[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 Supporting the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (41–50)
That’s important.Daiji MAN Burazāzu Bando
It was released in 1991 as Daiji MAN Brothers Band’s third single.
It became a long-running hit, selling about 1.6 million copies, and turned into their biggest hit.
It may be obvious, but what appears in the lyrics is truly right, and it’s a song you want to listen to when you feel like you’re about to fall apart.
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.
I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu
For many people, this is the quintessential Spitz song! Chosen as the theme song for the drama “Hakusen Nagashi,” it became a massive hit and a million-seller.
It’s a track that conveys a pure kind of strength—the feeling of living while searching for how to shine despite being hurt, not knowing what the future holds but wanting to stay with you forever.
With a fresh, gentle melody, the lyrics—tender yet strong—strike straight at the heart, making it an uplifting number that gives you a push forward.
TOMORROWMayo Okamoto
This is Mayo Okamoto’s debut single, released in 1995.
It was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Second Chance” and became a million-seller.
The lyrics convey that tears are not something negative, but something that helps you grow stronger, making it an empowering song.
SMILYOtsuka Ai
Released in 2005 as Ai Otsuka’s 8th single, it was her first double A-side single, “SMILY/Bead.” It was used as the CM song for Lion’s “Ban Powder Spray.” It’s an exceptionally bright and fun song that reminds you of the importance of a smile and gives you the courage to move forward.
Further awayRemioromen
It’s a Remioromen number that makes you think, “No, I can still push farther to reach my goal!” at the very moment you feel, “I can’t take this anymore!” It was used as Fuji TV’s broadcast theme song for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The athletes competing in the Olympics have surely endured all kinds of setbacks and hardship.
But that’s true not only for Olympians—it applies to everyone living their daily lives.
There are times when we break down over and over, thinking, “I’ve had enough,” or “I should just quit.” Yet this song gives us the strength to start walking again, telling us, “No, I’ve still got more in me.”
rainbowAqua Timez
Even in times of pain and sorrow, the song that makes me feel hopeful that something good will definitely await after the tears is Aqua Timez’s “Niji.” Released in 2008, this song was used as the theme for the third season of the drama Gokusen.
Life has its ups and downs, and even the days that seem pointless and the hard days all have meaning.
It gently encourages you, saying that even when you feel at rock bottom, there’s no need to rush—just move forward step by step at your own pace.
It gives you strength when everything feels dark and you can’t stand back up.