Popular Cheer Songs [Japanese Music Ranking]

trigger; impetus; the start; what prompted itNogizaka 4685rank/position

Nogizaka46 “Kikkake” (Catalyst/Trigger)

When you find yourself thinking, “Why do I even have to study…?” listening to this song might make you feel a little lighter.

I really hope you’ll take time to read the lyrics of this Nogizaka46 song carefully when you hit a wall with your studies.

Maybe you’re studying simply because everyone around you is.

But if you take a good look within yourself, you should find a spark of your own—like wanting to follow your desired path or broaden your future possibilities.

Once you discover even one solid reason like that, all that’s left is to charge straight ahead without hesitation!

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Hane Keisuke

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Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki86rank/position

RailSimPV4 "Far, Far Away"

Singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara, also known as the creator of SMAP’s “Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana,” which sold over three million copies.

“Tooku Tooku,” included on his third album Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono, is widely regarded as one of his signature songs despite never being released as a single.

The lyrics, which evoke the image of walking toward one’s dreams while thinking of friends back home, may particularly resonate with those who have left their hometowns to start a new life.

With its gentle vocals and melody that stir the heart, it’s a number you’ll want to listen to when you feel like you’re about to break.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Footsteps ~ Be StrongMr.Children87rank/position

Mr.Children “Footsteps ~Be Strong” Music Video (Short ver.)

Mr.Children is a four-piece rock band that has become a monster act everyone knows in the J-POP scene.

Their 35th single, Footsteps ~Be Strong, used as the theme song for the film Nobunaga Concerto, is a powerful ballad that conveys a passionate message.

Its lyrics encourage and support hearts worn out from trying too hard, giving us the courage to stand up again and pursue our dreams.

It’s an emotional number whose vocals, gentle yet strong, stir the spirit.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK88rank/position

ONE OK ROCK "The Totally Sensational Dreamer"

A powerful anthem that stirs the heart with a message full of courage and hope to carve out the future by instinct, not logic! Released in February 2010 as ONE OK ROCK’s fourth single, it was used as the ending theme for TBS’s “Arabikidan” and reached No.

9 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It portrays young people who, while carrying both confidence and anxiety, try to move forward with their heads held high, set to a powerful sound.

It’s the perfect song for moments like taking the stage at a school festival to chase big dreams with your friends, or when you’re about to take a bold first step.

The Zero Sense10-FEET89rank/position

10-FEET – The Zero Sense (Ending Theme Song of the Film 'THE FIRST SLAM DUNK')

A rock tune that powerfully conveys the determination to keep pursuing a passion and dream for basketball.

Alongside the emotional melodies delivered by 10-FEET, it carefully depicts the bittersweetness of youth and the spirit of taking on challenges.

The characters portrayed through sports mirror those striving toward their goals, overflowing with a charm that invites deep empathy.

Included on the album “COLLINS,” the song was released in December 2022 as the ending theme for the film “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK,” showcasing a new frontier for the band.

When you need the courage to face the obstacles before you, or when you want to keep moving forward without giving up on your dreams, it’s sure to become a powerful anthem of support.

Go for it!Urufuruzu90rank/position

Ulfuls Gatsu Daze

An energetic cheer song by Ulfuls, with powerful shouts and an up-tempo melody that resonates in the heart.

Its theme is walking forward with confidence and courage, carrying a message to face difficulties with a positive attitude.

Upon its release in December 1995, it took the music scene by storm, as if casting new light on the spirit of the times.

The album “Banzai” also became a massive hit, selling over one million copies, and the band went on to perform in the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen the following year.

This work is truly a song of encouragement for the heart, gently giving you a push when you need a little boost in everyday life or want to rally yourself.

The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP91rank/position

The Only Flower in the World – SMAP

Released as a single in March 2003, this song had been included on the previous year’s album “SMAP 015/Drink! Smap!” but gained major attention when it was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Boku no Ikiru Michi,” starring Tsuyoshi Kusanagi.

With lyrics by Noriyuki Makihara, it warmly conveys the irreplaceable value each person holds by depicting flowers proudly blooming without competing with one another.

Its message—prioritizing living true to yourself over aiming to be number one—resonated deeply with many people weary of a competitive society, leading to a record-breaking triple-million hit.

It’s a song that gently nudges you forward when you feel you’re losing sight of who you are.