[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 to Listen to When Times Are Tough (31–40)
Our Futureieiri reo
Leo Ieiri’s “Our Future” is perfect for anyone aiming for a radiant future together with someone.
Even the melody sparkles, giving the sense that a shining future is within reach.
It was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Omukae Desu,” starring Sota Fukushi.
There are things you can’t overcome alone, but with someone precious by your side, you may be able to overcome them together and reach the next stage.
No matter how many times you stumble on the way to that glittering future, you’ll be okay as long as that special person is with you.
That’s the feeling this song inspires.
If this song becomes something precious to you, you couldn’t ask for a more powerful ally!
At all times.Makihara Noriyuki
Singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara has continued to create countless masterpieces that have left their mark on Japanese music history.
His overwhelming melodic sense, a gentle voice that slips softly into the listener’s heart, and lyrics that avoid convoluted turns of phrase while evoking vivid scenes and delicate psychology—all of these elements draw deep empathy from many people.
However you look at it, Makihara’s talent as a musician is universally recognized.
His early smash hit released in 1991, the timeless standard “Donna Toki mo” (“Anytime”), is a perfect example: it has a quietly encouraging power that helps us overcome the difficulties and pain we face in everyday life.
Staying true to the ideal of living as your authentic self is incredibly hard, but this song seems to offer hints for finding the strength to keep looking forward, even amid doubt.
Letter ~To You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki
A song made from a letter a 15-year-old wrote to their future self and a reply letter the grown-up self wrote back to their younger self.
It’s Angela Aki’s smash hit that gained widespread popularity after being aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” Since its 2008 release, it has continued to be sung by many students as a graduation song.
The track was created based on an actual letter Angela Aki received that was written by her 15-year-old self.
Its straightforward words, drawn from real experience, resonate with many and serve as a song of salvation for young people struggling through hardship.
SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE
This is a ballad by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE that powerfully sings of the preciousness of life and the strength of hope.
Its gentle melody, which prompts you to reflect on your love for someone dear and the meaning of living, stays close to the heart.
Released in November 2022, the song was chosen as the theme for the film “From Siberia With Love,” starring Kazunari Ninomiya and Keiko Kitagawa.
In resonance with the film’s worldview, it conveys the importance of holding on to hope no matter the circumstances.
It’s a song that quietly stands by those facing illness or anxiety, and by anyone who wants to encourage someone they cherish.
No matter how smallwacci
This song is characterized by its warm vocals and touching lyrics.
Released in October 2024, it drew attention as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “After-school Chart.” With a gentle, wacci-like melody layered with the vocalist’s delicate voice, it leaves you feeling subtly soothed as you listen.
The lyrics depict small joys and struggles found in everyday life, carrying a message focused on personal growth.
It’s a track that will surely give you courage when you’re feeling down or have lost confidence.
[For Supporting the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (41–50)
YellKobukuro
A highly recommended Kobukuro song for anyone who’s stumbled a little or feels lost.
As their major-label debut, this track truly delivers encouragement to listeners—just like its title suggests.
The place where you’re standing still now, the place where you’re unsure, can be seen as a starting line toward your next step.
If you keep your head up and keep walking with that mindset, someday your hopes will be realized, and you’ll be able to help someone too.
Listening to this song will fill you with that kind of hope!
Love is litrokudenashi
A heart-stirring ballad by Rokudenashi that delicately sings of loneliness and anxiety over a simple piano tone.
Ninzin’s clear, translucent voice shines like a warm light on the heart.
Released in February 2023, this song is a collaboration with Vocaloid producer MIMI and is also included on the album “Ai ni Saku Hana.” It’s a piece that reaches out to those who can’t bring themselves to love themselves or others, who are held back by old wounds, and who carry a quiet sadness.
When you’re burdened by feelings you can’t tell anyone, or overcome by deep solitude, it will gently encourage you right by your ear.