[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
- [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)
evening primroseNovelbright
Released on December 11, 2020, this is Novelbright’s fourth major-label and sixth overall digital-only single.
It was also selected as the monthly song for the weather segment on Fuji TV’s “Tokudane!” in February.
This ballad features a piano-centered arrangement that pairs exquisitely with vocalist Yudai Takenaka’s soft, high-toned voice.
This is just my personal take, but I think the melodic bass line that comes in from the second chorus is also one of the highlights of the track.
Love and romanceNovelbright
Released in 2022, this song by Novelbright is a stunning love ballad that showcases vocalist Yudai Takenaka’s sharp, soaring high notes.
The lyrics, overflowing with feelings for a beloved woman, are sprinkled with depictions that anyone can relate to—so you’ll likely find yourself connecting with them, too.
Based on a guitar accompaniment, the programmed beats and softly crafted synths blend beautifully, creating a gentle, blissful sonic world that mirrors the imagery in the lyrics.
Love KnotNovelbright
A piano ballad that weaves a bittersweet love story.
From the perspective of a man on the verge of marriage, it carefully portrays his vow to cherish his bond with his loved one.
The gentle vocals of Yudai Takenaka from Novelbright resonate deeply with listeners.
Included on the April 2021 album “Kaimaku Sengen” (Declaration of Opening), this piece was created with weddings in mind.
The lyrics, based on interviews with friends who are actually married, depict a couple supporting each other in everyday life.
It’s a song we hope not only those about to be married, but also couples who have been together for many years, will listen to together.
Wherever you areONE OK ROCK
ONE OK ROCK is a rock band loved for vocalist Taka’s captivating, beautiful voice and songs that resonate deeply.
“Wherever you are” is arguably their most famous love song.
Set to a moving melody, it vows eternal love to a cherished woman.
With lyrics that evoke a wedding, it’s a popular ballad for ceremonies as well.
It’s a highly recommended classic that makes you want to send it to someone special when you want to express your feelings.
1.15 Million Kilometers of FilmOfisharu Higedan Dism
Official HIGE DANDism’s song “115 Million Kilometer Film” is a track included on their 2018 album Escaparade.
It was used as the commercial song for ROHM’s “electric landscape” campaign and was also chosen as the theme song for the film Love Me, Love Me Not.
It’s a highly popular song especially on streaming platforms, ranking 7th on Billboard’s streaming chart.
The lyrics overflow with feelings for the other person and leave you with a warm heart.
SubtitleOfisharu Higedan Dism
Official HIGE DANDism’s “Subtitle” is a poignant winter love ballad that sings of the emptiness of not being able to convey your feelings the way you want.
Released in 2022 as their eighth digital single, it dominated the three main Billboard charts.
It was written as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday drama “silent,” marking their first drama tie-in in about four years.
The song’s sound aligns with the drama’s worldview so well that Ken Murase, the program’s producer, was reportedly moved to tears when he first heard “Subtitle.”
apoptosisOfisharu Higedan Dism
Official HIGE DANDism, who blend stylish flair with pop sensibilities, released the track “Apoptosis” as an advance single from their 2021 album Editorial.
It reached No.
8 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and No.
3 on the download chart.
Centered on the theme of parting through the inevitable “death” that awaits us one day, its lyrics about loving with all one’s might are deeply moving.
There’s also a documentary-style video on YouTube showing the making of “Apoptosis,” so be sure to check it out!