For you starting a new chapter! Uplifting songs to listen to in spring

Dear, boyHump Back

Hump Back – “Dear, Boy” Music Video

This is Hump Back’s major-label debut song, an anthem that sings of challenging your dreams and holding onto hope.

With a powerful sound and lyrics that resonate, it gently gives a warm push to those facing setbacks and anxieties.

Created with thoughts of the bandmates from their high school days, the track was featured as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “BUZZ RHYTHM 02” in June 2018 and as the theme song for Kumamoto Asahi Broadcasting’s coverage of the 102nd National High School Baseball Championship Kumamoto Tournament, capturing the hearts of many.

If you listen to it in moments when life in a new environment wears you down, or during times when motivation is hard to find, you’ll feel the energy to face tomorrow welling up inside.

We AreONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK: We Are [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

This heartwarming rock number by ONE OK ROCK carries a message that empathizes with the anxieties and struggles of young people.

Garnering attention as NHK’s soccer theme song, the track is included on the album “Ambitions,” released in January 2017, and in December 2016 it achieved a collaboration with 1,000 eighteen-year-olds on NHK’s “18-Fes.” Blending the powerful energy of rock with pop elements, its exhilarating sound underscores the importance of living true to oneself and calls for the empowerment of youth.

Advocating that we can become beacons of hope, this song will gently encourage those seeking to boost their self-esteem or take that first step forward.

The True Nature of TearsSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “The True Form of Tears” MV (Theme song for NHK Night Drama ‘Vanilla na Mainichi’)

A warm ballad by SUPER BEAVER that powerfully sings of delicate feelings deep within the heart.

Written in January 2025 as the theme song for NHK General’s late-night drama “Vanilla na Mainichi,” this piece gently embraces unspoken feelings and the struggle to be honest with oneself.

Born from the band’s vigorous activity following their major-label re-signing, it delivers a sound that suggests a new frontier following the album “Ongaku.” It’s a song that offers a chance to face your true self through tears when you feel lost to the May blues.

It will quietly stay close to those whose hearts waver between wanting to be recognized by others and wanting to remain true to themselves.

Rolling DaysWANIMA

WANIMA「Rolling Days」OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

A youthful rock tune that captures the quiet of early morning and the restlessness within.

WANIMA powerfully conveys young people’s anxieties, conflicts, and their strong determination to move forward, riding on a brisk, fast-paced melody.

It’s a warm song that feels like a close friend walking beside you—comforting troubled hearts and cheering them on.

Created as an anthem for high school students devoted to their clubs and studies and released in August 2024, this track gently supports those feeling tense or uneasy in new environments, as well as anyone striving toward their dreams.

It’s okaywacci

wacci “Daijoubu” Music Video

This is a heartwarming medium-tempo ballad by wacci that gently conveys the importance of embracing both tears and smiles as the colors of life.

Written and composed by member Yohei Hashiguchi, it carefully weaves the deep feelings embedded in the everyday phrase “daijoubu” (“It’s okay”).

Released in August 2015, the song was used as the theme for the TBS drama 37.5°C no Namida.

While life presents many challenges, it reminds us that the process of overcoming them and growing is itself an irreplaceable time.

It’s a warm song that offers sincere words of encouragement to those who may feel ashamed of showing vulnerability or tend to carry burdens alone.

EurekaHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Eureka [Behind The Scenes]

A song by Gen Hoshino that gently helps you face forward, quietly staying close to those who are struggling.

Its sound, where delicacy and strength coexist, is characteristically his, skillfully incorporating elements of jazz and soul.

Written as the theme song for the drama “Madoka, 26, Doing My Residency!”, this work is based on Hoshino’s own experiences and carries a message that gives people a push from behind.

Released for streaming in January 2025, it has also drawn attention for its music video directed by photographer Kotori Kawashima.

It’s a recommended track for anyone about to take a new step or seeking the courage to move forward.

BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – BOW AND ARROW

A passionate cheer song crafted by Kenshi Yonezu.

Its melody brims with a headlong rush, like the instant an arrow is loosed, and it vividly portrays protagonists who keep moving toward their dreams even after experiencing setbacks.

A piece that also captivated live audiences, it was written as the opening theme for the TV anime Medalist, which depicts the world of figure skating.

The lyrics, evoking the bonds of characters who support each other like a bow and arrow, and the dynamic sound together give listeners the courage to overcome the doubts and uncertainties everyone carries.

When your resolve to strive toward your goals starts to waver, listening to this song will surely give you the strength to take a new step forward.