Recommended cheer-up songs for people in their 30s: classic and popular Japanese hits

Love MySelfIS:SUE

IS:SUE (Issue) ‘Love MySelf’ Track Video

A work distinguished by its heartwarming, retro pop-dance melody and lively humming vocals.

While fully drawing out the charm of IS:SUE, it delivers a universal message about valuing your true self.

Released as a digital single in February 2025, it garnered attention as the lead track for their third single.

It’s a song with a gentle strength that gives you a quiet push forward when your heart wavers or you feel stuck.

This piece will resonate with those standing at a crossroads of choice or about to embark on a new beginning.

You’re My Only Shinin’ StarNagayama Miho

You’re My Only Shinin’ Star

It’s a romantic ballad that beautifully portrays a moonlit scene.

The song weaves feelings of a miraculous encounter and a vow of eternal love together with a gentle melody.

Under the starry sky, it’s a graceful tale that will resonate in your heart, making you want to listen while thinking of the one you love.

Miho Nakayama’s clear, translucent voice tenderly embraces an emotionally rich world that spins a story of everlasting love.

Released in February 1988 and crafted by Toshiki Kadomatsu, the piece reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

It also left a strong impression as an insert song for the TBS drama “Mama wa Idol!” starring Nakayama, and won the Japan Record Awards Gold Prize.

It’s recommended for moments when you want to step away from the busyness of daily life and savor your gratitude for someone special.

Why not spend a calm moment immersing yourself in this heartwarming, gentle love story?

Everything becomes my strength!kuzu

Trash—everything will become my strength!

Known as one of Kuzu’s signature songs, this track is their third single, released in March 2004.

It was also used as a support song for the World Judo Championships, and features an up-tempo feel with dynamic, driving guitars.

It’s a song we’d like you to listen to when you’re feeling worn out and thinking, “No one needs someone like me.” Just hearing the opening lines of the chorus will surely lift you up and make you think, “Maybe I can be someone important to somebody.” It’s a recommended track for when you’re feeling down or need a little extra push.

NIPPONShiina Ringo

Sheena Ringo – NIPPON

It’s a song that resonates as a heartfelt anthem of support.

You can feel Shiina Ringo’s distinctive world in this track, marked by powerful vocals and a dynamic melody.

Released in June 2014, it drew attention as a song supporting Japan’s national soccer team.

The groove-infused arrangement, reflecting Ringo’s childhood experiences, is also compelling.

It’s recommended for moments when you want to push yourself at work or keep striving toward a goal—times when you need a boost.

You’ll feel as if Ringo’s voice is giving you a supportive push.

GUTSarashi

ARASHI “GUTS” — A popular male idol group in Japan! A top idol group in Japan.

One of Arashi’s signature songs that evokes the breath of youth.

Its lyrics emphasize the importance of facing forward and moving on, and the driving melody resonates deeply.

Released in April 2014, the track gained attention as the theme song for the drama “Even If You’re Weak, You Can Win: Mr.

Aosshi and the Clumsy High School Baseball Boys’ Ambition,” starring Kazunari Ninomiya.

It’s also included on the album THE DIGITALIAN and has captured the hearts of many fans.

When you hit a wall at work or in life, listening to this song will give you courage.

Treasure even the smallest hopes and hold them close as a cheer for tomorrow.

TOMORROWMayo Okamoto

Mayo Okamoto “TOMORROW” Music Video

This song is packed with the charms of Mayo Okamoto as a singer-songwriter and has long been loved as a message song that delivers hope and courage.

It gently conveys the importance of believing in yourself and the bravery to take a step toward tomorrow—a timeless classic.

With calm piano tones and a warm, heartfelt vocal, it resonates deeply.

Since its 1995 release, it has moved many as the theme song for the drama “Second Chance” and was included on the album of the same name, “TOMORROW.” This work will surely give you a gentle push when you feel lost in life or are about to take a new step forward.

glow-upHysteric Blue

School Ghost Stories OP [HD]

Released in October 2000, this song became a popular number as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime “Ghost Stories.” Its lyrics are striking, expressing a resolve to keep moving toward new possibilities while discovering an unknown self—even when hitting walls along the way.

The refreshing sound characteristic of Hysteric Blue and vocalist Tama’s clear, expansive voice resonate comfortably.

For those in their 30s, it may overlap with memories of their youth.

It’s a song that can give you a boost when you feel stuck in work or in life.