[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
[For the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage to Listen to When Times Are Tough (111–120)
REALiZELiSA
“REALiZE,” the theme song for the Japanese-dubbed version of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
It’s a straightforward rock tune that highlights LiSA’s sharp, powerful vocals.
The high-speed number vividly conjures images of Spider-Man soaring through the air, and just listening to it feels like a great way to blow off steam.
The guitar riffs ringing to the rhythm, the hefty, dynamic sound, and the catchy melody all feel great—and it’s perfect for karaoke, too!
[Support for the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (121–130)
Footsteps ~ Be StrongMr.Children
Mr.Children is a four-piece rock band that has become a monster act everyone knows in the J-POP scene.
Their 35th single, Footsteps ~Be Strong, used as the theme song for the film Nobunaga Concerto, is a powerful ballad that conveys a passionate message.
Its lyrics encourage and support hearts worn out from trying too hard, giving us the courage to stand up again and pursue our dreams.
It’s an emotional number whose vocals, gentle yet strong, stir the spirit.
guidelinesUru
I also recommend Kokoroe, which gently affirms failures and tough experiences.
This song was written by Uru specifically for the drama “Kazama Kokin — Kyōjō 0 —.” While reflecting the drama’s worldview, it conveys the message that failures and painful experiences later become assets.
Combined with his beautiful vocals, listening to it is sure to soothe your heart.
And later in the song, lyrics appear that give you another push forward, so you’ll finish listening with a positive mindset.
It’s a wonderful motivational song that refreshes you and helps you stay optimistic.
Asakusa KidBīto Takeshi
Beat Takeshi, a singer who led the manzai comedy boom of the 1980s and has also flourished as a film director and actor.
The title track of his fourth album, Asakusa Kid, is also known as a song for which Beat Takeshi himself wrote the lyrics and composed the music.
Its lyrics, which let you feel a glimmer of hope amid harsh realities, carry a wistfulness and persuasiveness that perhaps only someone who has been hurt and tasted failure could convey.
It’s a number I want you to listen to when you need one more push—one that gives you the courage to keep walking the path you’re on.
FlowerNaka Kousuke
It’s a song that quietly stays close to the hearts of those who are hurt and gently tells them that simply being alive is wonderful.
The grand sound incorporating strings and Takashi Nakagawa’s uniquely resonant voice create a compelling sense that speaks directly to the heart.
The focus isn’t only on the beauty of flowers; it also clearly portrays the strength of rooting yourself in the earth and living with resilience.
While tenderly accompanying the heart, it straightforwardly delivers the power to stay true to yourself and take a step forward.
Because you can do it someday, you can do it today.Nogizaka 46
Nogizaka46 is an idol group that debuted as AKB48’s official rival and has since become the leading force among the subsequent Sakamichi groups.
Their 19th single, “Itsuka Dekiru Kara Kyou Dekiru,” which has multiple tie-ins including the theme song for the film Asahinagu, likely has a title that will jolt anyone who tends to put things off.
Its lyrics remind us of the importance of seeing through what we decide to do, becoming the drive to chase dreams we were on the verge of giving up on.
With crystalline vocals and a pop ensemble that lifts your spirits, it’s a comfortable, upbeat tune.
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.