[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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- A beautiful melody soothes the heart… Heisei-era ballad hit songs
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- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
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- Nothing but classics! A nostalgic collection of ’80s Western ballads
[Touches the Heart] Classic Ballad Masterpieces. Timeless Hits and the Newest Tracks [2026] (1–10)
Lullaby (Prod. ALYSA)Reiko

After participating in SKY-HI’s audition “THE FIRST,” REIKO has honed her craft as a solo artist under BMSG.
Released digitally on January 12, 2026, “Lullaby (Prod.
ALYSA)” was selected as the January ending theme for the TV program “Hiruobi.” Produced by ALYSA, the track blends a nostalgic band sound with piano to create a warm yet wistful atmosphere.
The lyrics, which dwell on lingering feelings for a former lover, delicately portray regret and prayers for time that can’t be reclaimed.
It’s a song that gently stays by your side on sleepless nights when memories resurface.
With a tender yet resolute vocal delivery that resonates deeply, it’s a superb ballad number.
The world has ended.Yuuri

Singer-songwriter Yuuri continues to captivate countless listeners with his powerful vocals and relatable lyrics.
His single “The World Has Ended,” released digitally on January 14, 2026, has been drawing attention as it was written as the theme song for the drama “Reunion ~Silent Truth~.” Its message—depicting an unwavering conviction that you matter more than anything else, even at the very end of the world—overflows with a profound love that stirs the listener’s heart.
With a medium-tempo rock sound of grand scale and emotionally charged vocals that feel just right, it’s a track everyone who wants to protect someone dear should hear.
SakuraMyuk

A deeply affecting and beautiful ballad has arrived from Myuk.
Evoking the bittersweet stirrings of love that blossom with the coming of spring, the piece delicately portrays the fragility and beauty of unrequited love, using cherry blossoms as a symbolic motif.
Its melodic composition and crystalline vocals weave a soundscape that leaves a resonant afterglow.
Released in March 2025, the work has also drawn attention for its lyrical music video by illustrator potg.
Notably, Myuk’s January 2024 album Arcana became a viral hit on social media, and a Tokyo-Nagoya-Osaka tour, “Message from ‘Marie’,” is scheduled to begin in May.
It’s a heartwarming song, perfect for solitary reflection on a spring evening.
[Touches the Heart] Timeless Ballad Masterpieces and Latest Hits [2026] (11–20)
Purplejoōbachi

With overwhelming vocal prowess and dramatically staged performances grounded in a singular aesthetic, Ziyoou-vachi commands a strong presence in the music scene.
Released in February 2025, this work is a straightforward ballad whose gentle vocals woven by Avu-chan and sweeping, large-scale melodies resonate deeply in the heart.
It powerfully sings of bonds with friends, gratitude to cherished people, and hope for the future, making it a message-rich piece that bridges past, present, and future.
Featured as the opening track of the album Aku, it vividly conveys the song’s world through Avu-chan’s extraordinary expressive ability.
This exquisite ballad is one to hear when you stand at a crossroads in life or want to reflect deeply on your feelings for someone important.
Tropical TherapyONE OK ROCK

A gem of a ballad that overlays the desire to break free from mental anguish and pressure with a yearning to escape to a tropical paradise.
It seamlessly blends ONE OK ROCK’s signature powerful melodies with lyrics that portray a confrontation with one’s inner self.
Its gentle, tropical sound makes it a soothing track that resonates with people living in modern society.
Released in February 2025 as part of the album “DETOX,” this song has garnered significant attention alongside “Puppets Can’t Control You,” the main theme of “Ogami-sensei,” and “+Matter,” featured in the Asahi Super Dry commercial.
It’s a must-listen for those feeling everyday stress and emotional burdens, or anyone seeking a mental refresh.
Two People in a Fading CitySazan Ōrusutāzu

A ballad that portrays the story of a man and a woman who meet amid the languor of summer with a heartrending melody is included on Southern All Stars’ album “THANK YOU SO MUCH,” released in March 2025.
This gem of a track also serves as the theme song for the film “Sunflowers on the Board.” It delicately depicts how a romance that began as a superficial relationship gradually transforms into true love.
Keisuke Kuwata’s deep vocals and a beautiful melody line reminiscent of Eric Clapton strikingly capture a poignant farewell.
In the film “Sunflowers on the Board,” starring Kentaro Sakaguchi, the song resonates perfectly with the human drama set in the world of shogi, further enriching the film’s atmosphere.
It’s a song that stays close to your heart when you want to sink into the melancholic mood at summer’s end or when you’ve experienced a parting from someone dear.
loveUru

Singer-songwriter Uru, who continues to captivate many listeners with her mysterious presence and embracing voice.
Released in November 2025, her 16th single “Platform” includes this track as a B-side, whose acoustic resonance and use of space create an ensemble that sinks deep into the heart.
The lyrics, which find love beyond anxiety and loneliness, will resonate with anyone who knows their own fragility.
It’s a gem of a ballad, with a tender, comforting vocal that gently seeps in.



