Masterpieces that sing about smiles and grins. Recommended popular songs.
Smiles have the power to energize people, don’t they?
When you see someone else’s smile, it makes you smile too, and they say that laughing is good for your health!
In this article, we’ll introduce songs with the theme of smiles.
A cheerful smile is often sung about as a symbol of positivity, and among uplifting songs meant to encourage, there are many that focus on smiles.
There are also many love songs that sing about smiles!
We’ve picked out songs that sing about smiles from various perspectives, so listen to the tracks we’re about to introduce and let them brighten your mood!
Classic songs about smiles and smiling. Recommended popular tracks (1–10)
Fukuwarai (a traditional Japanese “lucky laugh” face-making game)Takahashi Yuu
This is a passionate song by Yu Takahashi, an artist for whom the title of singer-songwriter fits best.
His name is pronounced “Takahashi Yuu.” The fact that he has written songs for the hugely popular King & Prince and Team Syachihoko really shows how abundant his talent is.
In Fukuwarai, he uses the New Year’s game of the same name as a motif to express that it’s okay to have many kinds of faces and many kinds of expressions—lyrics that warmly affirm everything.
One of the charms of Takahashi’s music is that he doesn’t rely on abstract or difficult words.
The way the lyrics suggest that smiles connect people and bring happiness is so grand it even calls to mind John Lennon.
The local idol group from Wakayama, Fun x Fam, also often performs a cover of this song at their live shows.
SMILYOtsuka Ai
One of the charms of Ai Otsuka’s music is that any song you listen to will lift your spirits and put a smile on your face.
The story of how she sent a self-made demo tape to Avex, which led to her debut, is also well known.
It’s said that the demo she sent at the time even included the song “Sakuranbo,” proving she truly embodies the saying “The dyeing tree is fragrant from its twin leaves,” meaning exceptional talent shows from an early stage.
“SMILY,” too, bursts with the kind of energy that feels like turning a smiley face icon directly into music.
The jang-jang-jang-jang…
of the intro alone is enough to make you smile.
smileikimonogakari
A song chosen as the theme for the 2013 animated film Pokémon the Movie: Best Wishes! – Genesect and the Legend Awakened.
The song embodies the wish for someone precious to stay by your side with a smile, and the desire to become stronger to protect that smile.
Set to a gentle melody, it’s a mid-tempo number that delivers a positive and empowering message.
It’s a track that stays close to you while quietly giving you a supportive push forward.
HappinessAI
Given that AI was born in Los Angeles and is a quarter mixed, there’s a hint of Black music woven throughout their songs.
Haven’t you ever felt that? Their singing is distinctive and truly soulful, and above all, the way they look like they’re having so much fun when they sing makes them a true musician and entertainer.
There’s no point in wearing a gloomy face—show a smile and the world will start to change.
This song, “Happiness,” does exactly that, making anyone who hears it 100% smile! It’s also known as a Coca-Cola commercial song.
Keep smilingBEGIN
BEGIN’s fame rose sharply after they became the second Grand King on “Miyake Yuji’s Ikasu Band Tengoku.” Their activities and songs—carried as if with the people and nature of Okinawa on their backs—have long continued to move listeners’ hearts.
The lyrics, which use “aho” (fool) as a term of affection—saying that someone who can keep smiling even in tough times is a lovable fool—are both fun and profound.
Instead of crying, why not smile? The song sweeps listeners into a whirlpool of smiles.
It’s a highly recommended track that even evokes a laid-back sense of “island time.”
If you laugh at the skywacci
A song by the band wacci, formed to create pop music that gently slips into everyone’s everyday life.
A high schooler’s self-made video using this track—evocative of high school baseball—went viral on Twitter and TikTok, boosting its popularity.
Whether your efforts are rewarded or not, it reminds us that the hard work you put in will surely lead to the future ahead.
The lyrics are especially appealing: the kind that let you smile a little after you cry, and smile even more after you laugh.
Smile SmileHirahara Ayaka
A song chosen as the theme for NHK General TV’s “Darwin ga Kita! Ikimono Shindensetsu” (Darwin Has Come! New Legends of Living Things).
The song’s lyrics encourage us to turn wounds and near-defeats into smiles and push forward toward the future.
With lyrics that express humanity plainly and directly, many listeners will likely find them relatable.
Paired with Ayaka Hirahara’s gentle yet powerful vocals, this is a track that gives you the courage to face forward while staying close at heart!
If I can laughUrufuruzu
The song that rescued Ulfuls, who had been struggling since their debut, was “Guts da ze!!,” released in 1995.
That’s why the impression of Ulfuls as an “energetic band” has stuck with us.
Their later hits like “Banzai ~Suki de Yokatta~” and “Kawaii Hito” also share that feeling of “everyone’s smiles.” Come to think of it, Tortoise Matsumoto is always smiling, isn’t he? This track, too, is an uplifting one you can listen to with the same smile.
The lyrics—like, “Not everything is going to go well… but I hope I can be smiling in the end”—make it a fun song bursting with a radiant, smiley aura!
Smileyuzu
Born from a desire to do something for children, this song is loved by people of all ages for its clear, straightforward lyrics.
Its gentle yet bright melody, along with the repeated word “smile,” fills us with cheer and energy.
It’s a number we hope you’ll sing out loud with your kids—whether at home or at karaoke.
A song that gives a supportive push to the children who will lead our future, helping them move forward positively and straight ahead.
Smile For MeE-girls
E-girls is a Japanese girls’ dance and vocal group that has captivated audiences with their authentic dance performances.
This song is a charming track featuring lyrics and a melody that are quintessentially them—bright and positive.
It portrays the irreplaceable, precious moments in life, conveying the message that “the time we spend together is short and limited, which is why it’s a treasure.” Its upbeat, cheerful sound inspires a forward-looking mindset, encouraging listeners to overcome sadness and keep moving on.