[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.

Playlist

[Support for the Heart] Songs That Give You Courage When Times Are Tough
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Endless JourneyMr.Children		Mr.Children's 'Endless Journey' is a masterpiece that comforts the heart.
2	FateOfisharu Higedan Dism		An anthem of support for overcoming setbacks and pursuing your dreams
3	About meMrs. GREEN APPLE		Even painful experiences can become nourishment for growth.
4	Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO		A SHISHAMO cheering song, a tune that moves you forward
5	Spot the differenceSuda Masaki		A song about the courage to accept differences and live true to yourself
6	AgainWANIMA		When you're feeling down, let WANIMA lift you up.
7	Tomorrow will surely be a good day.Takahashi Yuu		A song that gives hope and courage for tomorrow
8	Kokoro no NakaRADWIMPS		Light the fire of hope and make it out of the tunnel
9	If I had been living aloneSUPER BEAVER		A moving masterpiece by SUPER BEAVER
10	peace signYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s uplifting cheer song: a challenge toward dreams
11	sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI		A song cheering on those who chase their dreams
12	StoryAI		A heart’s song of closeness and support
13	One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS		An encouraging cheer song dedicated to those who strive
14	Song of HopeFUNKY MONKEY BABYS		A song of gratitude and love for someone precious
15	Kimisidai TrainONE OK ROCK		ONE OK ROCK’s powerful songs that give hope
16	Full-Power BoySukima Suichi		An inspiring song that cheers on those who give their all
17	RAINSEKAI NO OWARI		A heartwarming song that portrays hope and growth
18	We AreONE OK ROCK		A passionate rock anthem that encourages young people
19	Wake up!AAA		AAA’s cheer song becomes a big hit in a popular anime
20	flying boatKing Gnu		King Gnu’s powerful rock, inspiring anthems that give you courage
21	If being alive is painfulMoriyama Naotaro		When I'm down, I cry and set out—this is a song of hope
22	Life is hard.satō moka		Soothe your tired heart with Satō Moka’s new song
23	StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE		An upbeat, fast-paced pop song that gives you energy!
24	Grateful, thrilled, and overwhelmed like a stormarashi		Arashi’s classic filled with gratitude and hope, a cheering song that conveys friendship
25	Myself ROCKONE OK ROCK		An anthem that encourages and teaches the importance of staying true to yourself
26	RPGSEKAI NO OWARI		A story of bonds with companions and a new beginning
27	Once more[ re: ]		Eight artists' songs that give hope during the COVID-19 pandemic
28	Letter ~To You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki		A moving graduation song based on a letter from a 15-year-old
29	Sense of Wondersumika		A song of courage to carve open the future by one’s own strength
30	Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa		Someone important has supporters who will stand by them.
31	Twenty-nine, thirtykuriipuhaipe		The courage to look ahead, even while voicing one's doubts
32	Slow & EasyHirai Dai		Hirai Dai’s soothing song that sings of life’s little everyday joys
33	To tomorrowLittle Glee Monster		An emotional song with a powerful ballad that resonates in the heart
34	Our Futureieiri reo		Aim for a shining future together with someone
35	No matter how smallwacci		Wacci's moving theme song, a soothing melody
36	I believeayaka		Ayaka’s debut song draws attention as a TV drama theme song.
37	365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48		Sayaka Yamamoto’s theme song that values the journey more than the result
38	stepsGReeeeN		A powerful song about overcoming life's obstacles
39	You Got Thism-flo		An upbeat song that m-flo created as a trio for the first time in a while.
40	Everyday lifeOfisharu Higedan Dism		A song that depicts everyday anxiety and loneliness
41	At all times.Makihara Noriyuki		Noriyuki Makihara’s classic songs gently accompany people’s hearts.
42	What do you want to become?Rozarīna		An anthem of hope that resonates through busy days
43	YellKobukuro		An inspiring, moving song that cheers on those who are lost
44	rainbowAqua Timez		Aqua Timez songs that give hope in the valleys of life
45	SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE		A movie theme song that sings of hope, a track that stays close to the heart
46	Whale SongMrs. GREEN APPLE		A heartwarming anthem cheering on those who live in loneliness
47	Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE		A positive feeling that everything will work out
48	OH!SHISHAMO		You can get courage from SHISHAMO’s cheer song.
49	Further awayRemioromen		A classic by Remioromen that gives you the strength to keep going
50	Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako		Takako Okamura’s signature song: from heartbreak to hope
51	I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu		A moving work whose classic songs by Spitz resonate with the heart
52	That’s important.Daiji MAN Burazāzu Bando		An anthem of love and courage, a Daiji MAN hit song
53	Don’t give upZARD		Izumi Sakai’s classic songs give people courage and hope.
54	Heretical StarOfisharu Higedan Dism		A song that gives you the courage to live strongly toward your goals
55	Dream FighterPerfume		Let's keep trying and never give up on our dreams.
56	TOMORROWMayo Okamoto		The moving theme song touches people's hearts
57	Startin’Hamasaki Ayumi		Ayumi Hamasaki's powerful cheer song
58	AGAINDREAMS COME TRUE		An image song for Mao Asada that supports a positive mindset
59	Give it some guts!!Urufuruzu		When I’m struggling, “Guts da ze!!” by Ulfuls.
60	Bye, see you again sometime!Yonezu Kenshi		Theme song by Kenshi Yonezu, a song imbued with hope for the future.
61	Love is litrokudenashi		A heartwarming ballad that sings of loneliness and anxiety
62	Rising SunEXILE		An encouraging song by EXILE praying for recovery from the earthquake disaster
63	death anniversarychanmina		A hopeful song that conveys self-acceptance and self-love
64	And yet, a beloved lifeSukima Suichi		A heartwarming song that makes you feel the wonder of life
65	Let’s give it a tryWANIMA		auCM song: cheering on fun and challenges
66	FlowerFuji Kaze		Fujii Kaze’s classic song “Hana” compares life to a flower.
67	Let’s smileyonige		The song “Waraou” from the Santaro commercials is a fun track.
68	Unwavering WishTamura Naomi		Magic Knight Rayearth theme song, million-hit
69	SMILYOtsuka Ai		Ai Otsuka’s upbeat double A-side single is characterized by smiles.
70	Even so, onlymiwa		miwa’s gentle singing voice heals the heart.
71	Kyrie, Hymn of MercyKyrie (Aina Ji Endo)		The theme song of Kyrie’s Song starring Aina
72	Voice of Lifetuki.		A heartfelt ballad that profoundly sings about the meaning of life
73	Just being alive is admirable.ReoNa		ReoNa’s despair-themed songs are comforting to the heart.
74	migratory bird[Alexandros]		The courage to overcome setbacks and move forward with your head held high
75	Biri MillionYuuri		Yuri’s new song conveys the importance of everyday life
76	together; along with; bothWANIMA		A cheering song that conveys a positive spirit—courage and hope
77	more than wordsHitsuji Bungaku		A moving work whose cheering song by Hitsujibungaku resonates in the heart.
78	leap day personRADWIMPS		An uplifting anthem that portrays the preciousness of life, a timeless song that resonates in the heart
79	I’ve gotta do the thing that seems impossible.Sambomasutā		Gaining courage from Sambomaster’s lyrics
80	I thought about killing myselfNakajima Mika		Even when I think about death, I am saved by the people I love.
81	GloriousBE:FIRST		The BE:FIRST fight song “Glorious”
82	Pride RevolutionCHiCO with HoneyWorks		A moving rock song by CHiCO and HoneyWorks
83	The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP		An anthem by SMAP that encourages affirming your true self
84	Bridge of Gloryyuzu		An anthem that cheers you on to overcome hardships and seize hope
85	No way I’m going to cry.ikimonogakari		Ikimono-gakari’s soul-stirring masterpiece
86	IchibanboshiSnow Man		Even when my heart breaks, Snow Man makes me face forward.
87	possibilitySambomasutā		Don't give up! Sambomasu's song of encouragement
88	aimlesslyAimer		The heartwarming ending theme of Ranking of Kings
89	Attitudekohanaramu		Cheering song by Kohanaramu, popular on YouTube
90	spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota		A song of hope with a warm melody and delicate lyrics
91	heartbeat soundMiura Daichi		Cheer song for the Paris Olympics expresses the athletes’ challenges and hopes
92	WINDKōda Kumi		A limited-edition single of 50,000 copies whose uplifting lyrics give courage
93	Liberated zonePorunogurafiti		Hope and human connection in a difficult world
94	To My AdolescenceAka-hoho Shishunki (BOL4)		BOL4’s soothing song delicately depicts the feelings of adolescence
95	three mon coinsMOROHA		A motivational track from MOROHA, the acoustic guitar rap duo
96	Traveler Pursuing DreamsElefanto Kashimashi		A cheer song about the journey of life
97	Because you can do it someday, you can do it today.Nogizaka 46		A poppy uptempo tune by Nogizaka46 about the importance of pursuing your dreams
98	Cheering Song feat. MOOMINShonan no Kaze		Don't give up on your dreams with Shonan no Kaze's fight song
99	On the FrontlineHitorie		A song of courage and hope to move forward
100	DREAMERyamazaru		A powerful anthem cheering on those who chase their dreams
101	-ness; typicality; the quality/essence of being [X] (as in “X-ness” or “X-like character”)SUPER BEAVER		A rock song by SUPER BEAVER that sings about being oneself
102	I don’t mind being unhappy for the rest of my life.mafumafu		A song whose hopeful lyrics heal the heart
103	Aufhebung (Hegelian term often rendered as ‘sublation’)Mrs. GREEN APPLE		A moving song that portrays the growth and hopes of young people
104	BeautifulSuperfly		The energy to believe in your own path and move forward
105	Time-lapseThe Back Horn		A moving new song portraying feelings for a loved one
106	To Us Who Were Once GeniusesCreepy Nuts		A cheer song depicting the potential of genius and the individuality that gets lost
107	UniqueAARON		Upbeat energy in AARON’s debut song
108	room for growthCreepy Nuts		A cheer song by Creepy Nuts that portrays growth and potential
109	BOYKing Gnu		King Gnu’s “BOY” is a song of courage and hope.
110	spiralLONGMAN		An anime theme song that gives you a push and the courage to move forward.
111	REALiZELiSA		Rock song of Spider-Man movie theme
112	Footsteps ~ Be StrongMr.Children		Mr.Children’s inspirational classic that gives you courage
113	HinataSUPER BEAVER		The masterpiece “Hinata” that gives you the courage to take on challenges
114	Live in the present.Saucy Dog		A song of courage to live fully in the present
115	guidelinesUru		An anthem that embraces failure and turns it into something positive
116	THANXWANIMA		A powerful anthem of support that conveys gratitude and hope
117	Flowing voicemei-chan		Mei-chan's glittering youth song
118	Asakusa KidBīto Takeshi		“Asakusa Kid,” a song about the courage to overcome setbacks
119	FlowerNaka Kousuke		A song that stays close to the heart and conveys the power to live
120	CrossKamenashi Kazuya		Kamenashi’s song filled with passion for sports
121	Until I throw away my dreams and become an adultKasamura Tōta		The struggle and renewal of people who lose their dreams over time
122	AnswerIkuta Rira		An encouraging song that gives you the courage to keep walking toward the future, even while you're unsure
123	A Gentle BallAimer		A fantastical song by Aimer sung at a nighttime ball
124	You Are the InspirationMakihara Noriyuki		A song whose warm vocals by Noriyuki Makihara resonate in the heart
125	I want to be a woman.Hamano Haruki		A song of courage and hope to live true to oneself
126	lamplightHalf time Old		Start your morning energized with an uplifting rock band song
127	The Little Bird That Forgot How to FlyMISIA		The figure of a wounded bird, inner weakness
128	Because you are hereUru		A ballad that sings of love and gratitude for someone dear
129	Tears-kun, good morning again today!ano		Reexamining my sense of purpose through ano’s songs
130	NonfictionHirai Ken		A ballad song by Ken Hirai that depicts sorrow
131	Night MusicMrs. GREEN APPLE		A song that gently wraps the heart’s pain in the loneliness of the night
132	PRIDEImai Miki		A cheerleading love song that turns a secret love into pride
133	to clear up (weather)Yorushika		Symbolically expressing hope in a refreshing song that evokes the arrival of spring
134	Live!kocchi no kento		Encouraging songs to listen to when feeling down
135	road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)GReeeeN		GReeeeN: a cheering song that faces hardship
136	Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism		A powerful song that challenges fate through the bonds of comrades
137	voiceHitsuji Bungaku		An anthem that gives you the courage to face your destiny
138	Wild at Heartarashi		You only live once—pursue your own path with all your might.
139	Sora-buneTOKIO		Miyuki Nakajima’s life-affirming anthem: forging the future by your own will
140	The true soundKOKIA		Listen to your inner voice and reexamine your core values
141	counting songamazarashi		A song that delicately portrays the joys and sorrows of life
142	gardenFuji Kaze		A gem of a song by Fujii Kaze that gently portrays the impermanence of life through the changing seasons
143	MindsetKamikita Ken		A profound ballad that confronts the inner self
144	Get OverDream		Dream November 2001 release, a gem of a fight song
145	The True Nature of TearsSUPER BEAVER		The emotional songs of SUPER BEAVER
146	gentianWANIMA		The gentian flower sings of the preciousness of life.
147	Pain, go away!ZORN		A song of deep despair and hope, weaving a cry of the soul
148	It’s us.imase		Major debut at 20, upbeat/positive songs
149	It’s okaywacci		Introducing wacci’s heartwarming ballads
150	Only on nights when I want to dieAina ji Endo		A warm song where a loved one’s smile supports the heart
151	Family SongHoshino Gen		A classic song that gently sings of everyday happiness and family bonds
152	waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)Fuji Kaze		Fujii Kaze’s song beautifully expresses both the love of caring and the release of attachment.
153	rayBUMP OF CHICKEN		A moving song that portrays the gap between ideals and reality
154	GuildBUMP OF CHICKEN		A masterpiece that questions the meaning of life and evokes deep empathy
155	BremenYorushika		A heartwarming piece inspired by the Town Musicians of Bremen
156	The holeKing Gnu		A heart-touching ballad that portrays loneliness and loss
157	Unfading TemperatureKotoha		A poignant song of hope that resonates in Kotoha’s heart
158	LIFEkimaguren		Regain your true self with Kimaguren’s fight song
159	Bitter VacationMrs. GREEN APPLE		Mrs. GREEN APPLE Film Theme Song Works
160	If you laugh at the skywacci		An anthem of support depicting the bonds and courage of youth
161	Happinessarashi		An anthem that cheers you on to overcome hardships and move forward into the future
162	countrysideTamaki Kōji		Koji Tamaki’s moving masterpiece that resonates in the heart, giving people courage.
163	from hereSixTONES		A song that sings of the courage to face forward and never give up
164	As a personSUPER BEAVER		A ballad that sings of life's weaknesses and strengths
165	When it shinesHitsuji Bungaku		Expressing the beauty of life in a world of contradictions
166	If you call it loveUru		Uru’s gem-like ballad that sings of the resolve to reclaim a lost relationship
167	Super BallTOMOO		Live true to yourself without forgetting a sincere heart
168	pure whiteFuji Kaze		Fujii Kaze’s new song: a gentle track depicting parting and growth
169	RE:I AMAimer		Aimer, who sings of loss and hope.
170	NakedSPYAIR		The courage to walk as your true self
171	Resolution on the Seventh DayUVERworld		Questioning the transience of life and the meaning of living
172	To youamazarashi		An anthem of support for those who have lost the meaning of life
173	7 daysphatmans after school		A delicate song that asks about the meaning of life
174	ElfAdo		An anthem that supports facing loneliness and living true to yourself
175	In the Morning of DeterminationAqua Timez		Aqua Timez’s debut song, a heart-touching cheer anthem
176	As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE		A powerful message song that emphasizes the importance of an unyielding spirit
177	Love MySelfIS:SUE		An anthem that cheers on the courage to believe in yourself
178	If you wish for a miracle…JUJU		JUJU’s representative ballad that embraces sorrow
179	Teenager ForeverKing Gnu		A powerful anthem that captures the restless urgency of youth
180	ReawakeR (feat.Felix of Stray Kids)LiSA		A powerful cheer song by LiSA and Stray Kids
181	Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA		LiSA’s signature song, the Demon Slayer opening theme
182	Miracle of BondsMAN WITH A MISSION×milet		MAN WITH A MISSION and milet produce the theme song for Demon Slayer.
183	REVIVERMY FIRST STORY		A powerful rock song by MY FIRST STORY
184	AkariMy Hair is Bad		Expressing the feeling of moving forward despite being tired
185	The BeginningONE OK ROCK		An anthem that gives you the courage to move toward hope
186	＋MatterONE OK ROCK		A song with powerful vocals and a theme of self-affirmation
187	single-minded; earnest; wholehearted; dedicatedSUPER BEAVER		Support song by SUPER BEAVER
188	I’m just living for happiness.SUPER BEAVER		Facing loneliness and inner conflict to pursue happiness
189	I want to brag.SUPER BEAVER		A warm song about the desire to be someone your loved one can be proud of
190	Kono Yubi Tomareyosugala		AliA's gentle message song
191	Only onezarame		Zarame sings about her feelings for someone important to her
192	horsetailnishina		A ballad that gives you courage, expressing the beauty and growth of life
193	Everything other than death is just a scratch.Koresawa		Koresawa’s upbeat cheer song
194	Good luck to me tomorrow.Nanawo Akari		Nanaou Akari’s new song that sings about the importance of living true to yourself
195	Blade of Wordsrokudenashi		Rokudenashi’s new song portrays social pressure and loneliness
196	circleIkuta Rira		Rira Ikuta wishes for growth from the repetitions of everyday life
197	BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi		You can gain the courage to pursue your dreams from Kenshi Yonezu’s cheering song.
198	Horse and deerYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s powerful cheer song
199	damnFuji Kaze		The theme is Fujii Kaze’s self-love and self-liberation.
200	AlrightNishino Kana		Kana Nishino’s cheer song that encourages people who are doing their best
201	Starting Line ~ A New BreezeBaba Toshihide		Be encouraged by Toshihide Baba’s powerful songs
202	ultramarineYOASOBI		A story of youth dreams and self-discovery, painted in shades of blue.
203	fightYUI		A powerful song about moving forward without losing hope
204	pyramid[Alexandros]		[Alexandros]'s TV drama theme song: a track themed around challenge and growth
205	be master of lifeaiko		The strength to positively overcome life's difficulties