Songs that give you strength. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

It’s a song filled with gentle support and messages that speak to the heart.

Written by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE for an NHK special in collaboration with 1,000 eighteen-year-olds, it was released in January 2025.

Serving as an anthem for those grappling with the struggles and uncertainties of youth, it celebrates the beauty of staying true to yourself.

With its catchy pop melody and powerful lyrics, it’s perfect for moments when you want to face yourself or need a dose of courage.

Listening to this track will help you accept yourself and find the strength to move forward.

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Tomorrow Too”

An encouraging song that heals the fatigue of weekdays and stays close to your heart.

Released by SHISHAMO on their February 2017 album “SHISHAMO 4,” the song became widely known after being featured in an NTT Docomo commercial.

Inspired by watching matches of Kawasaki Frontale, the soccer club from the band’s hometown of Kawasaki, it vividly portrays people who, despite being swamped by work or studies during the week, are uplifted by the “heroes” they meet on the weekend and move forward with a fresh outlook.

The anxieties and setbacks we feel in life—and the strength to overcome them—resonate alongside an approachable melody.

It’s a song that stands by you in moments when you’re tired from work or study, or when you hit a wall, giving you the push to keep going by looking up to someone’s example.

50%Ofisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – 50% [Official Video]

This song features a grand sound infused with gospel flavors, marked by a thick, synth-bass low end and powerful choral harmonies.

It’s an encouraging anthem from Official HIGE DANDism for those pushing themselves too hard in modern society, gently reminding us of the importance of living at our own pace without overexertion.

Reflecting the experience of Satoshi Fujihara’s hiatus due to throat issues, the track was written as the theme song for the film Cells at Work!, set for release in December 2024.

It aligns beautifully with the movie’s theme of valuing one’s own body, enriching its world with color.

This is a song for those who keep running at full speed every day or feel their mind and body losing breathing room.

Its calm melody and powerful message will surely stay close to your heart.

StoryAI

AI – Story

Released as AI’s 12th single, this ballad conveys a powerful message: we are not alone—we live by protecting others and being protected in return.

It’s a deeply moving song that gives you strength and encouragement just by knowing someone is there, lightening your heart.

It reminds you that you’re not alone, helping you overcome difficult times.

excessively earnest; overly serious to a fault; straight-lacedCreepy Nuts×Ayase×Ikuta Rira

Creepy Nuts × Ayase × Rira Ikuta / Baka Majime “Do You Remember That Night” Special Video

This song is a heartwarming anthem for people who keep working earnestly despite the fatigue and frustrations they feel in everyday life.

Created collaboratively by Creepy Nuts, Ayase, and Rira Ikuta, the piece beautifully blends their unique styles to deliver an approachable melody and a powerful message.

Released in March 2022, it was used as the theme song for Nippon Broadcasting System’s “All Night Nippon” 55th Anniversary commemorative performance.

It resonated with many listeners, reaching No.

6 on the Billboard JAPAN Download Songs chart.

Whether you struggle with mornings but still push yourself to wake up early, or you’re clumsy yet refuse to give up and keep trying, this song stands by and encourages everyone who is giving life their all.

Kimisidai TrainONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – KImishidai Ressha (Train at Your/Their Discretion) Spanish Sub Zankyo Reference Tour

This is the perfect song to recharge your heart and imagine a bright future.

Most people have experienced feelings of hardship and moments of fear.

So what sets apart those who go on to succeed at what they want to do? As the song says, it’s about not making excuses and not running away from reality.

Failures and embarrassing moments will all become valuable experiences for the future, so when times are tough, try to think of them as assets for what lies ahead!

In the Morning of DeterminationAqua Timez

Aqua Timez “At the Morning of Determination”

Aqua Timez, who have captivated many listeners with their melodious sound and lyrics that resonate with the heart, released this ambitious work as their major-label debut single in July 2006.

While acknowledging one’s true, unvarnished self yet still choosing to face forward and keep walking, the song makes a striking impression and can also be seen as a challenge to a modern society obsessed with perfection.

It deftly expresses the doubts and anxieties felt while chasing dreams, as well as the resolve to grow.

Chosen as the theme song for the animated film “Brave Story” and earning the band a spot on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, it became a social phenomenon.

It’s a song that feels like a gentle push on your back when you’re at a crossroads in life or on the verge of losing your way—warm, encouraging, and truly a source of strength for the heart.