Timeless songs that stay close to your heart when times are tough. Uplifting tracks with gentle lyrics that really sink in.

What kind of music do you listen to when you’re going through a tough time?

When work, studying, busyness, or relationships wear you down, it can get hard to take in words.

But listening to wonderful music can give you energy, right?

Gentle messages that stay by your side, sounds that softly wrap around you, and bright moods can soothe the heart.

In this article, we’ll introduce classic songs that can ease that kind of pain.

Try listening while you take a break and want to lift your spirits.

May your heart be lit up, even if just a little.

Playlist

Timeless songs that stay close to your heart when times are tough. Uplifting tracks with gentle lyrics that really sink in.
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	MagicMrs. GREEN APPLE		A heartwarming song from a Coca-Cola commercial
2	sunflowerAdo		Ado’s new song “Sunflower” has been chosen as the theme song.
3	As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE		Don't give up on your dreams; keep looking forward and live your life.
4	Don’t give upZARD		“Don’t Give Up” is an inspiring classic that encourages you.
5	ResonantiaAimer		Aimer’s powerful songs that captivate with her rare voice
6	Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO		A heartwarming song that stands by those who strive
7	If being alive is painfulMoriyama Naotaro		Naotaro Moriyama’s classic—a ballad that affirms life
8	Make you happyNiziU		With a bright melody and heartwarming lyrics, bringing happiness to people
9	So, you are not alone.Little Glee Monster		A song of courage and hope that stays close to the heart
10	Kimisidai TrainONE OK ROCK		A powerful song that believes in one’s potential and moves forward into the future
11	Tomorrow will surely be a good day.Takahashi Yuu		When times are tough, keep hope and face forward.
12	One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS		A song of courage that never gives up on its dreams
13	Full-Power BoySukima Suichi		A moving song that depicts the setbacks of youth, a track that gives you courage
14	There’s always tomorrowUrufuruzu		The uplifting cheer song by Ulfuls, Light of Courage
15	sunflowerYūsuke		A song of courage to overcome hardships: a classic by Yusuke
16	stepsGReeeeN		An inspiring masterpiece that sings of the courage to move forward.
17	In the Morning of DeterminationAqua Timez		A heartwarming song that gives courage and hope
18	Morning will come againDREAMS COME TRUE		Even after losing someone important, have the courage to go on living.
19	Let’s do our best.SMAP		A cheering song filled with the feeling of wanting to do our best
20	At all times.Makihara Noriyuki		The importance of living true to yourself
21	NO MORE CRYD-51		An encouraging song that resonates with the heart, toward a new step.
22	It’ll surely be okay.arashi		The courage to part ways with your companions and set off, facing forward
23	It’s fine.Urufuruzu		A classic by Ulfuls that heals the heart in tough times
24	horizonback number		Even if you stumble during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is hope.
25	Love letterYOASOBI		A classic song that celebrates the importance of living freely.
26	PreludeMr.Children		Mr. Children’s “Prelude” features uplifting lyrics and an energetic melody.
27	TOMORROWMayo Okamoto		Tears become strength, and a song of hope supports the heart.
28	Seesaw Game: A Ballad of Brave LoveMr.Children		A masterpiece that expresses love feelings like a seesaw
29	You can do it!Nakajima Miyuki		Miyuki Nakajima’s soulful masterpiece that offers courage
30	filamentOfisharu Higedan Dism		Official HIGE DANDism's “Filament” is a powerful song
31	Yes I amONE OK ROCK		ONE OK ROCK’s inspiring masterpiece
32	Negative FighterHey! Say! JUMP		Energizing! Hey! Say! JUMP’s Cheer Song
33	tear(s)HY		The moving cheer song 'Namida' by HY from Okinawa
34	Theory of the Mindful HeartRADWIMPS		RADWIMPS's heartwarming, soothing song
35	The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP		The courage to embrace differences and live as your true self
36	Letter ~To You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki		A masterpiece whose dialogue between one’s 15-year-old self and adulthood resonates with the heart
37	It’s okay to cry.Momoiro Kurōbā Zetto		A moving song with lyrics by Miyuki, the theme for a film
38	To youamazarashi		An anthem of support for those who have lost the meaning of life
39	Don’t forget that smile.ZARD		ZARD's classic song “Don't Forget That Smile.”
40	smileAnly		The courage to face forward, warm singing voice and lyrics
41	Night MusicMrs. GREEN APPLE		A song that gently wraps the heart’s pain in the loneliness of the night
42	Endless JourneyMr.Children		An inspiring song that gives you the courage to overcome walls
43	merry-go-roundYuuri		Yuuri’s heartbreak song, a movie theme song
44	Tomorrow never knowsMr.Children		The meaning of living for someone
45	SynchronicityNogizaka 46		Nogizaka46’s “Synchronicity” cheers you on in life
46	DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE		Mrs.'s soul song that affirms your true self
47	FlowerFuji Kaze		Fujii Kaze’s classic song “Hana” compares life to a flower.
48	Progress (Family Sugar Version)Suga Shikao		Courage and hope to overcome life's hardships
49	DiamondBUMP OF CHICKEN		A song that gives you the courage to cherish yourself
50	That’s important.Daiji MAN Burazāzu Bando		An inspiring song that gives you the courage not to give up
51	Flower of loveaimyon		Aimiyon’s heartwarming song “Ai no Hana” (Flower of Love)
52	broom star (comet)Mr.Children		Moved by Mr.Children's vocalist Sakurai's singing voice.
53	guidelinesUru		An anthem that embraces failure and turns it into something positive
54	JitterbugELLEGARDEN		A song about overcoming hesitation and finding the courage to move forward
55	MindsetKamikita Ken		A profound ballad that confronts the inner self
56	What do you want to become?Rozarīna		Rosalina’s new song “What Do You Want to Become,”
57	πRADWIMPS		Yojiro Noda’s upbeat life-cheering song
58	tear(s)FUNKY MONKEY BABYS		An emotionally moving song that conveys the value of tears
59	No way I’m going to cry.ikimonogakari		Ikimono-gakari’s soul-stirring masterpiece
60	We are!kitadani hiroshi		ONE PIECE first opening theme, a song about the bonds of comrades
61	rainbowAqua Timez		Aqua Timez songs that give hope in the valleys of life
62	PolarisAimer		Heal your heart with a fantastical piece of music
63	If I had been living aloneSUPER BEAVER		SUPER BEAVER's ballad depicting bonds between people
64	good-for-nothingTHE BLUE HEARTS		An anthem for underachievers: own it
65	I want to be kinder.Saitō Kazuyoshi		Kazuyoshi Saito’s classic: the complex emotions of self and love
66	Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE		An uplifting song that celebrates the importance of embracing hardships and living true to yourself
67	far; distant; by farGReeeeN		GReeeeN’s song soothes the anxieties of a new life
68	GO FOR IT !!Nishino Kana		Kana Nishino’s cheer song gives me courage.
69	TRAIN-TRAINTHE BLUE HEARTS		An energizing rock song that pushes forward without giving up on youth
70	spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota		A song with lyrics that resonate in the heart and give the courage to live
71	planetariumOtsuka Ai		Ai Otsuka’s masterpiece that resonates with the bittersweet mood of autumn
72	The setting sun and its shadowFUNKY MONKEY BABYS		An iconic song that gives you courage at the turn of the seasons
73	Loud Voice DiamondAKB48		AKB48’s cheer song, a track that conveys one’s feelings
74	frecklesJUDY AND MARY		The famous song from the anime Rurouni Kenshin
75	ritardandosumika		Laid-back travel vibes, relaxing songs
76	RainPay money To my Pain		A poignant ballad about parting that serves as a movie’s theme song
77	ElfAdo		An anthem that supports facing loneliness and living true to yourself
78	Future Projectionsloppy dim		Feel hope and gain energy from a vision of the future
79	BEAUTIFULTakahashi Yuu		A warm song that gives you courage when your heart feels down
80	FlowerORANGE RANGE		ORANGE RANGE’s “Hana” is a song that resonates with the heart.
81	White LoveSPEED		A classic winter song, featuring the captivating high notes of Hiroko Shimabukuro
82	After the rainWANIMA		A refreshing song after the rain and a positive mindset
83	The Never-Ending Songyuzu		Yuzu’s songs gently embrace life.
84	Twenty-nine, thirtykuriipuhaipe		An uplifting anthem to change busy days, with a positive outlook.
85	Life is wonderfulRickie-G		A reggae song that celebrates the wonders of life
86	A bird that cannot flyyuzu		A classic song by Yuzu about a journey from despair to rebirth
87	Bitter VacationMrs. GREEN APPLE		Mrs. GREEN APPLE Film Theme Song Works
88	Whale SongMrs. GREEN APPLE		A heartwarming anthem cheering on those who live in loneliness
89	Everything other than death is just a scratch.Koresawa		Koresawa’s upbeat cheer song
90	White LightSuperfly		A gentle melody and singing voice that nestle close to the heart
91	To the Lightmiwa		The power of lyrics and vocals that bridge the distance between hearts
92	MOVE ON!hikari no naka ni		An anthem to cheer you on when you've forgotten why you’re trying
93	If I can laughUrufuruzu		A cheering song to overcome setbacks and bring back a smile
94	Kiss me right nowLINDBERG		A pop-rock song with a powerful female vocal
95	Tears-kun, good morning again today!ano		Reexamining my sense of purpose through ano’s songs
96	CHERRYYUI		YUI’s signature song, performed as a solo acoustic set in Tenjin
97	Tomorrow’s ☆ ShowFukuyama Masaharu		A song about the resolve to live true to oneself
98	The Pattern of LifeTakada Wataru		Takada Wataru’s classic that sings of a drifter’s life
99	COLORSUtada Hikaru		The courage to keep trying again and again without giving up
100	We Don’t StopNishino Kana		Kana Nishino’s cheer song, A Positive Step Forward
101	BELOVEDGLAY		GLAY classic, a song of love and hope
102	together; along with; bothWANIMA		A cheering song that conveys a positive spirit—courage and hope
103	Be yourselfSaucy Dog		A message song that sings about the importance of living true to yourself
104	be master of lifeaiko		The strength to positively overcome life's difficulties
105	AkariMy Hair is Bad		Expressing the feeling of moving forward despite being tired
106	Everyday lifeOfisharu Higedan Dism		A heartwarming song about everyday vulnerabilities
107	-ness; typicality; the quality/essence of being [X] (as in “X-ness” or “X-like character”)SUPER BEAVER		A rock song by SUPER BEAVER that sings about being oneself
108	Part of Me, All of MeB’z		B’z’s soul-stirring masterpiece, a message of hope
109	LetterSHE’S		A warm rock track, “Letter,” by SHE’S
110	gardenFuji Kaze		A gem of a song by Fujii Kaze that gently portrays the impermanence of life through the changing seasons
111	rainbow-coloredayaka		An anthem of encouragement that overcomes hardship and paints hope
112	50%Ofisharu Higedan Dism		To those who push themselves too hard: let’s face forward at your own pace.
113	NonfictionHirai Ken		A moving ballad born from a friend's death
114	Why Don’t You Play in Hell?Hoshino Gen		A masterpiece in which Gen Hoshino sings about the hope he found in the darkness
115	road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)GReeeeN		GReeeeN: a cheering song that faces hardship
116	Thanks.DREAMS COME TRUE		Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake charity song: gratitude and friendship
117	SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE		A new single—the first in three and a half years—serving as a movie theme song
118	Good job.chanyu i		A cheer song for Chanyu-i, popular on social media
119	And yet, a beloved lifeSukima Suichi		A heartwarming song that makes you feel the wonder of life
120	The BeginningONE OK ROCK		A song of courage to overcome hardships and move forward
121	One-room DiscoPerfume		Perfume’s cheer song that depicts the anxieties of a new life
122	SHAMROCKUVERworld		An inspiring song that cheers on the courage to pursue your dreams
123	Prisoner Of LoveUtada Hikaru		A soul-stirring masterpiece by Hikaru Utada
124	GuildBUMP OF CHICKEN		A masterpiece that questions the meaning of life and evokes deep empathy
125	The True Nature of TearsSUPER BEAVER		A heartwarming song that embraces loneliness and inner conflict
126	Love is litrokudenashi		Carrots and Good-for-Nothings Popular on Social Media
127	SUNHoshino Gen		Gen Hoshino’s refreshing cheer song
128	In the Great Sky and on the Vast EarthMatsuyama Chiharu		A song by Chiharu Matsuyama about the courage to move forward after setbacks
129	Starry NightYuka		The TV drama’s theme song gained popularity and reached No. 1.
130	AlrightNishino Kana		Kana Nishino’s cheer song that encourages people who are doing their best
131	If ISekitori Hana		A message song from Hanarete Sekitori to children
132	RainingCocco		A song of sorrow that seeps into a beautiful heart
133	To you, who’s trying your hardest in the whole worldHARCO		An encouraging song to listen to when your efforts go unrecognized
134	Brand New SunsetHi-STANDARD		A song with English lyrics about masculinity and emotions that resonates with the heart
135	Best Of My LifeSuperfly		The classic song “Best Of My Life” by Superfly
136	JOYYU-KI		YUKI’s song to cheer you on to live joyfully
137	Faithmiwa		An inspiring classic that cheers on a positive heart
138	A bird that cannot flyyuzu		A theme song whose uplifting vocals heal the heart
139	Choo Choo TrainEXILE		EXILE’s heart-stirring masterpiece that sings of courage and freedom
140	late autumnThe Back Horn		A soul’s song that resonates beyond anguish
141	Apply false eyelasheskyarī pamyu pamyu		A transforming girl's positive feelings
142	Song of LoveSutoroberī Furawā		Pikmin commercial song, charming and wistful
143	Family LandscapeHanaregumi		A gentle singing voice and soft guitar soothe the heart.
144	R.Y.U.S.E.ISandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu		The racetrack dance song gained popularity.
145	5/7chilldspot		Portraying life’s changes through birthdays
146	Brand-New Myself: What I Can DoCharcoal Filter		A cheer song to encourage myself, a heartwarming tune
147	OneRIP SLYME		A heartwarming song that asks what is truly important to oneself
148	Anpanman’s Marchdoriimingu		An anime song that resonates with the heart and questions the meaning of life
149	Lost Dog and the Beat of the RainASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION		An anime theme song, a pleasant track that lets you feel the sound of rain.