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Lovely cheer song

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.

Recommended Cheer-Up Songs for Your 30s: Classic and Popular J-Pop Hits (11–20)

We areONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – We are [Official Video from AMBITIONS JAPAN DOME TOUR]
We areONE OK ROCK

It gained attention after being chosen as the theme song for NHK’s soccer coverage, and it was also performed at “18-sai,” a festival where 1,000 eighteen-year-olds from across the country gather to collaborate with famous artists.

It’s a song that seems to carry a message to young people: don’t be crushed by pressure from adults or by the environment around you, moving forward isn’t something to fear.

Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi

Like the Moon Tonight / Elephant Kashimashi
Like tonight's moonElefanto Kashimashi

This song, marked by Hiroji Miyamoto’s characteristically passionate vocals, portrays the emotions of a heart wandering in search of lost love.

Released in July 1997, it was also used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Because It’s a Moonlit Night.” It was Elephant Kashimashi’s first drama theme tie-in and became a major hit, breaking into the top 10 on the Oricon charts.

The track depicts someone who, while immersed in past memories, continues to move forward in search of new love, gently encouraging those who want to take on something new or are trying to recover from a broken heart.

Why not listen to it on your commute or on your way home and let Miyamoto’s voice lift your spirits?

Cheering songTHE Inazuma Sentai

Even the straightforward title, “Cheer Song,” and the rousing “Sore!” shout from the intro give you a push forward.

This track is the third single by the four-piece rock band THE Inazuma Sentai, released in 2003.

It’s the kind of song that makes you think, “Is this person looking at me right now?” “Do they know me?”—like being encouraged by an old friend—featuring lyrics that hit you straight in the heart.

Don’t overthink it; give it a listen when you need the strength to move forward.

If being alive is painfulMoriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – If Being Alive Is Painful
If being alive is painfulMoriyama Naotaro

Born into a musical family, singer-songwriter Naotaro Moriyama—whose exceptional talent has produced numerous hits including “Sakura (Solo)”—releases his 16th single.

From the startling opening line to the profound lyrics whose true meaning becomes clear at the end, many listeners will likely resonate with its message that inspires you to keep pushing forward in life.

Delivered in a gentle voice that carries words unafraid of being misunderstood, this is a song we want those earnestly facing a challenge to hear.

One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

This song is an uplifting anthem that resonates with the heart, perfect for summer days.

Known as one of FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ signature tracks, it was released in August 2010.

It has been used as a cheering song for high school baseball and remains etched in the hearts of many.

The lyrics are filled with courage to face difficulties and the importance of bonds with friends, gently giving listeners a push forward.

Listening to this song will make you feel like you can give it “one more try,” no matter how tough things get.

It’s a recommended track for anyone striving toward a goal or trying to achieve something together with their teammates.

YELL ~Yell~Kobukuro

This work resonates with the heart through its powerful guitar tones and soaring vocals.

Like buds awaiting the arrival of spring, it sings of hope for a future that blossoms grandly after overcoming hardships.

Released in November 2001, the song became familiar as the ending theme for the TV program “Uchi Kuru!?” and as a Tokyo Marine Nichido commercial song.

It’s the perfect track for a fresh start, gently embracing the mix of anxiety and anticipation that comes with taking a new step toward a dream.

A heartwarming piece that softly encourages those about to take on a big challenge or those waiting for spring after a long winter.

Cheering songs recommended for people in their 30s: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (21–30)

NO MORE CRYD-51

D-51 / NO MORE CRY Gokusen theme song
NO MORE CRYD-51

It’s about stopping the version of yourself that keeps running away and instead running forward, and it’s incredibly encouraging.

The melody has a light, upbeat tempo, so there’s no sense of suffering.

It puts you in the mood to stay positive and do your best, and while you won’t cry any more, the idea of shedding tears of joy is really lovely.