[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.
- Recommended ballads for men: classic songs about love, encouragement, and youth.
- [Songs I'd love women to sing!] Popular ballads performed by female artists
- A poignant ballad song. A tear-jerking masterpiece of Japanese pop music.
- [2026] Latest Masterful Ballads | A Curated Selection of Heartfelt Love Songs and Uplifting Anthems
- [Tear-Jerking] Classic and Recommended Love Ballads
- [Resonates with the Heart] Masterpiece Ballads with Beautiful, Poignant Lyrics
- Today's recommended ballads: A carefully curated selection of heartwarming, gem-like masterpieces!
- A beautiful melody soothes the heart… Heisei-era ballad hit songs
- A lineup of timeless masterpieces to pass down to future generations! Ballad songs born in the Reiwa era
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- [Take it easy] Recommended ballad songs to help you sleep
- [Karaoke] Classic and Popular Ballad Songs You’ll Want to Sing at Karaoke
- Nothing but classics! A nostalgic collection of ’80s Western ballads
[Touches the Heart] Classic Ballad Masterpieces. Timeless Classics and the Latest Songs Collection [2026] (211–220)
FarewellSuperfly
Superfly’s “Farewell” was written as the theme song for the film Ichikei no Karasu, released in January 2023.
It’s her eighth digital-only single, released in 2022, and a prayerful ballad created with the motif of “unfulfilled feelings.” Beginning with a beautiful piano intro and building into a grand sound layered with Superfly’s emotional vocals, it truly resonates with the heart.
The music video also brilliantly captures the world of the song, so be sure to check it out!
I don’t want to let go.T-BOLAN
This is the second single by T-BOLAN, a four-piece rock band that debuted in 1991 as part of the Being label bands dominating the J-POP scene at the time.
After a hiatus, they announced their return to activity in 2017.
Known as one of T-BOLAN’s signature songs, it has been widely used in tie-ins, including TV dramas, commercials, and motorsports broadcasts.
Vocalist Arashi Moritomo’s husky yet powerful voice blends with a band sound that features piano, culminating in a ballad that speaks to the heart.
Its beautiful melody, which never fades with time, continues to resonate—an imperishable classic.
EndlessTOMOO
A gem-like ballad by TOMOO, woven from the timbre of the piano and a voice that resonates with the heart.
The lyrics tenderly embrace deep feelings for a loved one and the pain that lies beneath, striking a chord within.
Released as a digital single in October 2024, it was also chosen as the ending theme for the Fuji TV drama “Zenryōiki Ijō Kaiketsushitsu” (All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office).
This work showcases TOMOO’s musicality to the fullest, offering comfort and evoking empathy in listeners.
It’s a perfect song for those troubled by love or hoping to deepen their bond with someone important.
ENGAGEDTRF
“ENGAGED,” included as the 11th track on TRF’s fifth album “dAnce to positive,” released on March 27, 1995.
It’s a number that captivates with a sound that evokes a gentle flow of time and a clear, beautiful vocal performance.
Majestic scenery and the spreading of strong, profound love gradually fill the heart.
W/X/YTani Yuuki
A bittersweet yet beautiful love song that likens a man–woman relationship to sex chromosomes.
Tani Yuuki’s delicate vocals and skillfully rhymed lyrics resonate deeply.
Released in May 2021, the track went viral on social media and climbed high on many music streaming charts.
It also garnered major attention with over 300 million views on TikTok.
Through everyday moments and emotional exchanges, it portrays two people gently supporting each other.
Highly recommended for those who want to feel the preciousness of time spent with a lover or to reaffirm feelings for someone special.
oneselfTani Yuuki
“Jibun Jishin,” a track released in 2022 by singer-songwriter Tani Yuuki, offers support to those trying to make a fresh start.
It portrays someone leaving their current place to pursue the dreams and goals that have taken root within them, determined to push forward on their own.
And when things get tough, they resolve to overcome it by recalling the fun days and the days they worked hard.
As the title suggests, it’s a song that cheers on anyone determined to move forward with confidence in themselves.
fateTani Yuuki
Fate depicts a fateful encounter in a straightforward way.
The song was written by singer-songwriter Tani Yuuki for Ryota Katayose of GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE.
This time, I’d like to introduce Tani Yuuki’s self-cover version.
Compared to the original, this rendition features a more passionate vocal performance.
It’s fun to listen to both and compare.
Also, don’t miss the music video, shot in exactly the same setting.
