[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
[Supporting the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (81–90)
Pride RevolutionCHiCO with HoneyWorks
CHiCO with HoneyWorks, a collaboration unit between a singer and a creator team, has earned widespread popularity.
Their third single, Pride Kakumei, which was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Gintama, boosts your spirits with vocals tuned to a rock sound and a high-velocity ensemble.
Its lyrics teach you to face what truly matters, regardless of your current abilities, giving you the courage to overcome any obstacle.
It’s a heart-stirring rock tune that powerfully encourages you when you feel like you’re about to break.
The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP
A song that gently embraces people’s hearts was released by SMAP.
It warmly accepts the feelings shared by anyone troubled by competition or comparison with others, and carries a message that affirms living in a way that’s true to yourself.
Written and composed by Noriyuki Makihara in less than an hour, the piece has been cherished as an anthem that celebrates the beauty of each person’s individuality.
Since its release in March 2003, it topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and reached a total shipment of 3.23 million copies.
It was also used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Boku no Ikiru Michi” (The Way I Live), resonating with many.
It’s a timeless song to listen to when you feel you’re losing sight of your own worth or when you want to take a new step forward.
FlowerFuji Kaze
“Hana,” the theme song for the drama ‘Ichiban Suki na Hana,’ was released in 2023 by singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze, whose genre-defying appeal has been drawing attention.
It features a warm melody centered on lively piano tones.
The song unfolds a one-of-a-kind worldview that likens life to a flower.
Riding on a rhythmic band arrangement, his cool vocals still convey gentleness and compassion.
With a touch of poetic charm, it’s a song that explores the theme of living true to oneself.
Even so, onlymiwa
Filled with kindness and compassion, this song warms the heart.
It was released digitally in February 2024 as the ending theme for the NTV Sunday drama “Kitchen no Alice.” Miwa’s clear, translucent vocals gently convey the importance of human connection.
The piece reflects the perspective of the protagonist Alice, who is on the autism spectrum, as well as the feelings of those around her, teaching us not to carry everything alone but to reach out and connect with someone.
It’s especially recommended for those who are hurting or struggling with relationships.
With miwa’s voice by your side, you’ll likely feel your heart gradually begin to heal.
No way I’m going to cry.ikimonogakari
Ikimonogakari, who boast a wide range of hit tunes from lyrical ballads to upbeat pop numbers.
Their 16th single “Nakumonka,” used as the theme song for the film Nakumonka and in the Hataraku-iku commercials, is memorable for its straightforward vocals carried by acoustic guitar.
Its warm lyrics, which seem to wrap around a wounded heart, may give you the courage to stand up again when times are tough.
It’s a song whose sentimental melody gives you a push forward and supports you when your spirit feels like it might break.
possibilitySambomasutā
This song was the theme for the movie “Flying Colors” (Biri Gyaru).
It ties in with the film’s story and powerfully pushes you forward with a message of “Don’t give up!!” The appeal of Sambomaster’s lyrics is that no matter how beautiful the words are, they never come off as hypocritical or shallow—they carry warmth and strong conviction.
It’s a supportive anthem filled with kindness and love, one I want you to listen to when you’ve experienced setbacks and feel like your heart is about to break.
[For Your Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (91–100)
Live in the present.Saucy Dog
There are times when you might wish to go back to the past or feel anxious about the future.
In those moments, I recommend listening to Live in the Present.
It’s a song Saucy Dog wrote specifically as the support anthem for the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
It sings about three timelines—the past, the present, and the future—and reminds us that the only thing we can do is give our best right now.
With its sense of speed and drive, it’s perfect for pumping yourself up before practice or whenever you want to raise your energy.
