A cheer song that gives you the strength to keep going
Before an important exam or work, when you’re feeling down, or when you need that last bit of courage—why not let music cheer you on?
In this article, we introduce songs that send encouragement to those who are trying their best.
We’ve gathered a variety of cheer-up songs: tracks that empower you with strong messages and melodies, and songs that gently stay by your side while giving you strength.
Each one will send a “You can do it!” to you—whether you’re pushing forward or struggling to get back on your feet.
Give them a listen to recharge your heart and body.
Cheer songs that give you the power to keep going (1–10)
dance hallMrs. GREEN APPLE
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE is a three-piece rock band that has gained popularity for their modern, highly original melodic sensibilities, spanning from their own original songs to tracks provided to other artists.
Dance Hall, included on their 4th mini-album Unity, was chosen as the theme song for the information program Mezamashi 8—an upbeat number perfectly suited to refreshing mornings.
Its message, reminding us that life holds not only hardships but also good things, helps blow away gloomy, negative thoughts.
With its clear, high-toned vocals that lift your spirits, it’s a modern pop tune through and through.
I miss youNEW!RADWIMPS
A song created with hopes for recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred in March 2011.
It is included as the final track on the album “2+0+2+1+3+1+1= 10 years 10 songs,” released in March 2021, marking the 10th anniversary of the disaster.
The fact that the proceeds are donated as relief funds also conveys RADWIMPS’s strong commitment to recovery.
Many people surely lost loved ones in the earthquake.
That pain is something even those experiencing it struggle to comprehend, and it is unfathomable to others.
This number offers solace to those feelings with nowhere to go and to the wish to one day, without fail, meet again, giving a gentle push to face forward just a little.
The sun rises again and again.NEW!Dragon Ash
A song that carries a message of renewal and hope: even while grappling with setbacks and stagnation, time turns on and morning comes.
Its structure begins quietly and gradually gathers warmth, conveying a gentle, enveloping tenderness.
Chosen as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime DT Eightron, it was released as a single in May 1998.
It was later included on Dragon Ash’s album Buzz Songs and has enjoyed long-standing support, including taking first place in a fan poll with roughly 200,000 votes.
Embraced in the context of post-disaster recovery as a song to help people rise from despair, this piece offers a number that can give those lost in doubt and anxiety a nudge to face forward.
miracleNEW!kururi
A song that gently depicts the quiet hopes hidden in everyday life and the strength that drives people to move forward.
Rather than waving flashy slogans, it carries a kindness that softly stays by the continuation of daily life.
Created by Quruli, this work was released as a single in June 2011.
It was used as the theme song for a film directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda released the same month, as well as in Taisho Pharmaceutical’s “Tiovita Drink” commercial, and was later included on the classic album Best of Quruli / TOWER OF MUSIC LOVER 2.
In 2025, it was also selected as a support CM song for the reconstruction efforts following the Noto earthquake.
Even in difficult circumstances, it is a song that teaches the importance of reclaiming everyday life and stepping toward a brighter future.
ikigai (a reason for living; the thing that gives one’s life meaning and purpose)NEW!SUPER BEAVER
It’s a rock number that affirms not only athletes heading into their biggest moments, but everyone who’s doing their best to live each day.
This track by the four-piece rock band SUPER BEAVER was chosen as the athlete support song for Fuji TV’s coverage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
More than the outcomes of victory or defeat, its message about the value of all the steps and the journey leading up to that point resonates deeply.
It was also used in broadcasts such as the All-Japan Figure Skating Championships 2025, moving many viewers.
This is a song you’ll especially want to hear when you’re worn out by a new environment and feeling the May blues, or when you’ve lost confidence in what you’ve been doing.
It will gently give you a push, telling you that the path you’ve taken so far is not wrong.
layersNEW!yuzu
This song was created with wishes for the recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake.
The duo Yuzu visited the disaster-affected areas and turned the feelings they built up there into song.
Composed of overlapping melodies of piano and strings, it conveys a gentle, embracing warmth.
Included on the album “Shin-on” released in March 2026, it was shared on television and other media as a tie-in with NHK’s song to commemorate 15 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake.
When you’re lost and anxious, it can be hard to look ahead or even think about the future.
This number stays close to those feelings and teaches the importance of taking the first steps toward a brighter future.
One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
FUNKY MONKEY BΛBY’S is a two-person music unit known for their melodious rap and positive lyrics, and their 2021 return to activity also drew attention.
Their 14th single, “Ato Hitotsu,” which has been featured in various tie-ins including as the theme song for the digest documentary program Netsu-to Koshien, is recognized as one of their signature tracks.
Its message, which teaches the value of confronting your goals, can give you the power to rally when you feel like giving up.
With a lyrical melody that resonates deeply, it’s a pop tune that gives you the courage to take a step forward.
FateNEW!Kato Miria
It’s a powerful track by Miliyah Kato, where the sound of karate uniforms brushing and the fighters’ spirited breathing itself becomes the rhythm.
It was written as the official support song for the Japan Karatedo Federation (a public interest incorporated foundation) and released digitally in March 2021.
It was later included on the album “WHO LOVES ME.” The sound, which fuses the grand resonance of an orchestra with actual competition audio, is overwhelming and stirs the heart just by listening.
Its message is compelling, conveying a strong will to carve out even a predestined fate by one’s own power.
Even on those May mornings when you just can’t get motivated, listening to this song will give you the courage to fight on without giving in.
Myself ROCKNEW!ONE OK ROCK
A ONE OK ROCK number that teaches us the value of staying true to ourselves without being swayed by the noise around us.
Riding on a high-velocity, energetic rock sound, its fiery message—urging you to live without lying to yourself—resonates deep in your chest.
Released in April 2010 as a TSUTAYA-exclusive rental, it was later included as the lead track on the masterpiece album “Niche Syndrome.” When you’re tired of reading other people’s faces, this anthem reminds you that the lead role in your life is, after all, your own.
Put it on when you want to blow away the haze and charge up your energy for tomorrow!
Tomorrow will surely be a good day.Takahashi Yuu
Mr.
Yu Takahashi, who is also known as a real-time singer-songwriter, is energetically active with tours and event appearances.
His major 12th single, “Ashita wa Kitto Ii Hi ni Naru,” used as the theme song for Daihatsu’s CAST ACTIVA commercial, is a refreshing number featuring an acoustic guitar with an exhilarating arrangement.
Even if this moment isn’t going the way you want, the lyrics’ story teaches you that things will come full circle and pay off, offering comfort to those who are afraid of failure and can’t move forward.
It’s a gem of a pop tune with a catchy message and melody that will have you humming along before you know it.