[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)
MPRINCESS PRINCESS
A flagship track by PRINCESS PRINCESS, a girls’ band that left its mark not only on the history of women’s bands but on Japanese rock as a whole.
Many people would say this is their favorite song.
In fact, this track was included on the B-side of that massive hit “Diamonds.” It’s curious that such a masterpiece was treated as a B-side—good songs will always be discovered by listeners, those intrepid explorers, wherever they are.
The lyrics, about not being able to throw away the page for an ex-lover whose name starts with M, belong to a time before smartphones.
The word “page” itself carries a certain nostalgia.
With its beautiful harmonies, it’s a ballad that’s also great for karaoke.
That’s lovely.RIKKI
The theme song of the game Final Fantasy X.
It’s a well-known ballad among gamers.
RIKKI’s gentle vocals and the lyrics connect with the story, creating a very heartrending piece.
It’s a classic ballad I’d love even those who haven’t played the game to hear.
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.
[Heart-Touching] Classic Ballad Masterpieces. Timeless Classics and the Latest Songs Compilation [2026] (221–230)
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.
