[For when you want to cry] A ballad love song. A heartbreaking love song.

I want to be loved.Oku Hanako

I want to be loved.

A song that tenderly embraces the earnest wish to be loved.

Created by singer-songwriter Okuhanako, it appears on the album “vol.best,” released in April 2005 during her indie days.

The piece gives voice, over a quiet piano melody, to a piercing question: can we keep living by clinging to the memories of being loved, even when we feel hollowed out by loneliness? Her voice—praised as one that can move you to tears on sound alone—seems to gently scoop up feelings that words can’t express.

The song distills the power of her music, which speaks straight to the heart—this is the artist who once sold 488 CDs in a single day at a street performance.

On nights when you long to be loved deeply by someone, listening alone in silence may kindle a warm light in your heart.

Don’t disappear.Aina ji Endo

AiNA THE END (BiSH) / Don't Disappear [OFFiCiAL ViDEO]

A ballad that begins with quiet piano notes and unfolds into a grand sound as emotions overflow.

This work marks the origin of Aina The End’s solo career.

She wrote both the lyrics and music, pouring in the earnest feelings she held at eighteen—the desperate wish not to lose someone precious.

The sense of loss—like a world drained of color without you—comes through painfully through her one-of-a-kind husky voice.

On nights when inescapable loneliness strikes, this singing will be there to help you.

Maplesupittsu

Spitz / Kaede

It’s one of Spitz’s signature ballads and an absolutely indispensable song when introducing bittersweet tracks.

The song was originally included on the March 1998 album “Fake Fur,” and was later released as a single.

It has been used as an insert song across eras, in dramas like “Over Time” and “silent,” so I think many people have heard it.

The lyrics convey a heartfelt resolve to keep moving forward while holding tight to memories of a beloved person one can no longer meet, and it really squeezes your heart.

Masamune Kusano’s soft, clear vocals and the band’s warm performance seem to gently permeate a sorrowful heart, while at the same time accentuating the loneliness embedded in the lyrics.

Tearful KissSazan Ōrusutāzu

Tearful Kiss

A bittersweet yet beautiful melody that seeps into the heart, this ballad delicately portrays the protagonist’s sorrow and lingering feelings as they face a breakup with a lover.

The emotionally rich vocals woven by Southern All Stars, together with a simple instrumental arrangement, convey the pain of heartbreak with striking clarity.

Released in July 1992, it drew major attention as the theme song for the drama “Zutto Anata ga Suki Datta.” It became Southern All Stars’ first million-selling single and won the Excellence Award at the 34th Japan Record Awards.

Whether you’re seeking to heal the sadness of parting or reminiscing about past love, this song gently stays by your side—and continues to be a source of comfort for many to this day.

That’s all there is to it.Marushii

Marcy – It’s Just That (Official Music Video)

Be sure to check out the passionate love ballad “Tada Sore Dake no Koto ga sa” as well.

This song was produced by Marcy and has garnered attention as an insert track for the romance show “Koisuru ♥ Shūmatsu Homestay 2023 Spring ~Sweet Orange Memory~.” The lyrics depict a woman who has experienced heartbreak, looking back on the happy days the two of them spent together.

What stands out is the sprinkling of words that convey regret and a sense of putting on a brave face.

Give it a listen together with the drama-style music video featuring Rinka Kumada.

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yamamoto

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HappinessOnda Masanori

"Happiness" / Masanori Onda

Masamori Onda’s “Shiawase” is a wonderful song paired with an MV that’s heartbreakingly poignant, like a home movie of happier days.

Believe it or not, Onda was still only 19 as of 2023.

“Shiawase” is a classic breakup song that looks back on days of happiness, yet it somehow avoids any trace of the usual clichés—there’s something mysterious about it.

The scene where he writes her name in the sand, in particular, is a real tearjerker.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants a good, cathartic cry!

I’ll be by your side.Aoyama Teruma ft. SoulJa

Aoyama Thelma feat. SoulJa / I'm by Your Side

A song created as an answer to SoulJa’s “Koko ni Iru yo feat.

Thelma Aoyama.” It flips the perspective to a woman’s point of view.

It became the first track in history to reach 2 million full ringtone downloads, gripping the hearts of the ringtone generation.

Even if you’re together in your hearts, you feel lonely in the unreal time of reality.

This song speaks for the very feelings the ringtone generation deeply held.

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SAKI

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