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

heartbeatFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Heartbeat <31st Anniv. Live “Slow Collection”> (Short ver.)

A poignant yet warm ballad that captivatingly portrays the turmoil of an unexpected love.

The protagonist, who had decided never to fall in love, grapples with confusion and a loneliness hidden behind a brave front, all conveyed through Masaharu Fukuyama’s richly emotive vocals.

Included on his original album “AKIRA,” released in December 2020—his first in six years and eight months—the song was chosen as the theme for the drama “#Remolove: Normal Love Is for the Weak.” Its delicate melody reflects the nuances of the protagonist’s emotions, making it a deeply satisfying listen.

Try listening while thinking of someone special.

truthYazawa Eikichi

Eikichi Yazawa - “Truth” Music Video

Eikichi Yazawa, the legend who has continued to lead Japan’s rock scene.

Released to mark the 50th anniversary of his solo debut, this song is a superb ballad created through his first-ever collaboration with lyricist Yukinojo Mori.

It was released as a single in August 2025 and chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “The Last Appraiser.” It is also included on the album “I believe.” Set to a tender yet heartrending melody, the lyrics express a yearning to seek the truth within falsehoods and the fragility of love, resonating deeply with listeners.

It’s a track that gently embraces you when you want to face yourself on a quiet night.

To be feat. Daichi MiuraØMI

ØMI – To be feat. Daichi Miura (Official Music Video)

A work that feels like a soulful dialogue woven by two of Japan’s foremost vocalists.

An epic ballad released in July 2025, with ØMI inviting Daichi Miura as a featured artist.

Over a warm yet dignified track crafted by UTA, they sing a powerful message: beyond life’s struggles and solitude, there is always light.

The way their vocals—combining delicacy and strength—melt together feels as if pain is turning into kindness.

It’s a song that gently nudges you forward when you hit a wall and feel like stopping.

Heart KnotYuuma

Yuma “Heart Knot” Official Music Video

This is a warm ballad by Yuma, written to celebrate the departure into a new chapter of a dear person.

Released in July 2025, it carries a special backstory: it was created as a wedding gift for his own manager.

The song gently weaves pure gratitude and blessings for the future.

The calm tones of piano and acoustic guitar further highlight its straightforward message.

If you listen when you want to express appreciation to a friend or partner, it’s sure to warm your heart.

Highly recommended if you’re looking for a wedding song!

CARRY’S SONKahara Tomomi

CARRY’S SON

This is a moving ballad by Tomomi Kahala that shines a light on her singer-songwriter side.

After parting with her beloved horse, Carry’s Sun—her long-time partner in equestrian competition—she wrote both the lyrics and music to convey her deep gratitude and love.

The straightforward sincerity in the words and the gentle, beautiful melody resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in October 2022, this song is her first newly written piece in about six years since her 2016 work, and can be seen as a starting point symbolizing her recent return to self-songwriting.

It is filled with a kindness that quietly stays with you through the sorrow of saying goodbye to someone precious, and gives you the strength to look ahead.

DON’T FORGET MY NAMEShimizu Shota

Shota Shimizu 'DON’T FORGET MY NAME' Music Video

A deeply resonant ballad by Shota Shimizu.

Released in May 2025, it serves as the lead track on the album “Pulsatilla cernua.” The song conveys an earnest desire for listeners not to forget their bonds with loved ones, even while walking a solitary path.

The music video’s beautiful visuals set in the city of Osaka are also striking.

It’s a song that offers comfort to those facing a turning point in life or thinking of someone dear who lives far away.

Christmas songback number

back number – Christmas Song (full)

It’s the perfect song for a winter night when, despite the glittering bustle of the city, you can’t help but think only of someone special.

The lyrics carefully portray the frustration of not being able to see the person you want to see right away, and the tenderness that overflows anyway—it really tightens your chest, doesn’t it? Released in November 2015 as back number’s 14th single, the track quickly rose to fame as the theme song for the TV drama “5→9: From Five to Nine.” Produced by Takeshi Kobayashi, its warmly poignant sound—woven from piano and strings—is exceptional.

Gently embracing everyone in love, as well as those spending the holy night with a touch of loneliness, this piece is also included on the acclaimed album “Chandelier.”