[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
[Support for the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (121–130)
The Little Bird That Forgot How to FlyMISIA
MISIA’s song overlays the image of a bird so wounded it has forgotten how to fly with the hidden fragility everyone carries in their hearts.
It is said to embody the artist’s own belief that no matter how strong we pretend to be, inside we are as vulnerable as a little bird that has lost its way.
Beginning with a quiet piano and unfolding into majestic strings, the sound itself traces the journey of a heart finding light amid confusion.
The track is included on the million-selling album “KISS IN THE SKY,” released in September 2002, and is widely loved as the theme song for the RPG “Star Ocean: Till the End of Time.” It’s a tale of renewal that, when listened to on nights you feel crushed by your own powerlessness, inspires you to cherish the warm happiness that lies beyond the pain.
Because you are hereUru
A gem of a ballad that sings of deep love and gratitude for someone precious.
Released in February 2020 as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “Ship of Theseus,” it is also included on the album “Orion Blue.” Though clumsy and unable to put feelings into words perfectly, it conveys a heartfelt message that must be expressed, along with gratitude for the person who stays by your side unchanged even in difficult times.
The powerful yet clear vocals brim with warmth, as if gently nestling close to the listener’s heart.
It’s a song you’ll want to send to someone dear who feels lonely due to illness or anxiety, together with the message: “I’m always thinking of you.”
Tears-kun, good morning again today!ano
If you’re struggling with self-confidence and wondering, “Does my existence even have meaning…?”, here’s one song I highly recommend: ano’s ‘Good Morning Again, Mr.
Tears.’ Ano is truly a star of the Reiwa era—there’s hardly a day she isn’t on TV or radio as a talent and musician.
Her distinctive voice and effortless, natural vibe alone can help you breathe a little easier.
The lyrics, which can be read as saying ‘Because there’s music, no one is truly alone,’ are gentle on a heavy heart.
It’s as if ano herself, who helped write the lyrics, seeps through every single word.
Give this track a listen—you’ll surely find courage in it!
NonfictionHirai Ken
This is a gem-like ballad by Ken Hirai that powerfully portrays the profound sorrow of losing a close friend and the struggles of life.
Its tender, moving sound centered on acoustic guitar and Hirai’s rich, lustrous vocals gently envelop the heartfelt longing for someone lost.
In the music video, filmed at an amusement park at night, dancer Takeki Kudo’s striking performance gives visual form to a cry of the soul.
Released in June 2017, the song also drew attention as the theme for TBS’s Sunday drama “Chiisana Kyojin” (A Small Giant).
This work resonates deeply with those grieving the loss of a loved one or standing at a crossroads in life, offering a song that truly stays close to the heart.
[For Your Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (131–140)
Night MusicMrs. GREEN APPLE
A song that gently envelops the solitary moments of facing oneself in the stillness of the night.
The longing to be loved, the desire to convey the pain buried deep within the heart—yet being unable to put it into words…
Such tender, aching emotions are expressed through delicate melodies and a dreamlike soundscape.
Released by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE in January 2024 as the theme song for the film “Silent Love,” the track drew a huge response, surpassing 100 million streams on Billboard Japan.
On nights when you can’t face your own weakness, or when your heart feels like it’s about to break, let this song stay by your side—it will surely bring you solace.
PRIDEImai Miki
A heart-stirring anthem that turns hidden love into pride is delivered by Miki Imai.
Gazing up at the southern night sky, this piece sings of deep affection and resolve for a beloved, a gem of a love song crafted by Tomoyasu Hotei.
It gently speaks of the kindness to forgive one another and the joy of cherishing each other’s individuality, tenderly resonating with listeners’ hearts.
Released in November 1996, it was selected as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Doc,” generating a huge response by topping the Oricon charts for three consecutive weeks.
For those who wish to keep moving forward or who hold thoughts of someone precious close to their heart, it will offer gentle companionship—like a gift from the starry sky.
to clear up (weather)Yorushika
A refreshing song that evokes the arrival of spring, it impresses with n-buna’s masterful word choice and suis’s transparent vocals weaving a richly emotional world.
By depicting the shift in the sky from rain to clear weather, it symbolically expresses the joys and pains of life, as well as hope and despair, making it a track you’ll want to listen to at the change of seasons.
This work was used as the opening theme for the second cour of the TV anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, which began airing in January 2024, and it was also featured in a collaborative web commercial with Suntory’s gin SUI.
Released as a digital single, this song will be a reliable companion when you need a mindset reset or are about to take a new step forward.