[Support for the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough

It’s okaywacci

wacci “Daijoubu” Music Video

This is a heartwarming medium-tempo ballad by wacci that gently conveys the importance of embracing both tears and smiles as the colors of life.

Written and composed by member Yohei Hashiguchi, it carefully weaves the deep feelings embedded in the everyday phrase “daijoubu” (“It’s okay”).

Released in August 2015, the song was used as the theme for the TBS drama 37.5°C no Namida.

While life presents many challenges, it reminds us that the process of overcoming them and growing is itself an irreplaceable time.

It’s a warm song that offers sincere words of encouragement to those who may feel ashamed of showing vulnerability or tend to carry burdens alone.

Only on nights when I want to dieAina ji Endo

Aina the End – Only on Nights When I Want to Die [Official Music Video]

This is a heartwarming song that delicately portrays how the smile of someone precious comes to mind in moments when your heart feels like it might break amid an unremarkably passing everyday life.

Aina the End wrote and composed the song, with production by Shingo Sekiguchi of Ovall.

Her quietly companionable husky voice blends exquisitely with the warm acoustic sound.

Written in February 2020 as the ending theme for the MBS/TBS drama “Shinitai Yoru ni Kagitte” (“Only on the Nights I Want to Die”), Aina the End—who was a fan of the original work—carefully captured the story’s worldview.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you feel lonely, hopeless, or on the verge of breaking.

The presence of someone dear, and the warmth of shared memories, will surely become a source of support for your heart.

MindsetKamikita Ken

Ken Kamikita “Kokorowake” Music Video

A ballad that evokes deep empathy, woven from tranquil acoustic guitar and delicate vocals.

In this piece, Ken Kamikita turns inward, expressing the emotions and conflicts that lie deep within his heart.

It portrays a heartfelt plea to have one’s existence acknowledged, the anxiety and confusion of searching for the meaning of life, and the complex state of finding a kind of solace in the world’s indifference.

Released in April 2017 on the mini-album “LAYERED” and unveiled alongside a concept book, the work drew attention as an ambitious project that fused music and literature.

When you face hardship and feel on the verge of losing your sense of purpose, this song will stay close to your heart and give you the courage to confront yourself.

Family SongHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Family Song (Official Video)

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.

waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)Fuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Michi Teyu Ku (Overflowing) / Official Video

A song by Fujii Kaze that quietly seeps into the heart with a deep longing for a loved one.

It also drew attention as the theme song for the film “April, Come She Will,” starring Takeru Satoh.

The gently played piano tones and the warmly enveloping vocals resonate as if releasing the burdens that have piled up in the heart.

It beautifully depicts that all things come to an end, and the process of lightening and fulfilling the heart by letting go of attachment.

Imbued with a message like a guiding signpost, this work will surely stay close to those struggling with illness or anxiety and kindle a warm light in their hearts.

rayBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN「ray」

A gem of a song woven from lyrics that resonate deeply and a beautiful melody.

It delicately portrays the gap between ideals and reality and the longing for a lost love, while also conveying the strength to accept sorrow and face forward.

Included on the album RAY released in March 2014, this track symbolizes BUMP OF CHICKEN’s new musical ambitions.

A collaborative version with Hatsune Miku was also produced, and the music video—featuring the world’s first real-time performance together—drew significant attention.

It’s a powerful encouragement song that stands by you at life’s crossroads, in those moments when your heart wavers, and comes highly recommended.

GuildBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN "Guild"

A masterpiece that deeply questions the meaning of life and one’s own worth has been making waves.

The ballad released by BUMP OF CHICKEN in November 2006 is a work that expresses the self by likening life to a “job.” Its meticulously crafted guitar riffs and delicate vocals weave a melody that gently stays with the listener, evoking profound empathy.

The piece was also developed as a puppet-theater DVD, with band members serving as voice actors, expanding its world beyond music.

This is a song especially for those searching for what it means to live true to themselves, or for anyone feeling worn out by daily life.