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!

Playlist

Ballad songs that were hits in the 2000s
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro		Chihiro Onitsuka’s signature song, a powerfully resonant anthem of encouragement
2	SEASONSHamasaki Ayumi		Song of Life and Hope through Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter
3	StoryAI		AI’s moving 2005 hit song
4	Snow BlossomNakajima Mika		The appeal of Mika Nakashima’s moving masterpiece “STARS”
5	PreciousItō Yuna		Theme song of the film “Umizaru,” a heart-touching song by Yuna Ito
6	EverythingMISIA		MISIA’s “Everything” is a heartbreaking masterpiece.
7	crescent moonayaka		A wistful crescent-moon ballad of a long-distance love
8	JupiterHirahara Ayaka		Ayaka Hirahara’s classic song “Jupiter” – a moving ballad
9	Letter ~Dear fifteen-year-old you~Anjura Aki		An iconic song that gives us the courage to walk toward the future as we approach graduation.
10	budKobukuro		Kobukuro’s moving spring cheer song
11	White LoversKuwata Keisuke		Keisuke Kuwata’s classic—a heartwarming ballad that sings of winter’s emotions
12	secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE		A moving masterpiece that portrays youth, loved by many.
13	Stars on EarthNakajima Miyuki		Miyuki Nakajima’s signature song, a grand rock number
14	Moonlight FlowerJanne Da Arc		A poignant ballad tied in with an anime
15	Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi		A representative song of Okinawan folk music, a melody that resonates with the heart.
16	Song of LoveEvery Little Thing		A ballad with a gentle melody that resonates in the heart
17	Lovers AgainEXILE		A classic EXILE ballad that feels like love
18	Good-bye daysYUI for Amaoto Kaoru		The theme song of the movie “A Song to the Sun,” a moving ballad
19	Name of the FlowerBUMP OF CHICKEN		Showa-era scenes and emotions depicted through movie theme songs
20	Song of LoveKōda Kumi		Koda Kumi’s classic song “Ai no Uta,” the courage to love
21	UNSPEAKABLEEvery Little Thing		Expressing emotions that can't be put into words through song
22	See you tomorrow.Every Little Thing		A gentle love song played on an acoustic guitar
23	love letterEvery Little Thing		A timeless masterpiece: a gentle ballad that soothes the heart
24	FlowerORANGE RANGE		A representative song by ORANGE RANGE about heartbreak
25	AitaiKato Miria		A bittersweet love song that sings of a longing for someone you cannot meet
26	Moon DropsRUI (Shibasaki Kou)		Ko Shibasaki’s movie theme song is a long-running hit.
27	TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu		A classic by Southern All Stars that sings of adult love and emotions
28	On the hill where the moon is visible tonightB’z		B’z’s mature love song released in 2000
29	Secret of my heartKuraki Mai		Mai Kuraki’s heartrending anime theme song
30	sign; mark; symbol; omenMr.Children		A memorable rock ballad used as a TV drama theme song
31	Moon DropsRUI		Ko Shibasaki's movie theme songs, heart-touching masterpieces
32	Flavor Of LifeUtada Hikaru		A grand love story, with a premonition of a heartbreaking farewell
33	powder snowRemioromen		“March 9th” is a wistful winter ballad.
34	Close your eyesHirai Ken		Ken Hirai’s blockbuster movie theme song, a moving ballad
35	It Takes TwoCHEMISTRY		Signature songs of CHEMISTRY, the appeal of twin vocals
36	HEROMr.Children		Mr.Children's moving cheer song
37	fragileEvery Little Thing		A heart-touching ballad that sings of the pain of heartbreak and a resolute determination
38	PIECES OF A DREAMCHEMISTRY		A youth anthem in pursuit of dreams, a classic by CHEMISTRY
39	dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo		Hitoto Yo’s classic love song, pure emotion and a beautiful singing voice
40	All of the YouthFujifaburikku		A rock band that sings about young people's feelings in a true-to-life way
41	Love is…Kato Miria		An inspiring classic that vows eternal love
42	SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu		Masaharu Fukuyama’s spring classic beautifully highlights the scenery of cherry blossoms.
43	Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro		Noriyuki Moriyama’s classic that colors the cherry blossom season
44	road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE		A moving ballad that accompanies the graduation season.
45	I wonder if it will be sunny tomorrow.Kuwata Keisuke		A poignant, lyrical masterpiece by Keisuke Kuwata that resonates with the heart
46	SPECIAL THANKSGLAY		A celebrated GLAY ballad filled with gratitude
47	Twilight RomancePorunogurafiti		An emotional ballad, the theme song for a fall drama
48	Lion HeartSMAP		SMAP’s popular love song, a gentle ballad
49	MayB’z		A poignant ballad about thinking of someone dear
50	aloneGosuperāzu		The Gospellers’ signature song, “Unforgettable Love.”
51	Pure Love SongShonan no Kaze		A signature love song by Shonan no Kaze
52	Tree of WadatsumiHajime Chitose		Love song sung in the Amami folk style by Chitose Hajime
53	Lifetime RespectMiki Dōsan		Miki Dōzan’s reggae love hit song
54	Becoming a Thousand WindsAkiyama Masashi		Masafumi Akikawa’s moving masterpiece, Thoughts for People
55	As I am in love…Akimoto Junko		Junko Akimoto’s signature adult love song
56	NEVER ENDAmuro Namie		Song of the Okinawa Summit, a tune of hope and empathy