[Touching the Heart] Timeless Ballad Masterpieces. A Collection of Unfading Classics and the Latest Songs [2026]

Beautiful Place ~Final Destination~Imai Miki

Miki Imai - “A Beautiful Place ~Final Destination~” PV Short Version (Lyrics/Music: Masashi Sada)

It’s a grand ballad by Miki Imai.

Released in January 2026, the song is included on Smile, her first album in about eight years.

Written and composed by Masashi Sada, it sets a journey of the heart toward life’s summit to a rich sound centered on piano and strings.

A highlight is the luxurious arrangement where Sada’s violin resonates with Tomoyasu Hotei’s guitar.

It’s a song that will stay close to those who wish to reflect on the lives they’ve led.

realmiwa

real

This is a sublime ballad filled with kindness, where a clear, beautiful piano tone and a soaring vocal performance resonate in the heart.

Released by miwa in February 2025, the song was chosen as the ending theme for the anime “Momentary Lily.” It tenderly depicts the small joys of everyday life and the bonds with loved ones, delivering a heartwarming message.

It harmonizes beautifully with the anime’s world, further enhancing the work’s appeal—an aspect not to be overlooked.

Showcasing the maturity of miwa as an artist on the 15th anniversary of her debut, the track is also slated to be included on the album “miwa.” It’s a song that gently stays by your side when you feel lonely or want to savor time with someone special.

By the side on a moonlit nightUru

[Official] Uru “By Your Side on a Moonlit Night” — Theme song for the film “The Guardian of the Camphor Tree”

Singer Uru, who continues to captivate listeners with her deep vocals and ethereal presence.

Her 17th single, “Katawara nite Tsukiyo,” released in January 2026, was written as the theme song for the film “Kusunoki no Bannin,” based on a novel by Keigo Higashino.

The lyrics and composition were handled by Iyori Shimizu of back number, and the blend of a melody that nestles into a quiet night with vocals that seep into the heart is striking.

This song, which scoops up feelings that can’t be put into words, feels perfect for nights spent alone or moments when you’re thinking of someone special.

snow moonYamada Ryosuke

Ryosuke Yamada – “snow moon” [Official Music Video]

A winter mid-tempo ballad that captivatingly conveys a sweet yet bittersweet love story woven into a snowy landscape, expressed through a delicate singing voice.

Set for release in February 2025, this track will also be included on the album “RED.” With vivid, wintry imagery, it delivers sincere affection for a cherished person, carried by a clear and beautiful vocal.

It’s a wonderful song that gently keeps you company on winter nights when you’re thinking of someone you love or during quiet moments spent reminiscing about precious memories.

Stars are falling.Senchimirimentaru

Sentimental - “Hoshi ga Furu” (Falling Stars) Music Video

This is a winter ballad that sings of lingering feelings for a former lover.

Released by Centimillimental in November 2025, the song was written as the commercial theme for the Laguna Illumination “Carnival of Light and Water,” held at the Laguna Ten Bosch resort in Gamagori, Aichi Prefecture.

Grand piano-and-strings arrangements are layered with Atsushi’s delicate vocals to paint a poignant world where longing and bravado intersect.

The protagonist, torn between wishing happiness for the person they parted from and emotions that won’t fade, resonates powerfully alongside the image of lights pouring down the winter night sky.

It’s a track I especially recommend to anyone trying to face forward after a heartbreak.

dead endHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Dead End [Official Video]

Ikidomari, the theme song for the film A Moon in the Flatlands, by Gen Hoshino.

It’s a quiet love song composed only of piano and vocals.

The lyrics, which depict adult loss and regret—continuing to harbor feelings for someone unforgettable even while standing at a dead end—resonate deeply.

Hoshino has commented that it’s “not a song about myself, but a song that tells the story within the song in the first person,” which shows how faithfully it conveys the film’s worldview.

Please take your time and immerse yourself in its poignant afterglow.

ElfAdo

[Ado] Elf

An epic ballad portraying the loneliness and inner conflict carried by elves, beings of legend.

Written as the theme song for the drama “Peacock’s Dance, Who Saw It?”, the piece beautifully expresses the emotions of the protagonist played by Suzu Hirose.

Released digitally in January 2025, the song embodies a strong resolve to stay true to oneself, harmonizing a fantastical worldview with a powerful message.

It’s a track that deeply resonates with those who have lost sight of their path or experienced parting from someone dear.

On nights when you feel alone, or when you’re about to take a new step forward, it will surely give you a gentle push.