[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
[Supporting the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage to Listen to in Tough Times (151–160)
BremenYorushika
A heartwarming story, inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ “Town Musicians of Bremen,” woven with a light rhythm and bright melody.
Delivered by Yorushika, this work gently speaks to the joy of surrendering yourself to music, free from logic and convention.
Like the story’s protagonists, it teaches us that even if we never arrive at our destination, the journey we share is where meaning truly lies—a gem of a song.
Released digitally in July 2022, it also sparked buzz with its animation-style music video, featuring a strikingly original direction that shows only the feet of eight different characters.
It’s a recommended track for times when your heart feels tired, when you’re unsure about life, or when you want to look ahead and walk forward together with someone.
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.
Unfading TemperatureKotoha
This song by Kotoha, who is active in the HoneyWorks project, features a gentle, translucent voice and delicate piano and string arrangements that tighten the chest.
The grand melody, carefully composed by MIMI, intertwines a bittersweet yearning to reclaim lost time and emotions with a hope that still strives to face forward.
Released in August 2024 and included on the mini-album “Autumn Vox,” it resonates deeply with many people, especially when paired with Kotoha’s emotionally rich vocals.
It’s a warm song that quietly stays by your side when you can’t tell anyone about your pain and feel like you might have to carry it all alone.
LIFEkimaguren
It’s a cheering song that gives you courage when you’re unsure about your way of life and feel like your heart is about to break.
Released in May 2008 as Kimaguren’s second major-label single, this piece is a classic whose refreshing acoustic guitar and the duo’s harmonies resonate deeply.
It warmly portrays people who, even while losing sight of their true selves, keep searching for the meaning of life.
Embracing the sense of difficulty and loneliness that everyone carries, this song offers a chance to reclaim your authentic self.
When you feel on the verge of losing your sense of purpose, it will gently nudge you forward.
Bitter VacationMrs. GREEN APPLE
Released in 2024, this song by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE was chosen as the theme for the film “Saint Young Men THE MOVIE: Holy Men VS the Demon Army.” Set to a gentle melody, its message about the importance of resting well is filled with warmth that quietly supports everyone.
Motoki Omori, the band’s vocalist, has been a fan of the original work since junior high school, and he approached the songwriting with deep affection for and understanding of the piece.
For those who tend to overwork themselves in their busy daily lives, or who wish to find a bit more calm in their hearts, this song will surely offer a lovely moment of healing.
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.
[For Your Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (161–170)
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.