[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 Your Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (131–140)
heartbeat soundMiura Daichi
Created as the official TEAM JAPAN cheer song for the Paris Olympics, this track uses athletes’ heartbeats as its theme to express the effort built up second by second over a lifetime and the challenges that lie ahead.
Daichi Miura’s powerful vocals and beats resonate with the athletes’ racing hearts and move the listener.
Fencer Kazuyasu Minobe and gymnast Daiki Hashimoto have both said the song is a great source of encouragement.
Released digitally in July 2024, this single is perfect for anyone about to take a step toward a new challenge.
It will surely give you a push forward.
RE:I AMAimer
A grand rock ballad by Aimer that sings of the pain of loss everyone experiences in life, and the strength to keep looking forward.
Her voice, which reaches deep into the listener’s heart, fervently conveys a call to a precious person who has been lost.
While dealing with heavy themes such as war and parting, it leaves a strong impression with its stance of finding hope in the small lights that exist in everyday life.
Released in March 2013, the song peaked at No.
6 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It was used as the ending theme for OVA Mobile Suit Gundam UC episode 6, and as the opening theme for episode 18 of Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn RE:0096.
This is a song that offers comfort and support to those who have lost someone dear and are on the verge of losing their sense of purpose in life.
gardenFuji Kaze
A gem of a song by Fujii Kaze that gently portrays the impermanence of life through the changing seasons, accompanied by soothing, comforting sounds.
Just like the shifting seasons, life is a drama woven from meetings and farewells, and there are moments when our hearts feel like they might break.
Yet this work whispers that every experience becomes an irreplaceable garden that enriches us.
Released in March 2022 on the album “LOVE ALL SERVE ALL,” it was also featured as the TV commercial song for Nature Lab’s “Laundrin.” It will gently stand by those who are suffering, feeling lonely, or on the verge of breaking.
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.
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.
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.
Family SongHoshino Gen
Set to a heartwarming melody, this masterpiece gently sings about the small joys of everyday life and the connections between people.
Gen Hoshino delicately depicts scenes like morning light and windowsills, as if capturing familiar moments within a family.
Its message—embracing bonds that go beyond blood ties and accepting the diversifying forms of family with warmth—resonates deep within.
Released in August 2017, the song was used as the theme for the Nippon TV drama “Overprotected Kahoko” and reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Its distinctive sound, which skillfully incorporates elements of late-1960s to early-1970s soul music, is another draw.
It’s a gem that stays close to the feeling of wishing happiness for someone important to you, so why not listen to it in a quiet moment alone? Its gentle sound may even move you to tears.