[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 Your Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (131–140)
The True Nature of TearsSUPER BEAVER
This song gently seeps into the heart, delicately portraying the inner conflicts and emotional fluctuations that people carry.
In this work from SUPER BEAVER, the tender vocals and warm melody line express the loneliness everyone experiences and the feelings we hold inside, wrapping them in kindness.
It tells us that tears are not a sign of weakness, but rather something precious that helps us understand and accept ourselves.
Released in January 2025, it was written as the theme song for the NHK General TV drama “Vanilla na Mainichi.” The song is used strikingly within the show, carrying significant meaning for the story’s protagonist.
It’s the perfect track for those who are trying to overcome painful experiences or want to face their own emotions—an ideal song for when you need a good cry.
Live!kocchi no kento
For those whose spirits are broken and who are feeling down, I recommend “Don’t Die!” This is a work by Kentsu, the singer and younger brother of Masaki Suda.
The lyrics are crafted to encourage people who are on the verge of losing the will to live, using powerful words.
At the same time, the sound has a jazzy, pop vibe, which keeps it from feeling too heavy—that’s part of its charm.
Pay attention to the words thrown at you at the end as you listen.
It’s sure to help you feel more positive.
road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)GReeeeN
This song, which delivers a message filled with hope and courage, is GReeeeN’s major-label debut, released in January 2007.
It’s an encouragement anthem that stands beside those facing life’s hardships.
The simple yet powerful melody blends perfectly with the relatable lyrics, giving listeners the courage to take a step toward the future.
When you need the bravery to take a step toward tomorrow, listening to this song will surely give you the strength to face forward.
Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism
It’s a song that blends a heart-wrenching sense of longing with the strength to rise again and again.
This work portrays someone who, battered and bruised, holds the bond with their friends close to their heart, defies fate, and vows revenge.
Released in May 2021, the track is the theme song for the hugely popular TV anime Tokyo Revengers, so many of you may have heard it.
Its musical boldness was highly praised, earning the “Video of the Year” at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan.
When you’re taking on a challenge and feel like your spirit might break, listening to it will surely give you a strong push forward.
voiceHitsuji Bungaku
This is a softly impressioned song centered on acoustic guitar, where rock sounds blend with a beautiful sense of atmosphere to create something pleasing to the ear.
Written as an anthem for people who keep looking forward even as they face an inescapable fate, it gently embraces the courage to live alongside the doubts and pain within our hearts.
Written by Hitsujibungaku in January 2025, the song has been chosen as the theme for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama “119 Emergency Call.” For the band—who previously handled the ending theme for the TV anime “Jujutsu Kaisen”—this marks their first theme song for a Monday 9 p.m.
drama.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on nights when you feel lonely or anxious.
It gives you the courage to face your own weaknesses and will surely nudge you toward taking a step into tomorrow.
It’s also a song that gently supports those who struggle to put their feelings for someone important into words.
Wild at Heartarashi
This is the song that gives me courage when I’m feeling down or low on energy.
Its powerful message—life only happens once, so let’s laugh, cry, and move forward with everything we’ve got; let’s walk our own path without being bound by rules made by someone else—rings in the heart over a bright rock sound.
Released in March 2012, it’s also well known as the theme song for the drama Lucky Seven starring Jun Matsumoto.
With first-week sales of 550,000 copies, it’s a classic that has energized many people.
When you want to give something your all, this lucky song gives you a gentle push forward.
Sora-buneTOKIO
This is a soul-stirring rock number written and composed by singer-songwriter Miyuki Nakajima.
The lyrics, themed around the voyage called life, strikingly urge you not to be swept along by others but to carve out your future by your own will.
Released in August 2006, the song became widely known as the theme for the drama “My Boss My Hero” starring Tomoya Nagase.
Its indomitable message is sure to give a powerful push to anyone facing a wall.
When your heart is close to breaking, listening to it will give you the courage to stand up again—a true anthem of encouragement for life.