[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)
Let’s give it a tryWANIMA
Many of you might be thinking, “I’ve heard this melody somewhere before,” right? It’s a rock-style arrangement of the British nursery rhyme “The Picnic.” It was also chosen as the theme song for au’s “Santaro” commercials.
The song carries a message: let’s do what seems fun rather than just what’s right; even when we’re sad, let’s smile and try anything so we won’t be left with regrets.
Its boundlessly positive lyrics and upbeat tempo give you energy and courage!
[Support for the Heart] Songs to Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (51–60)
Don’t give upZARD
It’s such a masterpiece that I feel almost everyone in Japan, regardless of age, knows it.
Zard’s Izumi Sakai’s crystal-clear, utterly pure voice, the lyrics that encourage listeners without resorting to complicated turns of phrase, and the brilliance of the melody by Tetsurō Oda—who, together with Sakai, kept creating countless classics—are all nothing short of perfect.
I’ve heard there was a concept of aiming it at the “second baby-boom generation’s test-takers,” but when the song was released in 1993, I was a junior high school student myself, and it remains deeply memorable to me.
Even as a cheer song, it never feels pushy, and that’s precisely why it has continued to shine eternally as a classic.
Especially in difficult times, listening to this song makes you want to hold on to the feeling of never giving up.
Heretical StarOfisharu Higedan Dism
There’s a Japanese proverb that says “The nail that sticks out gets hammered down,” but this song gives you a powerful push, saying, “Even if you get hammered, stand tall and be the nail that sticks out!” Even when you’re working hard toward your goals every day, there are times when reading the room or worrying about how others see you keeps you from moving forward as you want.
But when you listen to this song, you’ll feel like, “No matter what people say, I’m just going to give it everything I’ve got!” When you’re facing a tough situation or want to break out of your shell, this song will surely become a source of support for your heart.
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.
Startin’Hamasaki Ayumi
Released in 2006 as Ayumi Hamasaki’s 39th single, it was used as the opening theme for Capcom’s PS2 game “Shin Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams” and reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It’s a song that gives listeners strength and courage, with Hamasaki powerfully singing about forging her own path.
Give it some guts!!Urufuruzu
No matter who you are, there are times when nothing goes right and everything feels painful and tough.
When you just want your anxiety gone—even if it means getting a little reckless—the song I want you to blast at full volume is Ulfuls’ “Guts da ze!!” Released in December 1995, it became a massive hit that propelled Ulfuls—who hadn’t been selling much at the time—into a nationally beloved band.
Led by a wah-drenched guitar, it’s a disco-funk style track brimming with soulful vibes, yet its humor and playful lyrics—so distinctively Osaka—and its insanely catchy melody make it first-rate J-pop.
I highly recommend watching the music video along with the song.
It’s laugh-out-loud funny and will help you forget your troubles.
Bye, see you again sometime!Yonezu Kenshi
Written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Tora ni Tsubasa,” this track features Kenshi Yonezu’s soul-stirring vocals that resonate deeply.
The lyrics, infused with hopes for the next hundred years, express farewells and reunions, as well as growth through the cycles of life.
Streaming is set to begin alongside the drama’s broadcast in April 2024, so there’s plenty to look forward to.
The empowering message, “Go as far as you can,” will gently encourage anyone ready to take a new step.
It’s a song that will surely give you courage when times are tough or when you find yourself at a crossroads in life.