[Cheering Songs] Japanese tracks to listen to when you’re troubled, lost, or feeling anxious
As we go through life, everyone experiences anxiety and the like.
Even within that anxiety, there can be confusion, worries, and all sorts of things.
Here, we’ll introduce a whole lineup of uplifting songs that will support your heart in times like these!
If you’re looking for a way to deal with the negative feelings you’re carrying right now, be sure to read to the end!
I’m sure you’ll find songs that truly resonate with your feelings.
There are plenty of tracks that can even turn your anxiety into something positive, so try finding the ones that suit you!
- [Love Songs] Carefully selected Japanese tracks that comfort feelings of anxiety!
- [When you’re troubled] A life anthem that stands by your side
- Songs to listen to when you’re feeling down! Tracks that boost your self-confidence
- [Support for the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough
- [A Cheer for Myself] A pep song dedicated to you who are doing your very best
- Timeless songs that sing of hopes and dreams. Masterpieces that lead those who strive toward the future.
- [For those doing their best] A comforting song to listen to when you're tired of life
- [Healing] A song that eases worries and anxiety and puts your mind at ease. A comforting song.
- [Yami Song] Fight darkness with darkness!? Deep tracks that stay close to your pain
- [A Life-Affirming Anthem] An Encouraging Song to Cheer You On
- [Dark Songs] A carefully curated selection of deeply dark tracks and heartbreaking songs that accompany you in tough times
- A famous song about setbacks. A song that stays by your side when times are tough or you feel like giving up.
- Just by listening, you’ll feel braver! Cheer songs recommended for the Yutori generation
[Cheering Songs] Japanese songs to listen to when you're troubled, lost, or anxious (41–50)
Tomorrow will surely be a good day.Takahashi Yuu
This is singer-songwriter Yu Takahashi’s 12th major-label single, released in 2015.
It was featured in the Daihatsu “Cast Activa” commercial and garnered attention.
Set to a light, upbeat sound, the song encourages listeners not to get discouraged, saying that even if today was rough, tomorrow will surely bring something good.
It’s a song that gives you a push forward.
[Cheer Songs] Japanese tracks to listen to when you're troubled, lost, or anxious (51–60)
morning gloryHakuho & Kae
Born from a segment on TV Tokyo’s special program “Shimurá & Hakuhō’s Isn’t It Amazing!” in June 2014, this is a support song wishing for recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake.
When it was performed on the show, it drew a huge response and many called for a CD release.
In February 2016, marking five years since the disaster, it was officially released as a duet by Hakuhō and J-pop singer Kae.
The lyrics contain memories of once-peaceful summers and the resolve to set out once again from there.
Its message—joining hands and turning tears into light—resonates warmly not only in the disaster-hit areas but in the hearts of all who listen.
It’s said that Hakuhō carried a karaoke track with him even while traveling and practiced repeatedly in preparation for the recording.
That sincere dedication, combined with Kae’s soaring vocals, brought two artists from different fields together as one, resulting in a one-of-a-kind recovery song.
Easy★RiderOkuda Tamio
Tamio Okuda, the vocalist of the rock band Unicorn.
In addition to the band, he’s also well-known for his solo work and songwriting for others.
His songs all have that relaxed, laid-back feel that lets the tension drain from your shoulders, which is part of their charm.
Among his many classics, how about “Easy Rider,” a song that can gently clear the clouds when you’re troubled about life? Though released in 1996, it has an unchanging sense of effortlessness and freedom no matter when you listen.
In the chorus, you’ll want to sing along at the top of your lungs—it’s a song perfectly suited to words like “journey” and “wind.”
paprikaFoorin
Foorin electrified audiences across Japan with their performance at the 2019 NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
Speaking of them, it’s all about NHK’s theme song “Paprika,” isn’t it? When I listen to this song, I feel like my steps get a little lighter than usual.
I’ve heard there are kids who reflexively start dancing the moment it comes on—it’s that happy, mood-lifting kind of phenomenon.
The catchy melody, written and composed by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, is a pleasure to hum along to.
Just being alive is admirable.ReoNa
This is a song by ReoNa that expresses the movements of a heart weighed down by despair, carrying that heaviness through everyday life.
ReoNa’s distinctive singing—her hallmark—features a fragile, slightly husky voice that seems to amplify the pain and suffering of the heart.
The simple arrangement of just piano and vocals evokes an image of quietly facing one’s own heart and struggles, trying to discover something within.
Although the overall emotional arc is negative, the gradual shift as the song progresses—an attempt to look forward despite the negativity—is striking.
It isn’t the kind of song that powerfully pushes you from behind, but it does feel like one that helps you remember, just a little, how to believe in yourself.
Good fortune comes to the gate that worries.somei
Singer-songwriter somei, who spent their childhood surrounded by music and has drawn attention for down-to-earth lyrics, is in the spotlight.
The song “Ureu Kado ni wa Fuku Kitaru,” used as the opening theme for the TV anime The Masterful Cat Is Depressed Again Today, kicks off with the chorus, and its driving ensemble amps up the energy.
The lyrics, which feel like they affirm your very existence, seem sure to give a powerful push toward your dreams and goals.
With its refreshing melody and vocals, it’s a breezy pop tune that gives you courage.
AnswerIkuta Rira
Lila Ikuta delivers a heartwarming medium-tempo ballad that gently stays close to the anxieties and uncertainties of one’s future.
Amid a grand, dramatic arrangement, its warm melody stands out—offering the courage to take a step forward toward tomorrow while facing loneliness and pain.
It’s an encouraging song that softly nudges those who are unsure of their path.
Released in March 2021, the piece was also featured as the CM song for Tokio Marine Nichido Anshin Life’s “Disability Income Insurance,” resonating with many listeners.
It’s a moving, tear-evoking track we hope those searching for their own way, or spending days without clear answers, will hear.