Eight types of cheering songs. Cheering songs for different scenes.
When you’re at a crossroads in life, feeling down, or cheering at a school sports day or athletic event, there are many moments when you might look for a motivational song.
Conversely, there may be times when you want to be cheered on and you search for an encouragement song yourself.
But when you actually start looking, you might find it surprisingly hard to discover a song that fits perfectly, right?
So in this article, we’ll introduce the best motivational songs organized by different cheering scenarios!
I’m sure you’ll find the encouragement anthem you’ve been looking for.
Life’s Cheer Songs (1–10)
The ultimate cheer song to push your life forward!
Everyone has times when they have to push themselves, right? I’m sure there have been things you just couldn’t get motivated to do. You often hear stories like, “I listened to some music, got hyped up, and managed to do it!” but what songs are people actually listening to at those times? So, we did some research on popular picks!
DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE
An uplifting anthem of youth themed around self-affirmation and love made a dazzling debut as the theme song for NHK General’s special program “18 Festival.” This piece from Mrs.
GREEN APPLE offers solace to young people who feel they might lose sight of their true selves.
It carefully portrays the emotions of helplessness in the face of time’s passage and life’s absurdities, while gently encouraging the courage to keep moving forward.
Its bright, pop-rock-based melody, aggressive guitars, and memorable piano rhythms blend exquisitely.
Performed together with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation during the program broadcast on December 25, 2024, it became a major talking point.
It’s a song meant for those burdened by doubts and anxieties, and for anyone searching for their own path.
CorrectRADWIMPS
A gentle anthem of support that blends the bittersweetness and hope of youth.
It portrays, with a warm gaze, the feelings of young people searching for answers of their own.
Its message—that there is no single right answer in life and it’s okay to move forward at your own pace—will surely touch everyone’s heart.
Released digitally in January 2024 by RADWIMPS, this song has often been sung at school graduation ceremonies and in scenes of remembrance.
When you feel anxious about the future or find yourself at a crossroads in life, this warm, comforting track will softly nudge you forward.
Please, take the courage from this song to help you step into a new beginning.
Dear, boyHump Back
A warm, encouraging song that stands beside anyone standing at a crossroads in life.
Its memorable blend of a gentle melody and a powerful band sound tenderly embraces the anxieties and doubts of chasing a dream, as well as the feelings of those on the verge of giving up.
Released as Hump Back’s major-label debut in June 2018, the track was featured as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Buzz Rhythm 02” and as the commercial song for the Shinken Zemi High School Course.
It was also chosen as the theme song for the Kumamoto Tournament of the National High School Baseball Championship, capturing the hearts of many young people.
When you want to strive toward your dreams but can’t quite find the courage to take that first step, this is the song to listen to.
It assures you that detours are never in vain, and that every experience will surely become a source of strength.
together; along with; bothWANIMA
This is an uplifting song that gently conveys the importance of facing forward and living on.
Its message-rich lyrics blend beautifully with a driving sound, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released by WANIMA in August 2016, the track was featured in Nivea Kao’s 8×4 commercial and captured the hearts of many.
Influenced by the Kumamoto earthquake that occurred during production, the lyrics also weave in thoughts of home and the preciousness of life.
It’s a song to hear when you feel close to losing your way, when you’re ready to take a new step, or when you want to keep moving forward alongside cherished friends.
Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman
A powerful anthem that finds beauty in staying out of the spotlight.
It carries gratitude for everyone who offers support, the strength to keep going even when unnoticed efforts draw no attention, and a wish to become someone who nourishes another’s heart.
Written for NHK’s “Minna no Uta” broadcast from December 2024 to January 2025, the song is included on the album “Thank You.” Inspired by the words of Tomoshige Yamashita, honorary manager of the Seiryo High School baseball team, its weight and heartfelt message have been soothing many listeners.
When you feel your efforts aren’t rewarded, or when you’re on the verge of losing your sense of purpose, this song will gently stay by your side and give you courage.
WishRyo Suzuki
This is her solo debut single, released in December 2025.
Centered on the message that the protagonist chasing their dream is none other than themselves, it’s a motivational song that portrays moving forward despite doubt and anxiety.
Takuya Watanabe, who wrote, composed, and arranged the track, commented that he aimed to infuse Suzuki’s sweet, glamorous voice with a strong will and a radiant future.
The emotional swell that opens up toward the chorus feels wonderfully cathartic.
It’s a perfect song for anyone embarking on a new challenge or looking for a gentle push in everyday life.
A victorious smile with youUkasukaji
A fusion sound of J-pop and hip-hop overflowing with youthful passion and sportsmanship.
Created by Ukasuka-G, the duo of Kazutoshi Sakurai from Mr.Children and GAKU-MC, this piece sings of the bonds between friends and the courage to take on challenges.
Its powerful message—conveying the resolve to face towering obstacles and the trust in your teammates—resonates deeply.
Released in May 2014 as a lead single from the album AMIGO, it was adopted as an official support song by the Japan Football Association and featured in various tie-ins, including Kirin’s “Japan Linking Arms” commercial song.
It’s a reliable track not only for school sports days and athletic festivals, but also for any moment when you want to strengthen teamwork or strive toward a goal together with your friends.