A soothing song. A heart-calming tune you’ll want to listen to when you’re tired or feeling down.
No matter how hard you try every day or how positive you are, there are times when an accident or setback brings you down.
At times like that, why not let the power of music ease your mind, even just a little?
Rather than songs that hit you with a jolt of courage, I’ve picked ones that gently stay by your side and seep into your heart.
When you’re tired, take your time, listen closely, and let yourself calm down.
May your heart feel even a little lighter, and may you return to your bright, energetic self.
Healing songs: soothing tracks to listen to when you're tired or feeling down (1–10)
The sun will rise somewhereMrs. GREEN APPLE
This song by the hugely popular band Mrs.
GREEN APPLE is one I really want you to listen to when you’re feeling down! It’s especially recommended for those who are working hard toward their dreams and goals.
Even if you set a goal and give it your all, there are times along the way when things don’t go well, when it’s tough, and you feel like giving up.
When you get discouraged like that, you might feel lost about what to do next, you might cry, or you might feel close to quitting.
This song embraces all those painful feelings, and just like its title says, “Somewhere, the Sun Rises,” it gives us courage.
I don’t think there’s any other song that stays by your side when you’re down quite like this one.
I wonder if it will be sunny tomorrow.Kuwata Keisuke
This song, which left a deep impression on me as the theme for the drama “Operation Love,” really strikes a chord with Keisuke Kuwata’s sexy yet heartrending vocals.
Its warmth feels like it quietly nestles close to you when you’re feeling down—that’s part of its charm.
Looking at the lyrics, they carry a message that inspires us: a yearning for a beautiful past, hope for the future, and encouragement to keep living without giving up on the present.
When you listen to this song, you’ll feel like you can hang in there just a little longer!
A Naked Heartaimyon
Aimyon, who enjoys popularity regardless of gender, is someone whose songs you hear somewhere every day.
Her track “Hadaka no Kokoro” (“Naked Heart”) is also widely loved as the theme song for the drama “My Housekeeper Nagisa-san,” starring Mikako Tabe.
It’s a heartrending song packed with the timid, anxious feelings we have about love.
Though it’s a love song, its gentle melody and poignant lyrics can bring tears to your eyes even if you’re not in love—especially when you’re feeling fragile.
It makes you want to face your true feelings—your genuine, “naked” heart.
foxtail grassRADWIMPS
Many of you have probably heard this song, which was also used in Kirin’s Gogo-no-Kocha (Afternoon Tea) commercial.
Written around the theme of “the happiness beside you,” it’s a track that gently stays close to those who are feeling down.
When we’re low, we tend to think negatively and find it hard to feel “happiness.” We overlook the small happiness that’s always nearby—what an incredible waste that is.
This soothing, comforting song helps you notice those little everyday joys and the moments we’re grateful for.
Fukuwarai (a traditional Japanese “lucky laugh” face-making game)Takahashi Yuu
Even when it comes to songs you want to listen to when you’re feeling down, there are the ones that give you a jolt of encouragement and the ones that gently stay by your side.
But Hiroyuki Takahashi’s “Fukuwarai” seems to have both: it lifts you up while soothing you—a strong yet gentle song.
The Door to TomorrowNEW!I WiSH
Released in February 2003, this was I WiSH’s debut single and became widely loved as the theme song for Fuji TV’s program “Ainori.” Ai’s clear, soaring vocals and Nao’s warm piano tones gently embrace a weary heart.
Its worldview, which portrays the feeling of taking small steps forward and the faint stirrings of love, will quietly stay by your side on nights when you pause after pushing yourself too hard in daily life.
It’s a recommended number for moments when you want to ease your mind’s tension and surrender yourself to its crystalline, transparent melody.
If I could hum at dawnKamishiraishi Mone
This song by Mone Kamishiraishi, which was broadcast on NHK Minna no Uta starting in April 2020, was written by Yoshiki Mizuno of Ikimonogakari.
Imagined with the themes of embracing diversity and joining hands, the song prompts us to reflect on what true human kindness really is.
Mone Kamishiraishi’s pure, translucent voice resonates in listeners’ hearts and brings healing—such a song.
In the age of COVID, many things are difficult, but genuine human kindness is all the more important.
