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

Tracks of HopeSazan Ōrusutāzu

Southern All Stars – Tracks of Hope [Live at ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL, 2018]

A gem of a message song woven with hope for the future and memories etched deep in the heart.

Created by Southern All Stars in September 1990 as an insert song for the film Inamura Jane, this piece gives you the courage to face forward while holding the past close.

It was also used as the theme song for Fuji TV programs Mezamashi TV and FNS 27-Hour Television.

Wrapped in a refreshing melody and warm lyrics, why not take a moment to recall nostalgic memories and the people you cherish? Adopted as the departure melody at JR Chigasaki Station, this song has blended into everyday life and continues to soothe the hearts of many.

Don’t give upZARD

"Don't Give Up" Music Video

It’s even used for televised marathon finish scenes, so it’s firmly established as a full-on cheer song.

The lyrics, saying “I’m always by your side,” encourage me that I’m not alone.

With its refreshing, beautiful vocals and beautiful lyrics, it’s truly a masterpiece.

Let’s give it a tryWANIMA

au Santaro TV commercial: “Let’s Try It” edition (60 seconds + making-of footage)

It’s a song characterized by WANIMA’s powerful sound and positive lyrics! It’s a track that gives listeners energy and motivation.

Released in January 2018, it was also used as the theme song for au’s popular “Santaro” commercial series.

Since it’s an arrangement of the children’s song “Picnic,” many people might find it familiar.

The phrase “Let’s try what we wanted to do” is repeated in the lyrics, emphasizing the importance of taking on challenges.

It’s a recommended song for when you want to feel positive—whether you’re struggling with work or relationships, or when you want to try something new.

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.

That’s important.Daiji MAN Burazāzu Bando

That's important.

A powerful, encouraging song that lifts your spirits when times are tough or you feel like giving up.

Its lyrics preach the importance of not giving up, and the strong yet approachable melody resonates deeply.

With the warmth of a friend giving you a gentle push forward, this song has become a source of support for many.

Released by Daiji MAN Brothers Band in August 1991, the track was used as the ending theme for “Sports Frontier” and also served as the theme song for “Hō-chan no Yamada Katsutenai Television.” It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for five consecutive weeks and became a massive hit, selling an impressive 1.8 million copies.

When you find yourself troubled or at a standstill in life, listening to this song will surely give you the courage to move forward.

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.

Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako

Takako Okamura “Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

This is a supportive song that gently portrays the feelings of someone about to set off on a new journey.

Takako Okamura’s warm voice, singing about the importance of holding on to your passion for your dreams, quietly gives listeners a push forward.

Along with its melodious tune, the lyrics—filled with kindness and consideration for others—resonate deeply.

Included on the album “Andantino a tempo,” the song was released in February 1987 and was used in commercials for Musashi Prep School and as an insert song for “Netto Koshien.” In 2005, it was also chosen as the theme song for the film “Gyakkyō Nine.” It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you’re about to take a new step or find yourself at a crossroads in life.