for Season 7, Cour 2 of the popular anime My Hero Academia.

It’s a track we especially recommend to everyone competing with friends, helping one another, and giving their all toward their goals.

GIVE ME FIVEAKB4898rank/position

[MV full] GIVE ME FIVE! / AKB48 [Official]

It is one of the classic “sakura songs” in AKB48’s catalog.

Tied to the important occasion of graduation, the song looks back on memories shared with friends and calls on everyone to set off with a positive spirit, conveying hope for the future.

The title means “high five,” a phrase that also appears emphatically in the lyrics, strongly expressing feelings of celebration and gratitude at this turning point of departure.

It’s a song filled with a fun, uplifting atmosphere that encourages welcoming graduation—a time often tinged with sadness over parting—with a smile.

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