Recommended cheer-up songs for people in their 30s: classic and popular Japanese hits
When work is tough, when you want to push yourself in sports, when you’re steadily working toward a goal—there are so many moments when you feel like listening to a pep song, no matter your age.
So in this article, we’ll introduce a selection of especially recommended cheer-up songs for people in their 30s, all in one go!
We’ve gathered plenty of tracks you’ll likely recognize: nostalgic hits from your school days, songs by artists of the same generation, and classic anthems in the pep-song genre.
Be sure to listen while reading the lyrics and find the one song that fits you perfectly.
We hope you’ll discover a track that gives you courage.
Cheer-up songs recommended for people in their 30s: Classic and popular Japanese hits (1–10)
Tomorrow will surely be a good day.Takahashi Yuu
“Tomorrow will be a better day.” That’s the kind of positive feeling this song—one of singer-songwriter Yu Takahashi’s signature tracks—gives you.
Just seeing the title can lift your spirits a little, right? Released in June 2015 as his 12th major-label single, the song was also featured in a commercial for Daihatsu’s Cast Activa.
The lyrics, which depict everyday experiences and emotions, carry a message about the importance of pushing forward and overcoming any difficulty.
If you listen to it on a day when you’re worn out from work or feeling anxious about tomorrow, it’s sure to give you courage!
AuroraBUMP OF CHICKEN
That signature BUMP OF CHICKEN sound—fresh and expansive—feels so pleasant, doesn’t it? On top of that, Motoo Fujiwara’s gentle vocals wrap your ears in comfort.
It’s not an up-tempo, high-energy track, but the understated yet solid rhythm section gradually lifts your spirits.
Released in July 2019, this song was written as the theme for the TBS Sunday drama “The Good Wife.” The lyrics focus on inner conflict and growth, depicting a journey of self-exploration and development that has endeared it to many fans.
With its theme of having the courage and hope to keep moving forward despite hardships and setbacks, it’s a perfect track for anyone steadily working toward their goals.
Endless JourneyMr.Children
Since debuting in 1989 and continually leading the J-POP scene, Mr.Children’s songs are all truly popular.
Among them, this track is especially beloved and widely known as an uplifting anthem.
Released in October 1998 as their 15th single, it was also used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Naguru Onna.” The encouraging message woven into the lyrics really strikes a chord, inspiring a positive mindset that makes you feel you can tackle even the toughest challenges.
It’s a motivational song you can gift across generations, carrying broad and meaningful support.
Believe in yourselfAbe Mao
Speaking of cheering songs sung by Mao Abe, this is the one that also became the theme song for the anime Baby Steps.
It’s characterized by a light, anime-like feel and a straightforward melody, along with lyrics that really encourage the listener.
The lyrics convey the message: “Be honest with yourself, push forward, and live without regrets.” If you listen to it when you’re working hard toward a goal you set for yourself but feel like your heart is about to break because things aren’t going well, I think it will give you the strength to regroup and try again.
room for growthCreepy Nuts
This is a song about self-growth and positivity.
As they reach the milestone of turning 30, Creepy Nuts channel their resolve to become adults and their complex emotions into the music.
It’s included on the album “Case” and was performed on “THE FIRST TAKE.” Released in September 2021, it also has a music video.
If work is tough or you want to push toward your goals, listening to it will surely give you courage.
Why not listen to this song and feel the energy to take on tomorrow?
YELLikimonogakari
This song, brimming with uplifting emotion, gives you the courage to take a step into the future.
Known as one of Ikimono-gakari’s signature tracks, it was released in September 2009.
It was also used as the set piece for NHK’s All-Japan School Music Competition, and has left a deep imprint on many hearts.
By interpreting “goodbye” as a word for new beginnings, it serves as a cheer song for those setting off toward their individual dreams.
It’s a track you’ll want to hear at graduations and life’s turning points, and for people in their thirties, it will likely evoke a nostalgic overlap with student days.
Listen to this piece, and there’s no doubt it will awaken the passion sleeping inside you.
prideGReeeeN
It’s one of GReeeeN’s signature songs, and it continues to captivate so many hearts! This track is a moving encouragement anthem that gives you the courage to face yourself and move toward the future, drawing strength from your past experiences.
Each line of the lyrics resonates deeply, and many listeners may find themselves reflecting on their own lives as they listen.
Released in January 2012, the song is included on the album “Utautai ga Utautai ni Kite Utau tae to Iu ga Utautai ga Utau dake Utai Kireba Utautau keredomo Utautai dake Utai Kire nai kara Utautawanu!?” It’s a song that will surely give you a gentle push forward when you’re struggling with work or life.