[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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- [Songs I'd love women to sing!] Popular ballads performed by female artists
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- [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
[Heartwarming] Timeless Ballad Masterpieces and Latest Hits [2026] (251–260)
KanadeSukima Suichi
Since their debut in 2003, Sukima Switch have released many songs and led the J-POP scene, and this is one of their signature tracks.
Over a gentle accompaniment featuring piano and strings, Ohashi’s warm vocals resound beautifully.
Listening to a slow song like this really reminds you of the appeal of Ohashi’s expansive, expressive voice.
While the song is sometimes heard as a heartbreak tune, a close reading of the lyrics reveals it’s actually about a long-distance relationship.
It’s a wonderful ballad packed not only with the sadness of being apart, but also with the strong bond and love that keep the two connected.
[Heart-Touching] Masterpieces of Ballads: Timeless Classics and the Newest Hits [2026] (261–270)
Maplesupittsu
Spitz’s 19th single “Kaede,” released in 1998, is a song in which vocalist Kusano’s gentle voice softly resonates in the heart.
It’s also known for being covered by many artists.
It’s a tender, soothing track that’s perfect for when you’re tired or feeling down.
When you’re doing your best and hit a wall, it’s only natural to feel unsure about where to go or what you really want.
This is a song I hope you’ll listen to in those moments—one that helps you face your present self.
Meowth’s SongNyāsu
A nostalgic, bluesy ballad sung by Meowth in the Pokémon anime.
It played from episode 28 to episode 68 of the very first series.
In 2021, it also drew attention when Towako, played by Takako Matsu, hummed it in the drama My Dear Exes (Omameda Towako and Her Three Ex-Husbands)! The bittersweet melody is touching, yet Meowth’s laid-back singing voice is so cute and endearing it’ll make you smile (lol).
If you haven’t heard it, please give it a listen.
Meowth’s solo performance is truly heartwarming.
Goodbye, LipsHarureo
It’s a heart-wrenching breakup song with lyrics that capture the moment two lovers part.
It’s performed by Haru-Leo, a female guitar duo.
The song was produced as the theme for the film of the same name, “Farewell Song” (Sayonara Kuchibiru).
Haru-Leo themselves are also a unit that appears in the film.
The lyrics and music were written by singer-songwriter Motohiro Hata.
Be sure to watch the movie as well.
It’s nothing.makaroni enpitsu
Macaroni Empitsu’s 2021 digital release “Nandemo Nai yo,” brims with a vast love for someone dear.
It portrays an ordinary relationship, ordinary days, and that ordinary yet precious person who’s there with you in the midst of them.
The everyday life you build together feels so lovable, something you want to protect forever—such candid, straightforward affection is depicted here.
Yet that big love can be embarrassing to say face-to-face, so it comes out a bit evasively—captured perfectly in the title phrase.
How about making it the background music for those unassuming everyday moments spent with someone special?
It’s just that.Marushii
The song “Tada Soredake no Koto ga sa” has been attracting attention after being used as an insert track in the romance reality show Koisuru Shuumatsu Homestay 2023 Spring ~Sweet Orange Memory~.
It’s a piece by the rock band Marcy, carrying the message of cherishing your partner more.
As the lyrics progress into the latter half, the story gradually comes to light, so you can enjoy it as if you’re watching a drama.
Also, don’t miss the music video featuring model Rinka Kumada.
SunYorushika
Yorushika’s new song is a track that, within its relaxed tempo, evokes a radiant sense of hope.
The lyrics, which sing of the strength to keep moving forward despite life’s fragility and anxieties, really resonate.
Released in November 2024 as the theme song for the film “Shoutai,” it matches the movie’s worldview beautifully.
The music video, a collaboration with art director Tetsuya Nagato, has also drawn attention, resulting in a work that blends music and art.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet night, taking it all in.