Songs that help you work hard. Cheer songs for working people.
Commuting on a packed train, tackling an endless pile of work, diving into bed the moment you get home, and before you know it—it’s morning again…
In this article, we’re introducing cheer-up songs to fuel the spirits of all you hard-working folks!
We’ve gathered tracks that will powerfully—and sometimes gently—support you in all kinds of moments: when work isn’t going well, when you need healing, or when you want a little push.
When you’re tired, try listening to your favorite songs.
We’re cheering for you, who work so hard!
- An encouraging work song for office workers
- [A Cheer for Myself] A pep song dedicated to you who are doing your very best
- [Motivation Injection] Songs to listen to on days when you don't want to go to work
- Work songs: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks
- [A Life-Affirming Anthem] An Encouraging Song to Cheer You On
- I want to quit my job!! Uplifting songs to listen to when work is tough
- Songs that make you feel positive when you listen. Top recommended cheer and positive tracks.
- [For those doing their best] A collection of motivational cheer songs
- An uplifting song with great lyrics. A wonderful, memorable message that stays with your heart.
- Just by listening, you’ll feel braver! Cheer songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- Take the first step!! Songs that give you courage, songs that make you persevere when you listen
- [For those who strive] An encouraging cheer song
- [Today's Cheer Song] To everyone giving it your all! A gem of an inspiring anthem that resonates with the heart
Songs that help you work hard: Encouragement songs for working people (71–80)
Hymn to LaborMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto
“What am I working for, anyway…?” When you’ve been working for a long time, you can’t help but think that sometimes, right? In this song, “Rōdō Sanka” (Hymn to Labor), it feels like it’s saying we work so that we can shine, and to help someone and see their smile.
It’s a truly wonderful song that looks beyond the act of working itself, so if you’re feeling unmotivated at your job, please give it a listen! The song was released in 2011 as the sixth single by Momoiro Clover Z.
For the dreamPUFFY
PUFFY often appeared on music shows wearing worn-in jeans and white-based T-shirts, and I can’t help thinking that very sense of laid-back ease is exactly what people working hard right now need.
Their 10th single, “Yume no Tame ni” (“For a Dream”), is just the kind of song that gives listeners a gentle boost.
It’s produced by Masanori Sasano, known for working with bands like Spitz and UNICORN, and he’s been involved with other PUFFY tracks as well.
The easygoing, cheer-you-on lyrics—“Even when things are tough, all you can do is keep trying.
For a dream”—are, of course, by Tamio Okuda.
It’s a song I want you to listen to when you’re in the mood to be enveloped in that blissful sense of relaxation.
To all living thingsMoriyama Naotaro
The song that cheers on those of you working hard with a grand sense of the world is Naotaro Moriyama’s “Ikitoshi Ikirumono e” (“To All Living Things”).
Released in 2004, the track was used as the theme song for the drama “Itoshi Kimie” and as an insert song in “3-nen B-gumi Kinpachi-sensei, Series 8.” Its title is taken from a poem in the Kokin Wakashū.
It portrays the idea that things don’t always go well, and sometimes lies make it hard to believe in anything, yet no matter what happens, we should live in pursuit of the light.
This rousing anthem, sung with a sweeping, expansive worldview, stirs strength from deep within.
Songs that help you work hard: Cheer-up songs for working people (81–90)
revolutionMOROHA
MOROHA is a two-man rap group that captivates fans with intensely message-driven lyrics that seem aimed not only at listeners but at themselves as well.
Their track “Kakumei” (“Revolution”), included on their second album MOROHA II, was selected as the ending theme for the TV drama Miyamoto Kara Kimi e (From Miyamoto to You).
Its message—that it’s precisely because we face hardship that we can truly feel alive—can be the spark that helps you stay positive when work is tough.
It’s a stirring number you’ll want to hear when you’ve lost sight of what you were seeking.
The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP
From the very opening line, it grabs you, doesn’t it? Released by the nation’s beloved group SMAP in 2003, this classic has been sung for years and reached triple million sales, a song cherished across Japan.
Written and composed by Noriyuki Makihara, its gentle melody and lyrics truly resonate.
The message—that you don’t have to be number one, but should instead hone your own unique qualities and strengths—gives you courage.
It’s tough when work just doesn’t go well day after day.
This warm song lifts you up even when results don’t come as you’d hoped or when you’re feeling down after making a mistake.
LIFEkimaguren
Kimaguren’s signature song “LIFE,” which was a huge hit as a chaku-uta (mobile ringtone), really strikes a chord—especially when you’re worn out from work—with lyrics that make you question yourself.
In life, there are times when we have to endure things, right? I think it fits those helpless feelings and even anger at yourself, too.
Above all, the uplifting sound gives you courage! Even days when nothing goes right will surely become the source of tomorrow and the future.
The fresh acoustic guitar feels so good, it makes you want to listen while walking through the city, letting the wind blow over you.
TOMORROWMayo Okamoto
Singer-songwriter Mayo Okamoto, who also performs as a pianist under the name mayo and provides songs to other artists thanks to her exceptional pop sensibility.
Her debut single “TOMORROW,” used as the theme song for the TV drama Second Chance, is a lively number featuring a piano-forward arrangement.
Its message—that overcoming hard times helps you grow—can give courage not only to those struggling at work but also to anyone facing challenges in love.
With its catchy melody and driving ensemble that lifts your spirits, it’s a pop tune that puts you in a positive frame of mind.