Popular Cheer Songs [Japanese Music Ranking]
We’re excited to present the latest top 100 ranking of Japanese motivational support songs, introduced all at once in order of most views!
There are moments when you need to fire up your team—or yourself—like during club or society matches, important exams or meetings, or when taking on a new challenge.
There are plenty of songs that will give you courage in those times, so be sure to give them a listen.
The playlist is updated weekly.
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- [Today's Cheer Song] To everyone giving it your all! A gem of an inspiring anthem that resonates with the heart
- Recommended cheer-up songs for middle schoolers: Classic Japanese hits that will empower student life
- A collection of uplifting songs: positive tracks to support you
- Recommended cheer-up songs for high school students: tracks that will motivate you to do your best on entrance exams and club activities when you listen to them.
- [Summer Cheer Song] A motivational anthem dedicated to those giving their all in sports or studying for exams
- [Cheering Songs] Japanese tracks to listen to when you’re troubled, lost, or feeling anxious
- Power songs that fill you with energy just by listening. Recommended classics and popular tracks.
- Encouraging songs: timeless masterpieces that resonate with the heart, recommended popular tracks
Popular Cheer Songs [Japanese Music Ranking] (81–90)
Live in the present.Saucy Dog81rank/position
Powerfully singing of youthful passion and hope, this Saucy Dog track was created as a cheer anthem for the 101st All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
Portraying growth through overcoming setbacks and hardship, bonds with teammates, and the courage to move forward while staying true to oneself, the song deeply resonates with young people navigating high school life during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Released in December 2022, it has become an indispensable fan favorite at their live shows, giving a strong push not only to soccer players but also to students working hard every day for their clubs and school events.
I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki82rank/position
A signature song by Noriyuki Makihara, distinguished by its heartwarming melody that embraces both the ache of heartbreak and a brave front.
It gently portrays memories of a former lover and the nostalgia of everyday life, while the protagonist’s resolve to move forward resonates deeply with listeners.
Released in May 1992, it was chosen as the theme song for the NTV drama “After the Children Are Asleep.” Included on the album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono,” it became a major hit, ranking 7th on Oricon’s year-end chart.
This piece is a companion for those standing at life’s crossroads.
When you gather with friends for karaoke, its universally relatable lyrics and melody are sure to warm the heart.
One million “I love you”sRake83rank/position
A massively popular ballad by the artist Rake, whose clear high tones and gentle singing voice continue to be loved across generations and captivate many listeners.
It’s an encouraging number that conveys a straightforward love too deep for words, and because the rhythm stays consistent, it’s an easy love song to sing.
road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)GReeeeN84rank/position
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.
SHAMROCKUVERworld85rank/position
This song is imbued with a wish for good fortune and a strong will to make that wish come true.
Alongside the band’s distinctive sound, its positive message and refreshing melody resonate deeply.
Released as a single in August 2006, it was chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Dandori.
~Dance☆Drill~” and is also included on the album “BUGRIGHT.” It became a track that highlights UVERworld’s musical style and lyrical message.
Even beginners will find it simple and approachable.
trigger; impetus; the start; what prompted itNogizaka 4686rank/position
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!
Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki87rank/position
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.
Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK88rank/position
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.
Footsteps ~ Be StrongMr.Children89rank/position
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.
Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI90rank/position
“The Highest Reach” by SEKAI NO OWARI sings about the importance of accepting your own weaknesses, transforming them into strength, and moving forward.
Released as a digital-only single in September 2023 as the theme song for the anime ONE PIECE, its powerful message resonates as it mirrors the protagonists’ adventures.
With a driving melody and grand arrangement, it’s a positive anthem that gives listeners a strong push from behind.
Whether you’re leaping into a new environment or facing hardships that make you feel like breaking, this song will give you courage.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to solidify their resolve to charge toward their goals.