[Touching the Heart] Timeless Ballad Masterpieces. A Collection of Unfading Classics and the Latest Songs [2026]
Ballads that are always close to our hearts and soothe our souls.
I’m sure you have a favorite song of your own.
But there are times when you think, “I want to discover ballads I’ve never heard before!”
In this article, we’ll introduce a wealth of moving, must-hear ballad classics just for you.
We’ve picked not only timeless masterpieces that have been sung for years, but also the latest tracks from today’s popular artists, so be sure to find a new favorite.
Listen to lots of beautiful ballads and let your heart be healed.
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[Heartfelt] Classic Ballads. Timeless Masterpieces and Latest Tracks Compilation [2026] (111–120)
SparkleIkuta Rira
“Sparkle” is a solo number by Lila Ikuta, who also shines as the vocalist of YOASOBI, portraying a bittersweet love that ended unfulfilled.
Released digitally in 2022, the song was chosen as the theme for the ABEMA romance reality series “Kyou, Suki ni Narimashita: Mikan Arc, Graduation Arc 2022.” Its striking melody evokes the twinkling of stars, perfectly reflecting the title “Sparkle.” Like a star that flashes and falls, the love that grew so big still came to an end without being realized.
Why not let this poignant love ballad resonate with the heartache you carry in your own love?
[Moving] Timeless Ballad Masterpieces and the Latest Hits [2026] (121–130)
lensIkuta Rira
Rira Ikuta is the solo stage name used by ikura, the vocalist of YOASOBI, and this song was released in 2022.
It’s a track where her signature, crystal-clear voice resonates strikingly.
It was also the theme song for the drama “Is Sustainable Love Possible? ~A Father and Daughter’s Marriage March~,” so many people may have heard it on TV.
As the title “Lens” suggests, cameras and photography appear prominently in the lyrics, depicting the overflowing feelings of love held by a woman in unrequited love.
ComedyHoshino Gen
This is a song by Gen Hoshino themed around family.
It was written specifically as the ending theme for the anime SPY×FAMILY.
While it’s sprinkled with words that nod to the series, it straightforwardly portrays feelings toward family.
The gentle, floating sound is striking, and you can sense a savoring of happiness.
Please give this tender ballad a listen—it conveys familial love and expresses a wish for the eternal bond of a family that can laugh together over little things.
intermittent rainEishu
Eishu’s fifth digital single overall, released on June 7, 2021.
It’s a pop-rock ballad arranged in a truly classic style, likely to resonate across generations.
The soaring chorus arrangement, which makes highly effective use of strings, is the very definition of a quintessential ballad.
The vocal delivery—juxtaposing delicate falsetto with a powerful chest voice—is also outstanding.
The sound production, which seemingly mixes the vocals slightly back on purpose, further enhances the sense of grandeur.
Highly recommended if you’re looking for a classic, straight-down-the-line ballad!
A melody instead of a bouquetShimizu Shota
“Instead of a Bouquet, a Melody” is also popular as a wedding song.
It has been a long-running hit on charts like karaoke and streaming.
Although it’s a 2015 track, it has continued to draw attention across various scenes, from its performance on THE FIRST TAKE, to comedian Yoshizumi using it in the finals of a competition, and its appearance on the audition show PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SEASON 2.
It’s a warm, heartfelt love song that’s quintessential Shota Shimizu.
The melody is wonderful, of course, but the lyrics are truly beautiful as well.
The pure feelings gently move your heart—you can’t listen without tears.
It’s a ballad that feels like a gift.
SunshadeYuka
A deeply moving ballad sung by Yu-ka.
The lyrics, where heartbreak and hope coexist, delicately portray the pain of parting and anxieties about the future.
Co-written with ONE OK ROCK’s Toru, the track blends pop-rock elements into an emotionally charged piece.
Released digitally in June 2024, it was also chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “Warau Matryoshka.” With lyrics that resonate and Yu-ka’s evocative vocals, this song is sure to comfort anyone who has experienced heartbreak or separation.
It’s also a perfect choice when you want to look back on memories with someone special.
Forget-me-notYuka
This is a heartwarming slow ballad woven by Yukari, a singer-songwriter from Okinawa.
Marked by a piano-driven, minimalist arrangement, her soaring vocals resonate deeply with listeners.
The lyrics, infused with a profound love for “someone who watches over you with unconditional care,” are so moving they might bring you to tears.
Released in August 2024 and featured in a commercial for Motoyama Seisakusho, this song is perfect for moments when you want to reminisce about someone special or reaffirm your feelings of gratitude.