[Cheering Songs] Japanese tracks to listen to when you’re troubled, lost, or feeling anxious

StardomKing Gnu

King Gnu – Stardom

Released by King Gnu in November 2022, this work blends their distinctive mix of mixture rock and J-pop with words born from Daiki Tsuneta’s deep insight to stir the hearts of those pursuing their dreams.

Created as NHK’s soccer theme song, it was selected as a cheer song for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Portraying the anguish behind surface-level success and the steadfast will to keep looking forward, it’s an anthem that resonates with everyone who fights on every day.

For anyone striving to move ahead by overcoming setbacks and pain, this is a song that gives you courage.

giftRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Gift [Official Music Video]

This is a song created by RADWIMPS as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Anpan,” which has been airing since April 2025.

It carefully portrays themes such as the joys and sorrows felt in everyday life, as well as adventure and challenge.

With Yojiro Noda’s poetic words reflecting real emotions and situations while giving us the courage to look forward to tomorrow, this work marks RADWIMPS’s first-ever theme song for an Asadora, despite their extensive experience scoring various visual works.

When things don’t go well despite your best efforts, when you feel like you can’t go on, this song is sure to resonate as an anthem of encouragement for you.

Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI “Highest Altitude”

This is a song by SEKAI NO OWARI, written as the theme song for the TV anime One Piece and released as a digital-only single on September 17, 2023.

Many listeners were likely encouraged by its lyrics, which say, “The painful things are already in the past—though you may feel like giving up, summon your courage and keep moving forward.” Ranking high among the most popular One Piece theme songs of all time, this track is an inspiring anthem that can prompt action for those who are afraid to move on because they’re caught up in past failures or who just need the courage to take the first step.

Time ParadoxVaundy

Time Paradox (Theme Song of the Movie Doraemon: Nobita’s Earth Symphony) / Vaundy: MUSIC VIDEO

A song by Vaundy that captures a mysterious blend of hope for the future and a sense of nostalgia.

Released in February 2024, it’s a gentle pop tune that conveys the importance of joining hands with others and overcoming hardships together.

This ambitious work marks Vaundy’s first foray into the world of Doraemon, serving as the theme song for the March 2024 film Doraemon: Nobita’s Earth Symphony, as well as the ending theme for the Doraemon TV anime.

It’s a heartwarming, encouraging song that reminds you that even on days when you feel like letting out a sigh, someone is surely by your side.

AriaAina ji Endo

Aina the End – Aria [Official Music Video]

This is the song released by AiNA THE END as the theme for the NTV Saturday drama “Why Am I the One Giving Divine Sermons?” It’s a mid-tempo ballad co-produced with music producer Shin Sakiura.

With its airy sound and gentle melody line, the lyrics invite deep reflection on one’s way of living and relationships with others.

It’s a warm track that speaks to those searching for their true selves or struggling with connections to others.

room for growthCreepy Nuts

[MV] Creepy Nuts – Nobishiro (Room to Grow)

This song, featured on the album “Case,” explores the struggle with aging and the potential for personal growth.

It conveys the resolve to keep moving forward while accepting oneself as an adult.

Released in September 2021 as part of the album “Case,” the track was also adopted as a cheer song for professional baseball, resonating in sports and business settings alike.

It positively frames the experience and perspectives gained with age—such as flexible thinking, knowing how to ease up appropriately, and interpersonal skills.

It’s a perfect song for those who believe in their own growth and want to take on new challenges.

To Us Who Were Once GeniusesCreepy Nuts

[MV] Creepy Nuts – To Us Who Were Once Geniuses

A warm, encouraging song by Creepy Nuts that powerfully portrays the potential for genius everyone once had and the individuality that gets lost within society.

It’s a track from their second major album, “To Us Who Were Once Geniuses,” and was released to the world in August 2020 as the TV commercial song for Teikyo Heisei University.

Riding on a hip-hop rhythm, it carefully depicts the limitless possibilities everyone had in childhood and the purity that fades as we grow up, while delivering a message to keep looking forward without giving up.

When you feel crushed by social pressure or self-doubt, listening to this song will surely give you the courage to take a new step forward.