[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 Pep Song for Myself] A Cheer Song Dedicated to You Who Are Doing Your Best (31–40)
lamplightHalf time Old
On mornings when you’re feeling low, you want a song bursting with energy! For anyone like that, I recommend “Tomoshibi” by the rock band Half time Old, formed in 2011 in Nagoya and centered around vocalist Haruharu Kito and guitarist Yuichi Kojika.
With stirring lyrics like, “The road isn’t smooth—we stumble many times—but what lies beyond is an irreplaceable victory,” it’s sure to blow away the anxiety in your heart.
The melody is excellent too, embracing even those who aren’t into rock.
It’s a song you’ll want to experience—if nothing else, at least read the lyrics.
Eternity of SpringKumagai Ikumi
This piece is one of the tracks included as the B-side to the single “Tsuyoku,” released in June 2012.
It was written as the theme song for director Yukihiko Tsutsumi’s documentary drama “Kesennuma, Voices.
Special Project for the Reconstruction after the Great East Japan Earthquake — A Record by Yukihiko Tsutsumi.” The vocalist is Ikumi Kumagai, who hails from Kesennuma, her hometown that was devastated by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
Beginning with a scene of gazing beyond the waves and the hushed sea breeze, the lyrics carefully depict a heart striving to face forward while carrying a sense of loss.
Imbued with images such as the emerald glow symbolizing the Sanriku sea and prayers for the turning seasons, the song brims with a gaze that holds both sorrow and hope.
The gentle weave of piano and strings softly nestles close to the listener’s heart.
It is a work meant to reach those trying to overcome painful experiences and those who hold someone dear in their thoughts.
Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO
“Ashita mo,” which is also well-known as an NTT Docomo commercial song, is a high-energy track by SHISHAMO.
It likens the self to a hero who never gives up, no matter the circumstances, delivering an uplifting message.
If you listen to it when you’re feeling unmotivated, you’ll gradually feel your strength returning.
Although the commercial focused on students, it carries the message that anyone—working adults, homemakers, and more—can be a hero.
That’s why it resonates regardless of age or occupation.
Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman
A powerful anthem that finds beauty in staying out of the spotlight.
It carries gratitude for everyone who offers support, the strength to keep going even when unnoticed efforts draw no attention, and a wish to become someone who nourishes another’s heart.
Written for NHK’s “Minna no Uta” broadcast from December 2024 to January 2025, the song is included on the album “Thank You.” Inspired by the words of Tomoshige Yamashita, honorary manager of the Seiryo High School baseball team, its weight and heartfelt message have been soothing many listeners.
When you feel your efforts aren’t rewarded, or when you’re on the verge of losing your sense of purpose, this song will gently stay by your side and give you courage.
Outlineimase
A song written as the official cheer anthem for the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
It symbolizes the outline of a soccer pitch and conveys the idea of the contours that shape oneself.
Memorable features include beautiful strings, a sing-along chorus, and a powerful beat.
The lyrics speak of the courage to stand up believing in miracles and the importance of never giving up, striking a chord with listeners.
imase himself reportedly took part in the High School Soccer Championship, and the song captures the players’ feelings well.
It was released digitally in October 2024, with the tournament scheduled to begin in December of the same year.
Recommended for those who want to support young people’s challenges or need a song for moments of repeated attempts.
[A Cheer Song for Yourself] An Encouragement Anthem for You Who Are Doing Your Best (41–50)
Bridge of Gloryyuzu
“Eikou no Kakehashi” is one of Yuzu’s signature songs and is also well known as the theme song for the Athens Olympics.
Many people likely watched the games while listening to this song and felt their hearts swell.
Yujin Kitagawa, who wrote and composed the song, is said to have created it while imagining the journey athletes take to reach the Olympics and the joy they feel when they compete.
However, because the song portrays conflicts and anxieties that anyone can experience, I think it resonates not only with sports but with anyone who is working hard toward a goal.
single-minded; earnest; wholehearted; dedicatedSUPER BEAVER
This song powerfully expresses a single-minded drive to keep moving forward.
Released in November 2022, it was used as the opening theme for Season 6 of the TV anime My Hero Academia.
With SUPER BEAVER’s signature robust vocals and refreshing rock sound, its message—that unwavering dedication keeps hope alive—truly resonates.
It’s the perfect track when you need courage to face difficulties or a boost to fire yourself up.
Listen to it, and you’ll surely feel a gentle push at your back.