[A Cheer for Myself] A pep song dedicated to you who are doing your very best
Even when you’re giving it your all, sometimes things just don’t go well.
There are times when you feel like throwing in the towel, or you get so down that you withdraw into yourself.
In moments like that, how about listening to some music to gather the courage and strength to overcome hardships?
In this article, we’re introducing a special selection of cheer-up songs we’d love to dedicate to those who are doing their best.
Songs that lift you when you’re feeling low, songs that fire you up with a “Let’s go!” spirit, and songs that gently stay by your side.
May you find an anthem of encouragement that resonates with your heart.
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[A Cheer for Myself] A song of encouragement dedicated to you who are doing your very best (151–160)
Stars on EarthNakajima Miyuki
This song is imbued with a warm gaze and deep respect for people who usually remain out of the spotlight.
Miyuki Nakajima portrays those who strive to live in places where no one looks, using beautiful metaphors.
It is an ode to unsung heroes who keep making efforts in various places, shining like stars in everyday life.
Released in July 2000, the piece was chosen as the theme song for NHK’s documentary program Project X: Challengers, and together with the program’s moving content, it deeply resonated with many viewers.
It set a record by staying on Oricon’s Weekly Singles Chart for 174 consecutive weeks.
It is a song that gives you a powerful push forward in those moments when the pressures of daily life make you want to stop.
CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
This is one of Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s signature works, carrying a warm message of blessing to celebrate new beginnings.
Loved by many as an anthem cheering on those stepping onto life’s big stage, it’s a heartwarming piano folk ballad that gently stands by you and gives you the courage to move forward.
Released in September 1980, the song was born from the feeling of congratulating a friend on their wedding, then re-recorded in 1988 and became a major hit.
It also became familiar as the theme song for Kirin Lager Beer commercials in the 1990s.
It’s a powerful song of encouragement that stays close when you or your friends are at life’s milestones or starting anew, and when you need a lift yourself.
It starts here!DREAMS COME TRUE
From the very moment you start running, this theme song for a sports event by DREAMS COME TRUE gives a powerful push to the beginning of your challenge.
Riding on a lively rhythm that fuses disco sounds with Latin grooves, it carries a heartfelt cheer that resonates with every challenger.
It sings of bonds with friends, hard work and growth, and the courage to make a fresh start, becoming a piece that gently nudges listeners forward.
Released in January 2025, the song was written as the theme for a relay race event commemorating the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
The single, which also includes the theme song for the film “Kaminofude,” marks a milestone work celebrating DREAMS COME TRUE’s 35th anniversary.
It’s a song we hope not only students facing their youth, but everyone about to take a new step in life, will listen to.
RealizeMelody.
Realize by Melody., used as the theme song for the school drama Dragon Zakura, which depicts underachieving high school students striving to get into the University of Tokyo.
Just like the drama’s story, this song is a cheer anthem for those taking on big challenges, and it became hugely popular among actual exam-takers.
It’s recommended not only for students preparing for exams, but also as a message song for anyone working hard every day.
Flower ~A Flower for Everyone’s Heart~Kina Shoukichi
Kana Shokichi’s classic “Hana,” a modern arrangement of an Okinawan folk song.
People who are striving toward something often believe that showing weakness or tears is not acceptable and keep themselves constantly on edge.
This song encourages those people by affirming that it’s okay to cry and to reveal their vulnerable side.
Cheer up!Takeuchi Mariya
Mariya Takeuchi’s “Genki wo Dashite” is a pep song aimed at people feeling down after a heartbreak, but because of its universal theme of “cheer up,” I think it can give courage to anyone doing their best in any situation.
With its gentle melody and her distinctive voice, just listening to it naturally lifts your spirits.
[A Song to Cheer Yourself On] An Encouragement Song for You Who Are Doing Your Best (161–170)
Yo, you there, kid.Takehara Pisutoru
The song that became a hot topic in the commercial is “Hey, You Young Folks.” Takehara Pistol’s rugged, straightforward lyrics are sure to reach the heart of anyone earnestly giving it their all.
Give it a listen when you feel like you’re the only one things aren’t working out for.
And the message that you don’t have to worry about what others say and can just do your best in your own way is incredibly encouraging.