[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
- 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
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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
[Touches the Heart] Masterpieces of Ballads. Timeless Classics and the Latest Tracks Compilation [2026] (231–240)
HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number
This is a slightly bittersweet love ballad that sings about being unable to confess one’s unrequited feelings.
It’s a song by back number, a three-piece band from Gunma Prefecture, included on their 2019 album “MAGIC.” The unadorned, straightforward vocals are truly moving.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love,” which sparked a lot of buzz.
I love youback number
“I Love You” is back number’s sixth digital single, released in 2022.
It was selected as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Soar!” and debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon Daily Digital Single Ranking.
It’s a ballad featuring heartwarming lyrics wishing happiness for a loved one and the warm, signature band sound characteristic of back number.
The music video on YouTube displays the song’s chord progression, so if you play an instrument, why not try a sing-and-play cover?
[Touching the Heart] Classic Ballads. Timeless Masterpieces and Latest Tracks Compilation [2026] (241–250)
Happy Endingback number
Released in 2016.
It’s the theme song for “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday,” starring Sota Fukushi and Nana Komatsu.
Its appeal lies in a worldview that resonates with the film’s heartrending love story.
The band’s theme for the song is about a woman suppressing her urge to resist and ending a romance with a smile.
When breaking up with a partner, we might hide our true feelings more often than we realize.
We don’t want to make the other person sad.
The kindness of deciding to keep smiling until the very end really touches the heart.
horizonback number
Horizons is a song that reminds us that even when we’re about to be overwhelmed by negative feelings and events in everyday life, there is still hope in the future.
It’s a track by the widely loved band back number, released on YouTube on August 18, 2020.
In the midst of anxiety caused by the coronavirus, it touched many hearts and gently offered encouragement—a timeless ballad.
The inspiration for Horizons came from letters sent to back number by high school students who had been aiming for the Inter-High tournament, which was canceled due to COVID-19.
After reading those letters, the band immediately set to work on a song for them.
That’s how Horizons was born.
It’s a song that doesn’t just support high schoolers, but offers solace to many people.
blinkback number
This is a single by back number released in 2017.
It was also chosen as the theme song for the film “The 8-Year Engagement.” Even though the lyrics don’t state it explicitly, the sound evokes images of a cold winter wind and falling snow.
It powerfully sings of wanting to become someone who can protect a loved one—that this is what true happiness means.
It’s a moving ballad that, in depicting someone trying to protect a precious person even at the cost of themselves, also conveys a certain sense of pain.
Philadelphia fleabaneiScream
This work stands out with its heartfelt lyrics and wistful melody.
It’s iScream’s first-ever ballad, depicting the emotional disconnect between two people in love.
The song is included on the EP “TWENTY,” released in October 2023 to celebrate all members turning 20.
Produced by Sota Hanamura of Da-iCE, it garnered attention, including being selected for CBC Radio’s Power Play for October.
It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to connect with the tenderness and awkwardness of love.
seems like (just) my imaginationmajiko
Majiko originally performed under the name “Maji-musume,” uploading vocal cover videos to Nico Nico Douga, and she’s now a singer-songwriter.
Her appeal lies in her wide expressive range, from whisper-soft vocals to raspy, emotionally charged singing.
Kokoronashi was originally a popular Vocaloid song by Chouchou-P.
If you’re a Vocaloid fan, many of you probably know the original.
In her cover of this song, her vocal strengths are packed in tightly.
