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

Things that have formShibasaki Kou

Ko Shibasaki – Something That Has Form

Kou Shibasaki’s “Katachi Aru Mono,” released in 2004, was used as the theme song for the drama “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World.” It’s a ballad marked by lyrics that overlap with the drama’s worldview and strings that evoke beautiful memories.

Shibasaki truly shines in ballads! I feel she captures a subtle balance that conveys a sense of light, not just sorrow.

She also took part in writing the lyrics for this piece, and it suggests a future where feelings for a loved one transform sadness and frustration into strength.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KEI

Report a problem

hydrangeaShibasaki Kou

hydrangea

Gently stirring the emotions that slumber deep within, this song by Kou Shibasaki draws on the story of the Edo-period physician Philipp Franz von Siebold and his Japanese wife Otaki, mirroring the flow of time and the fragility of fate in the image of hydrangeas.

Her delicate vocals blend exquisitely with HAINOMI’s electronica-tinged arrangement.

Pre-released on October 30, 2024, it is included on the EP “Kyōen” (Hibikigai/Resonant Banquet) out November 27.

It’s recommended for moments when you want to heal the pain of heartbreak or move past a farewell to someone dear.

Wrapped in Shibasaki’s voice, why not take some time to sort through your feelings?

White LoversKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibito-tachi (Short ver.)

When you think of Southern All Stars, many people probably picture the blazing sun and summer, but this work is the complete opposite.

Keisuke Kuwata’s solo song Shiroi Koibitotachi is a quintessential winter love ballad that’s hard to listen to without tears.

You can almost see the steady snowfall and a Christmas spent alone.

It’s a song that captures the sharp sting of love in a season when you long for someone’s warmth.

As winter returns, listen while thinking of that special person you can’t help but remember.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

Report a problem

If being alive is painfulMoriyama Naotaro

If Being Alive Is Painful – Naotaro Moriyama

The impression you get from the title might be very negative—a song that sings of painful sadness.

However, in reality, it’s quite the opposite.

With lyrics that say, “If it’s tough, just let it all out,” it’s a somewhat carefree yet thoroughly positive track that makes you feel like, “Well, let’s just give it a try for now.”

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

satou-san

Report a problem

SEASONSHamasaki Ayumi

Ayumi Hamasaki / SEASONS (Short Ver.)

Although some time has passed since its release, “SEASONS,” a gem-like ballad from Heisei-era songstress Ayumi Hamasaki, continues to be loved by many.

It opens with a memorable, beautiful piano introduction, and in the chorus, Hamasaki’s vocals resonate deeply in the heart.

Amid the ever-turning seasons, the song evokes a nostalgia that links the past, present, and future.

Happy times aren’t forever—but neither are the hard ones.

It’s a song that supports us as we live our daily lives.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

Report a problem

Voice of the Seaurashima tarou

"The Voice of the Sea" Full ver. / Urashima Taro (Kenta Kiritani) [Official]

The au commercial series “Santaro,” which began airing in 2015, became very popular.

In it, Kenta Kiritani, playing Urashima Taro, sings this song expressing his feelings for Otohime.

Composed by BEGIN’s Miyuki Shimabukuro, it’s arranged as an Okinawan folk-style ballad.

Backed by his own sanshin performance, the love song drew widespread attention and became a hit, reaching No.

1 on many streaming platforms.

A melody instead of a bouquetShimizu Shota

Shota Shimizu 'A Melody Instead of a Bouquet' MV (Full Size)

“Instead of a Bouquet, a Melody” is also popular as a wedding song.

It has been a long-running hit on charts like karaoke and streaming.

Although it’s a 2015 track, it has continued to draw attention across various scenes, from its performance on THE FIRST TAKE, to comedian Yoshizumi using it in the finals of a competition, and its appearance on the audition show PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SEASON 2.

It’s a warm, heartfelt love song that’s quintessential Shota Shimizu.

The melody is wonderful, of course, but the lyrics are truly beautiful as well.

The pure feelings gently move your heart—you can’t listen without tears.

It’s a ballad that feels like a gift.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KEI

Report a problem