Ballad songs that were hits in the 2000s
Here are some popular ballad songs from the 2000s.
We’ve gathered tracks that will feel nostalgic to those who spent their youth in that era, as well as songs that remain karaoke staples even today.
The themes vary—love, family, life—but every song is a moving piece that touches the heart.
If you’re in the mood for ballads, looking for beloved classics, or curious about what was trending back then, be sure to give these a listen!
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Ballad songs that were hits in the 2000s (11–20)
Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi
Released in 2001, this is Rimi Natsukawa’s signature song.
With the style of an Okinawan folk tune, it’s a piece you’ll want to listen to when you want to sink into memories or embrace a bit of loneliness.
You can feel the nature of Okinawa in it, and the soaring vocals and relaxed tempo make it a song that soothes the soul.
Lovers AgainEXILE
This is a ballad by EXILE released in 2007.
It was featured in a commercial and is also a popular karaoke song.
From start to finish, it overflows with an irresistible sensuality.
The romantic atmosphere created by the sound is simply overwhelming.
As with many EXILE songs, it’s great for karaoke not just to sing solo but as a duet.
Listening to this track might even let you bask in nostalgic memories of past romances.
Name of the FlowerBUMP OF CHICKEN
This is a song by BUMP OF CHICKEN released in 2007.
It was written as the theme song for the film Always: Sunset on Third Street 2.
Its sound, which evokes a sense of nostalgia, further heightened the emotion of this warm, human-centered film set in the Showa era.
The use of instruments is exquisite.
From beginning to end, the song has an appeal that grips the listener’s heart and never lets go.
Motoo Fujiwara, who serves as the vocalist for BUMP OF CHICKEN and also writes the songs he sings, is truly astounding in his level of expressive artistry.
Good-bye daysYUI for Amaoto Kaoru
“Good-bye Days” is a song by YUI released in 2006.
The name Kaoru Amane is the character YUI played in the film “Midnight Sun.” It was a deeply moving movie about a girl who, despite suffering from a serious illness, continued to love music.
“Good-bye Days” is widely regarded as a ballad that beautifully complemented the film, and it is also YUI’s best-selling song to date.
Its popularity, surpassing hits like “CHE.R.RY,” shows just how beloved YUI is by the public.
It’s a song that invites reflection alongside the movie.
Song of LoveKōda Kumi
A love ballad told from a woman’s perspective, “Ai no Uta” (“Song of Love”).
Released in 2007 by Kumi Koda, the song earned her a Gold Award at the Japan Record Awards.
She also performed it on NHK’s year-end music program “Kōhaku Uta Gassen,” so many of you may already know it.
Its straightforward lyrics express the longing to see someone you love, and while it’s heartbreaking, it also feels powerful.
If you listen to it when you’re feeling timid about love, it just might give you the push and courage you need.
AitaiKato Miria
Aitai is a popular love song that portrays an unattainable romance.
It was the lead track from Miliyah Kato’s 2009 album Ring, and at the time it became a hit with over 700,000 ringtone downloads.
The lyrics resonate deeply with women who’ve fallen for someone they shouldn’t—like a married person or someone already in a relationship.
Even the title, Aitai (“I want to see you”), feels like a painful wish born from not being able to meet.
If you’re experiencing a similar kind of love, this tear-jerking love song is one you should definitely listen to.
Ballad Songs That Hit in the 2000s (21–30)
FlowerORANGE RANGE
It’s a song released in 2004 and one of ORANGE RANGE’s signature tracks.
It expresses the bittersweet feelings of heartbreak or parting from someone important by comparing them to flower petals.
The lyrics weave in a sense of seasonality and philosophy, offering encouragement to keep moving forward.