[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
[Support for the Heart] Songs to Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (51–60)
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.
AGAINDREAMS COME TRUE
It’s DREAMS COME TRUE’s 52nd single, released in 2014.
It was chosen as the 6th theme song for Nippon TV’s “NEWS ZERO.” The song was created with figure skater Mao Asada in mind.
It’s a medium-tempo ballad that helps you stay positive when you’re struggling.
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.
[Support for the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough (61–70)
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.
Rising SunEXILE
Released in 2011 as a double A-side single, EXILE’s 37th single “Rising Sun/Itsuka Kitto…” was put out as a charity song to support recovery efforts in areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
With its powerful dance and uplifting lyrics, the song gave courage to many people.
death anniversarychanmina
This song, which gives you a sudden jolt with its opening lyrics, is actually full of hope.
Many listeners have surely been moved by the message delivered through Chanmina’s distinctive voice.
When you’re going through a tough time and listen to this track, it lets you cry it all out and sink to the bottom—and once you’ve hit bottom, it gently reminds you that it’s okay to start walking again, lightening your heart just a little.
You can feel the strong will in the line, “I can’t die yet.” Also chosen as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama Hayabusa Fire Brigade, it was released in August 2023.
If you ever face something that makes you feel like you’ll never recover, entrust your heart to this song.
Its lyrics, which speak to the importance of self-acceptance and self-love, will surely wrap around your wounded heart.