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.
- [A Cheer for Myself] A pep song dedicated to you who are doing your very best
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- Timeless songs that sing of hopes and dreams. Masterpieces that lead those who strive toward the future.
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- An uplifting song sung by a female artist. A track you’ll want to listen to when you need a boost.
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Cheer songs that give you the power to keep going (1–10)
Headlong MarchNEW!SUPER EIGHT
Here’s an energetic number that gives a powerful push to anyone listening.
It’s a single released by SUPER EIGHT in December 2014, chosen as the theme song for the Saturday drama “Hell Teacher Nūbē” on Nippon TV, starring Ryuhei Maruyama.
Combining a driving band sound with vibrant brass tones, it delivers a sense of forward momentum.
The song carries a message about keeping up the challenge even if you’re awkward at it, stoking the fighting spirit of runners passing the relay baton.
It’s perfect as BGM for heated competitions when you want to hype up the entire venue!
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.
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.
YELLikimonogakari
Ikimonogakari is a duo that showcases their own color not only through original songs but also through cover tracks that have influenced them.
Their 15th single “YELL,” released as a double A-side with “Joyful,” was composed as the required piece for NHK’s Nationwide School Music Competition and is still beloved today as a classic graduation song.
Its message—holding the past close to your heart and stepping forward into tomorrow—gives a powerful push to anyone standing at a new starting line.
It’s a track that, true to its title, delivers an encouraging cheer, perfect for when your motivation toward your goals starts to wane.
miraclekururi
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.
layersyuzu
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.
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.