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!
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- Songs I want to listen to when I'm tired from work
Songs that help you work hard: Cheer-up anthems for working people (41–50)
The Land of ‘Good Job’ (Otsukaresama)Saitō Kazuyoshi
Many of you may recognize the song “Otsukaresama no Kuni,” which was featured in Takeda Pharmaceutical’s Alinamin commercial.
This song, which sings about the feelings contained in the simple phrase “otsukaresama” (“good job”/“thank you for your hard work”), has a gentle quality that lets you breathe a little easier when you’re tired or struggling with work.
The music video also shows people from various walks of life working—selected through a public call for submissions—and it’s encouraging to see that “everyone’s doing their best.” It’s a highly recommended motivational song to listen to when you’re feeling worn out.
SpecialSUPER BEAVER
SUPER BEAVER is widely loved across generations for their many uplifting anthems with empowering, positive lyrics.
The song “Special,” included on their 2022 album Tokyo, became a hot topic for its powerful, one-take music video.
While it’s not specifically a “work song,” it’s one I especially recommend to those overwhelmed by work or worried that their efforts aren’t being rewarded.
It’s a track that seems to understand your hidden efforts and unspoken feelings as you give your all each day, and it inspires you to keep going from tomorrow onward.
coloring; color scheme; hues; decoration; embellishment; added flair (figurative)Mr.Children
Haven’t you ever wondered what your daily work really means? Many working adults probably have.
For you, I recommend Mr.Children’s “Irodori” (Color).
It’s included on their 2007 album HOME and was used in a commercial for Olympus’s E-410 camera.
The lyrics, written in down-to-earth language, really strike a chord.
And that expansive vocal delivery—just as impressive as you’d expect.
It’s a classic that makes you reaffirm your sense of purpose, a song that deserves to be passed down.
ImaginationSPYAIR
SPYAIR’s “Imagination” makes you feel like you still want to keep pushing forward, even when nothing seems to go right.
Released in 2014, this song was used as the opening theme for the anime Haikyu!!.
Even when work isn’t going well, it inspires you to think, “I need to try harder for my dreams and goals.” It carries the message: turn everything into fuel for your ambitions and keep going without giving up!
ContrailAmuro Namie
Namie Amuro’s “Contrail” expresses the belief that any trial can be transformed into your own strength.
Released in 2013, the song was chosen as the theme for the TV drama “The Public Affairs Office in the Sky.” Its fresh vocals and melody evoke a beautifully clear blue sky.
Work is full of challenges—mistakes, setbacks, things not going well.
But all of that is the prologue to the success you’re going to seize! The song conveys the determination to turn everything into your power and keep going without giving up.
It’s a light that brightens those tough days.
migratory bird[Alexandros]
![migratory bird[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/O_DLtVuiqhI/sddefault.jpg)
This is one of [Alexandros]’s signature songs, known for its exhilarating, fast-paced sound.
Released in June 2015, it has been widely used in commercials and as theme music for TV programs, and is also beloved as a staple at school sports days and athletic festivals.
In the lyrics, young people taking flight toward the future are likened to migratory birds, delivering a resonant message: “Even if it’s tough, if you keep moving forward, a shining future awaits.” It’s a song that gives you courage at life’s turning points, such as entrance exams or job hunting.
If you ever feel like you’re about to lose your way, give it a listen—you’ll surely find yourself facing forward again.
At all times.Makihara Noriyuki
A third single by singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara, which was used as the theme song for the film “Shūshoku Sensō Ijō Nashi” (No Abnormalities on the Employment Front) and became a major hit.
It is one of the signature songs that catapulted Makihara to fame—a superb number featuring lively piano, a catchy melody, and lyrics that are positive yet tinged with a certain wistfulness.
It reminds you to stick to your convictions and that even your struggles will one day become your strength—a track that helps reset your mind and mood when you feel lost at work.
