[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
- [Moving] Tear-jerking cheer song. A roundup of popular motivational anthems that resonate with the heart!
- For When You Need a Good Cry: Soul-Soothing Tearjerker Classics — Life, Love, and Work
- 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
[For the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage to Listen to When Times Are Tough (111–120)
CrossKamenashi Kazuya
This is a song by Kazuya Kamenashi created as part of a segment on Nippon TV’s sports program “Going! Sports & News,” where it also serves as the theme song.
A key point is that Kamenashi himself wrote the lyrics, which are said to reflect the feelings of athletes he has sensed through his ongoing sports reporting.
The composition is by Tomoyasu Hotei, and its powerful sound—highlighted by his signature guitar tone—conveys the strong will of athletes.
It’s a track that honors the past built by predecessors while expressing a straightforward determination to stride powerfully toward the future.
[Support for the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (121–130)
Until I throw away my dreams and become an adultKasamura Tōta
As time goes by, many people end up letting go of the dreams they once held.
This song portrays the resistance to abandoning those dreams and the determination to realize dreams once lost, conveying a way of facing one’s aspirations.
Through the depiction of the reluctance to give up on a dream in the lyrics, it communicates the difficulty of holding on to dreams and offers a message of encouragement to live authentically.
The wistful, piano-centered sound is another highlight, emphasizing the lyrics’ message while evoking an image of quietly confronting one’s own heart.
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.
A Gentle BallAimer
Set to the strains of a dreamlike waltz, a mysterious tale unfolds on the stage of a nighttime ball.
Aimer’s husky, lustrous voice gracefully paints a fantastical scene bathed in moonlight.
The feelings of a girl who keeps dancing within the fleeting hours of the night, searching for faint memories and traces of the past, will resonate deeply with us as adults.
This piece is included on the single “SCOPE,” released in February 2025, and was newly written for NHK’s “Minna no Uta” broadcasts for February and March.
It’s a song you’ll want to savor at the close of the day, in a quiet room—one that will gently accompany and soothe a heart tired from work.
You Are the InspirationMakihara Noriyuki
My heart gently unravels with the calm resonance of the sound.
This work by Noriyuki Makihara is included on the album “Buppu Label 15th Anniversary ‘Showcase!’,” released in February 2025.
It carries the message, “Simply living honestly and earnestly can be a help to someone,” and combined with Makihara’s warm, delicate vocals, it truly touches the heart.
Try listening to it during a quiet moment while thinking of someone dear to you.
I want to be a woman.Hamano Haruki
This song carries a powerful message that deeply resonates with listeners.
Haruki Hamano’s clear, pure vocals convey the importance of living true to yourself.
Released in January 2024, it’s the third installment of a six-month consecutive release project.
Co-written with producer CHIHIRO, it gives you the courage to walk your own path without worrying about others’ gaze.
You can feel the strength born from overcoming hardship and the determination to live authentically from here on.
When you’ve faced setbacks or want to find yourself again, give it a listen—you’ll surely find the strength to move forward.
lamplightHalf time Old
On mornings when you’re feeling low, you want a song bursting with energy! For you—yes, you—I have just the recommendation: “Tomoshibi” by Half time Old, a rock band formed in 2011 in Nagoya and centered around vocalist Masaharu Kito and guitarist Yuichi Kojika.
With stirring lyrics like “The road isn’t smooth, and we’ll face many setbacks, but what lies beyond is an irreplaceable victory,” this song is sure to blow away any anxiety you have.
The melody is also noteworthy for embracing even those unfamiliar with rock.
If you’re short on time, at least read the lyrics—this is the one track you should check out.