[Support for the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough
In life, tough and painful times are bound to come, and you’ll likely experience major setbacks as well.
In those moments, many people find it hard to carry everything alone, yet don’t quite feel like talking to someone either.
At times like that, letting music gently stay by your side is something I recommend.
In this article, I’ve gathered songs that can give you strength when you’re going through hard times.
From timeless classics to the latest hits, I’ve picked a variety—so please find the support song that’s just for you.
- [For those doing their best] A comforting song to listen to when you're tired of life
- [Songs to Listen to When You Want to Die] I want to disappear... A song to support you who feel that way
- Timeless songs that stay close to your heart when times are tough. Uplifting tracks with gentle lyrics that really sink in.
- [Songs Portraying Strong Women] Positive Tracks to Listen to When You’re Feeling Discouraged
- Take the first step!! Songs that give you courage, songs that make you persevere when you listen
- [Dark Songs] A carefully curated selection of deeply dark tracks and heartbreaking songs that accompany you in tough times
- Songs to listen to when you’re feeling down! Tracks that boost your self-confidence
- For When You Need a Good Cry: Soul-Soothing Tearjerker Classics — Life, Love, and Work
- [Deeply Moving] A Tear-Jerking Cheer Song: Popular Inspirational Anthems That Resonate with the Heart
- Timeless songs that sing of hopes and dreams. Masterpieces that lead those who strive toward the future.
- A famous song about setbacks. A song that stays by your side when times are tough or you feel like giving up.
- [Today's Cheer Song] To everyone giving it your all! A gem of an inspiring anthem that resonates with the heart
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
[Sustaining the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage to Listen to in Tough Times (71–80)
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.
I don’t mind being unhappy for the rest of my life.mafumafu
A song that startles you for a moment with its opening lyrics is, in fact, filled with hope.
Many people have surely been moved by the message delivered through Mafumafu’s distinctive singing voice.
When you’re having a hard time and listen to this track, you can cry your heart out and sink into your feelings—and once you’ve hit bottom, you’ll feel a little lighter, ready to start walking again.
If something happens that makes you feel like, “I’ll never recover…,” try entrusting your heart to this piece.
Its lyrics, full of kindness and compassion, will surely wrap around your wounded heart.
Released after about a year-long hiatus from June 2022, this song reflects Mafumafu’s own experiences.
spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota
This song features a warm, gently enveloping melody and delicate lyrics that sink into the heart.
With vivid imagery of nature woven throughout, it tenderly expresses feelings for loved ones and hopes for tomorrow.
Tota’s clear, transparent vocals resonate as if to stay close to those feeling anxious, kindling a light of hope.
Released in February 2023, the track received heavy rotation on 37 radio and CS stations nationwide.
It also drew attention as a tie-in song for Kanro’s “Pure Gummy” web commercial.
When you or someone important to you is feeling anxious due to illness, don’t carry it all alone—let yourself be touched by gentle feelings.
This is a supportive song that quietly stays by your side when your heart feels unsteady.
[Supporting the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (81–90)
leap day personRADWIMPS
Known as the theme song for the film “The Last 10 Years,” this track resonates deep within the heart.
With their one-of-a-kind lyrics and melodies, RADWIMPS portray both human fragility and strength, prompting listeners to reflect on the meaning of life.
This work is an encouraging anthem that gently stays by your side when you’re feeling down and gives you strength.
The story where the emotions of Maeri and Kazuto intersect teaches us the preciousness of life, making it an unforgettable masterpiece once heard.
Released in March 2022, be sure to listen to this song when you’re going through tough times or need support.
Voice of Lifetuki.
An emotional rock ballad that powerfully sings of inner conflict with strong vocals.
Released digitally in May 2025, it was featured as an insert song in the Nippon TV drama “Caster.” Written and composed by tuki.
himself, it delves deeply into the meaning of existence and what it means to live, with “voice” and “life” as its central themes—just as the title suggests.
The bittersweet arrangement centered on acoustic guitar and piano is particularly striking.
When you feel lost on your path, this song might be the one to support you.
Bridge of Gloryyuzu
This song portrays the hardships and setbacks in life, and the journey of overcoming them to grasp hope.
It beautifully expresses the light that awaits beyond tears no one sees and the sweat shed in silence, woven with melodies and words that deeply resonate with listeners.
Released by Yuzu in July 2004, the song was chosen as NHK’s official theme for the Athens Olympics, and, together with the moment the men’s gymnastics team won gold, it became etched in the memories of many.
Loved as a cheer song for everyone striving toward their goals, it continues to offer support: to those taking steady steps toward their dreams and to those confronting the walls before them.
As a piece that accompanies the important moments of life, it delivers a powerful, heartfelt message that truly resonates.
GloriousBE:FIRST
BE:FIRST is a seven-member boy group formed through an audition hosted by music producer SKY-HI.
Their fifth digital single, “Glorious,” was selected as the support song for the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
Its message—that while pursuing your dreams and goals can be tough, there’s something to be gained beyond the hardships—offers powerful encouragement not only in sports but to anyone who keeps striving.
It’s an emotional power song with a grand ensemble that will move your heart.
