I’ve put together a playlist of classic Japanese songs with the theme of courage.
Because the lyrics are in Japanese, I think the songs’ messages can reach listeners more directly.
When you want to push yourself a bit more, need a nudge, or want some encouragement, music will be there by your side.
- Take the first step!! Songs that give you courage, songs that make you persevere when you listen
- An uplifting anthem of love and courage. Recommended classics and popular songs that boost your spirits.
- Encouraging songs: timeless masterpieces that resonate with the heart, recommended popular tracks
- An uplifting song with great lyrics. A wonderful, memorable message that stays with your heart.
- Job-change anthems: inspiring and popular songs that give you courage
- Songs that give you courage. Recommended tracks that fill you with strength when you listen to them.
- [Support for the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough
- Listening will surely fill you with courage! Cheer songs released in the Reiwa era
- [For Kids] Songs That Give You Courage: A Collection of Tracks That Fill You with Strength When You Listen
- Songs with powerful lyrics. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- Just by listening, you’ll feel braver! Cheer songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- [Cheer-Up Songs Special] Songs that give you courage when you're feeling down. Encouraging tracks.
- Get healthy with music! Uplifting Japanese songs
A classic anthem of courage. Recommended popular songs (1–10)
Silent majorityKeyakizaka46
They’re not exactly incredible singers, but it’s a song that makes you want to listen all the way to the end.
The vocals and rhythm are captivating, and it expresses the feelings of a young woman.
It’s a track by an idol group that I definitely want you to hear.
7th TriggerUVERworld
A thrilling rock number that demands the resolve to break past your limits! The question “What is the seventh bullet you load after firing six?” fuses with TAKUYA∞’s passionate vocals to ignite the listener’s heart.
Released as a single in March 2012, it reached No.
2 on the Oricon weekly chart, cementing its presence.
If you refuse to settle for the status quo and want to take the next step, this is the song that will powerfully push you forward!
Happinessarashi
It’s an uplifting anthem whose message—keep looking ahead and seize the future with your own two feet—truly resonates.
The bright guitar sound and exhilarating brass arrangement energize listeners.
Released as an Arashi single in September 2007, it was also used as the theme song for the drama “Yamada Taro Monogatari.” It’s a recommended track for anyone feeling anxious about a new chapter in life or wanting to take a step toward their dreams.
As you listen, you’ll find the courage to boldly move forward welling up inside you.
A Tiny Bit of CourageFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
It’s a HIP-HOP-style track that makes you want to ride the rhythm.
Real place names pop up, giving it a vivid sense of being right there in the moment, struggling with what was going on.
The conflict between wanting to go back to a fun past to feel at ease and knowing you can’t stay the way you are now is expressed really well.
ultra soulB’z
A powerful cheer song by B’z that fires you up to believe there are no limits! The inner conflicts everyone faces while chasing their dreams, and the frustration of not being able to enjoy the present out of fear of the outcome, resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in March 2001 as their 31st single, this track also gained popularity as the theme song for the World Aquatics Championships.
When you feel yourself growing timid before a big goal, it will surely give you the courage to say, “I can still do this!”
ProgressSuga Shikao
There are times when you can’t help but sigh at yourself, aren’t there? This is a song I want you to listen to in those moments.
Everyone gets frustrated when they feel far from their ideal self or grows to hate the parts of themselves they don’t like.
But this is a song that makes you feel like taking one more step forward in times like that.
A Sign of Courage ~Regain Theme~Ushiwakamaru Saburota
This is the song I want you to listen to when you’re swamped with work or assignments and need one more push! We all have those moments when we want to fire ourselves up and think, “I’ve still got more in me.” At times like that, this track will surely energize your heart and give you a boost.
The lyrics carry a powerful message that asks whether you can keep running without rest, giving listeners an incredible surge of energy.
Released as a single in November 1989 by Ushiwakamaru Saburōta—also known as actor Saburō Tokitō—it gained attention as the theme for a nutritional drink commercial.
It’s featured as an in-story song in a memorable scene in the anime Dandadan.
If you’re looking for the kind of power to laugh off tough situations, this might be perfect for you.
With punchy synths and rousing chants that lift your spirits, it’s a powerful, high-energy tune.