[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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- [Karaoke] Classic and Popular Ballad Songs You’ll Want to Sing at Karaoke
- Nothing but classics! A nostalgic collection of ’80s Western ballads
[Heartfelt] Masterpieces of Ballads. Timeless Classics and the Latest Hits [2026] (201–210)
Moon DropsRUI
Ko Shibasaki’s ballad “Tsuki no Shizuku,” released in 2003 under the name RUI, became a long-running hit.
It was used in the film “Yomigaeri” and credited to the character RUI, whom Shibasaki herself portrayed.
Many people may find that gazing at the moon brings to mind loved ones far away.
This is a song you’ll want to listen to slowly under the moonlight, capturing feelings of nostalgia and longing.
Its beautiful, fragile Japanese evokes the elegance of the Heian era, leaving a strong impression.
Perhaps setting one’s feelings of love to poetry is something that never changes, past or present.
IvorySCANDAL
SCANDAL has continued to lead Japan’s girls’ band scene since the 2000s.
From cool rock numbers to cute tunes, they cover a wide range—and now they’ve delivered a laid-back ballad.
The vocalist on this track, Ivory, is the guitarist MAMI.
Carried by a gentle melody, MAMI’s voice nestles close to our repeating everyday lives.
It’s a song that makes you think it would be nice to live without rushing, feeling affection for each day.
RomanticSEKAI NO OWARI
A ballad by SEKAI NO OWARI that delicately depicts emotions shifting with the changing seasons.
The track features a lively beat with a touch of jazzy flair, creating a pleasant, easygoing atmosphere.
Its lyrics deftly express the gap between expectation and reality felt amid the passing seasons, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released on May 10, 2024, the song also serves as the theme for the drama “9 Border.” It’s a recommended listen for those who relate to the complex feelings that emerge at the turn of the seasons.
sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI
When we think of ballads, they often end up being sad or love songs, but Sazanka is a positive ballad that leaves you feeling refreshed after listening.
Released in 2018, it was also NHK’s theme song for that year’s Pyeongchang Olympics and Paralympics, serving as an anthem to cheer on hardworking athletes.
It’s a song I hope you’ll listen to when you’re feeling down—gentle, encouraging, and one that makes you feel ready to try again tomorrow.
Beyond the Night SkySMAP
It’s one of the signature songs representing SMAP, and it’s also well known for having lyrics written by Shikao Suga.
The fact that many artists, including lyricist Shikao Suga and composer Yukika Kawamura, have covered it shows just how popular the song is.
It’s a gentle, medium-tempo ballad, but it doesn’t evoke sadness—rather, while there’s a sense of chill, it powerfully conveys a bright, moving feeling, as if speaking of hope for the future.
Another strength of the song is that it can be interpreted from various angles—whether it’s a scene of friends talking together or one with lovers.
Cinderella BoySaucy Dog
A song with brutally honest lyrics that you can’t help but relate to.
“Cinderella Boy” tells the story of a girl tossed around by her too-free-spirited lover—cheating, lying, and more.
It’s a track by the wildly popular three-piece band Saucy Dog, released online in advance in August 2021.
Even though she knows she’ll get hurt, she can’t leave because she loves him—this song is sure to resonate deeply with anyone carrying that kind of struggle.
The high-toned vocals have a certain melancholy, as if they’re speaking for a heart that’s on the verge of crying out.
only holy storySteady&Co.
This is a track by Steady&Co., a unit produced by Kenji Furuya and BOTS from Dragon Ash.
Including this song, azumi from wyolica appears as a guest vocalist on the album.
The days spent together, sung as a male–female vocal duet, overlap with a sound that has a beat yet moves at a relaxed pace, leaving you with a warm and calm feeling.
It’s a gentle song that conveys how much the two cherish each other.