[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 When Times Are Tough (141–150)
The holeKing Gnu
A ballad that gently accompanies those carrying loneliness, loss, and wounded hearts.
It begins with a serene piano melody, then unfolds into a deeply poignant soundscape woven from strings and reverb-laden drums.
The lyrics, crafted by Daiki Tsuneta, express profound empathy for people bearing emotional scars and a powerful desire to protect the ones they love.
The music video, directed by filmmaker Takuya Uchiyama, beautifully portrays the shifting dynamics of a couple’s love.
When you want to take time alone to face yourself, or when your heart feels unsettled, this work offers quiet healing along with deep resonance.
If you laugh at the skywacci
A heartwarming anthem that tenderly portrays the bonds formed with friends in youth, it resonates deeply and offers courage to overcome hardship while standing beside young people who can’t always face straight ahead.
Released by wacci in July 2018, the song drew attention as the support anthem for the “Japan Tsunagaru Project” segment on Fuji TV’s “Mezamashi TV.” Included on the album Kanjo Hyakkei (“A Hundred Views of Emotion”), its driving melody gently pushes forward those standing at life’s crossroads.
It’s a song we especially recommend to anyone striving to move ahead—despite doubts and anxieties—while supporting one another with their friends.
Happinessarashi
It’s an uplifting anthem whose message—keep looking ahead and seize the future with your own two feet—truly resonates.
The bright guitar sound and exhilarating brass arrangement energize listeners.
Released as an Arashi single in September 2007, it was also used as the theme song for the drama “Yamada Taro Monogatari.” It’s a recommended track for anyone feeling anxious about a new chapter in life or wanting to take a step toward their dreams.
As you listen, you’ll find the courage to boldly move forward welling up inside you.
[Supporting the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage to Listen to in Tough Times (151–160)
countrysideTamaki Kōji
A heartwarming, soul-stirring masterpiece filled with encouragement for those burdened by fatigue and worries.
Drawing from his own experience overcoming mental instability, Koji Tamaki carefully portrays the inner cries that everyone carries.
Released in July 1996 as his 11th solo single, it was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Coach.” That same year, he made his first appearance at the 47th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, where his performance deeply moved viewers at the time.
Highly recommended for anyone feeling lost or anxious in life, or for those who want to encourage someone dear to them.
from hereSixTONES
Even if life is ordinary, let’s keep looking forward and moving ahead without giving up.
That passionate message stands out in SixTONES’ track.
Released in June 2023, the song fuses hip-hop and breakbeats into a powerful sound, over which all six members deliver heartfelt rap verses.
Chosen as the theme song for the NTV Sunday drama “However, There Is Passion,” it topped the Oricon weekly singles chart.
The music video became a massive hit, surpassing 100 million views in September 2023.
When you feel like stopping in front of a wall, listening to this song will surely give you the courage to take a new step.
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.
If you wish for a miracle…JUJU
This is a ballad by JUJU that gently stays close to you when you’re facing illness or harsh realities.
It portrays, along with a beautiful melody, the importance of a smile that brings happiness even amid deep sorrow, and the preciousness of living positively.
Released in November 2006, the song was used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s Drama 24 series “Cupid’s Pranks: Niji-dama” and in a SUBARU commercial.
It is also included on the album “Wonderful Life,” and has become one of JUJU’s signature works.
This piece softly lights a warm glow in the hearts of those grieving the loss of a loved one or feeling anxious as they confront illness.
It meets each listener’s experiences and emotions with compassion and will surely become a source of support.