[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
[For the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage to Listen to When Times Are Tough (31–40)
stepsGReeeeN
GReeeeN has captured the hearts of many with their straightforward lyrics and catchy melodies.
This song directly expresses the worries everyone carries and the inner conflict you feel when you try something new and hit a high wall, while also singing about the strength to take a step forward anyway.
Even when you feel like you can’t move ahead, it makes you believe that what you’re doing now isn’t pointless.
It’s a song that will rally you when things aren’t going your way and you’re feeling negative.
I believeayaka
It was released in 2006 as Ayaka’s debut single.
The song was chosen as the theme for the TBS drama “Rondo” and reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It also drew attention when Ayaka’s close friend, figure skater Miki Ando, used it for her exhibition program in the 2006–2007 season.
It’s a song that gives you the courage to believe in yourself and keep moving forward.
365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48
It was produced as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Asa ga Kita,” and it also drew attention as the first AKB48 song in which Sayaka Yamamoto served as the center.
It’s a gentle, soothing track that teaches us that the effort put in is more important than the result.
Everyday lifeOfisharu Higedan Dism
“Nichijou” (“Everyday Life”) evokes scenes from the daily routines that pass by as if they were a matter of course.
It was released in 2023 by Official HIGE DANDism, a band active on the Reiwa-era J-pop scene.
The song portrays people confronting the anxiety and loneliness that come with work-filled days while struggling to live their best.
Its medium-tempo band arrangement and warm melody leave a strong impression.
It’s a track imbued with a gentle message that comforts listeners who are exhausted from trying so hard and find themselves letting out a weary sigh.
You Got Thism-flo
m-flo is a group that fuses a wide range of genres and constantly pursues innovative sounds.
“You Got This,” their first track in about seven years created solely by the three members—LISA, VERBAL, and ☆Taku—is a number brimming with positive energy.
While carrying anxieties yet choosing to move forward, the song expresses that resolve over a danceable beat.
It’s a perfect anthem for when you want to fire yourself up.
[For Supporting the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (41–50)
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.
What do you want to become?Rozarīna
Rosalina’s song is an anthem that resonates with people swept up in the busyness of daily life who tend to lose sight of their dreams.
Her distinctive smoky, slightly gritty voice gently wraps around lyrics that sink deep into the heart.
Included on the album “INNER UNIVERSE,” released in January 2020, the track sparked major buzz on social media and surpassed 5.9 million views on YouTube.
When you’re exhausted from studying or work, or when you’ve lost sight of your true goals, listening to this song will surely give you the courage to pause and face yourself.