[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
[Supporting the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage to Listen to in Tough Times (151–160)
Only on nights when I want to dieAina ji Endo
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.
rayBUMP OF CHICKEN
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.
When it shinesHitsuji Bungaku
Life and death, light and darkness, eternity and impermanence.
By portraying opposing worlds, this song by Hitsujibungaku brings out the beauty of life.
It features a powerful message that resonates with those who are on the verge of losing hope, along with a gently enveloping sound.
Released digitally in January 2022, it was written as the opening theme for the TV anime The Heike Story.
It stands beside those who strive to look forward even in suffering or who are searching for the meaning of life, softly speaking to the dignity of never giving up.
If you call it loveUru
A gem-like ballad by Uru that leaves a strong impression as it reflects on a relationship with a precious person that was on the verge of being lost.
It served as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “My Family” and was released in June 2022.
The song conveys a resolve to recognize past mistakes and restore bonds, as well as the strength that arises precisely because there is something to protect.
Centered on a simple, piano-led arrangement interwoven with strings, it resonates deeply with listeners’ emotions.
It is a gentle piece that quietly stays by your side when you feel you might lose sight of what matters in life or when you’re hoping to mend a relationship with someone.
Super BallTOMOO
A message song from TOMOO that carries the resolve to live without losing a sincere heart, even while bearing the bitterness and conflicts of adulthood.
It’s a warm track that urges listeners to free a mind that tends to turn inward when trying to live earnestly, and to cherish their true selves.
Featured on the album “TWO MOON” and released in September 2023, the song was also chosen as the theme for the news program ABEMA Prime.
Its bold piano arrangement and TOMOO’s expansive vocals leave a strong impression, and in early 2024, it was selected as the No.
1 Best Song of the Year by music producer Junji Ishiwatari on the TV show Kanjam Kanzen Nen SHOW.
It’s a deeply affecting, emotional song to listen to when you’re tired of everyday life or feel like you’re losing yourself.
pure whiteFuji Kaze
Set to a bossa nova–styled rhythm and the warm sound of acoustic guitar, this emo-tinged track seeps gently into the heart with its calm, tender vocals.
While singing of pure feelings and a longing for an innocent heart, the lyrics portray the unavoidable farewells and the process of growth in life, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released in February 2025, the song was written specifically for I LOHAS’s new commercial, “Surely Tomorrow Will Feel Just Right,” and is marked by a fresh, natural atmosphere.
Kaze Fujii, who has studied piano since childhood, has earned high acclaim for his albums HELP EVER HURT NEVER and LOVE ALL SERVE ALL.
It’s a recommended listen for quiet moments or when you want to gather your thoughts.
[For Your Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (161–170)
NakedSPYAIR
It’s a powerful, message-driven song that stresses the importance of being your true self while facing life’s loneliness and hardship.
Even as it wrestles with the distance between oneself and others, its forward-looking attitude—gradually opening one’s heart—leaves a strong impression.
It’s a rock track that makes full use of a band sound, with SPYAIR’s signature, forceful performance and vocals that resonate deeply.
Released in September 2012, this work served as the lead single for the album “Just Do It” and was also used as the ending theme for the Nippon TV show “Futtonda.” It encourages you to accept yourself as you are and gives you the courage to take a new step forward.