[Tear-Jerking] Classic and Recommended Love Ballads

MetronomeYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Metronome

A gemlike ballad that gently captures the subtleties of meetings and partings.

It likens the relationship of two lovers to a metronome, meticulously portraying how hearts that once beat in unison gradually fall out of sync.

Kenshi Yonezu’s delicate vocals and memorable melodic lines convey the ache of love with nothing left unsaid.

Included on the album Bremen, released in October 2015, the song also garnered attention for its distinctive music video composed of hand-drawn illustrations.

It is a track that will surely resonate deeply with anyone suffering the pain of heartbreak or struggling with growing distance from someone dear.

Flavor Of LifeUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – Flavor of Life -Ballad Version-

This is a masterpiece that delicately portrays the bittersweet pain of heartbreak and parting.

Released in February 2007, it’s a song by Hikaru Utada and served as the image song for the TBS drama “Boys Over Flowers 2 (Returns).” It beautifully expresses the many emotions brought on by saying goodbye to someone you love, with a memorable melody that resonates as if you can feel the very essence of love throughout your whole body.

The song topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for three consecutive weeks and was also included on the album “HEART STATION.” It’s a track that resonates deeply during the poignant moments of love or when you’re feeling uncertain about a relationship with someone important.

crescent moonayaka

Ayaka – Crescent Moon

This ambitious work powerfully sings of the aching feelings of longing for a faraway lover.

Released as a single in September 2006, it showcases Ayaka’s outstanding expressive ability to the fullest.

The song is memorable for its forward-looking resolve to overcome parting and loneliness with a loved one, as well as its strong will to keep thinking of that person, while also conveying a sense of a positive future.

It was featured as the CM song for au’s “LISMO” and as the theme song for NHK General TV’s “Tsunagaru TV @ Human,” and it won the Best New Artist Award at the 48th Japan Record Awards.

It’s a song that offers comfort to those in long-distance relationships or anyone who has experienced a farewell with someone dear.

Song of PointillismMrs. GREEN APPLE

Tenbyouno Uta

A gem of a duet song that delicately weaves together the tenderness of a budding crush and the sorrow of parting.

Released in 2018 as an insert song for the film “Aonatsu: 30 Days with You,” it blends the voices of Mrs.

GREEN APPLE and Sonoko Inoue into a track that leaves a fleeting yet warm afterglow.

From both male and female perspectives, it carefully portrays the joy of meeting, the premonition of goodbye, and feelings that are hard to put into words.

The gentle tones of piano and acoustic guitar express the subtle shifts of the heart as summer draws to a close.

It is a heartwarming piece that offers comfort to those who have experienced parting with someone dear or who wish to cherish irreplaceable memories.

I LOVE YOUkurisu haato

Chris Hart – I LOVE YOU

A heart-stirring ballad that poignantly sings of a love growing cold.

Released in February 2014 as Chris Hart’s first original single, the song is known as the theme for the ACE JTB TV commercial.

While cherishing the happy memories with a lover, it vividly portrays the emotional turmoil of drifting apart.

Though American-born, Hart masterfully conveys the delicate nuances of Japanese and delivers a warm vocal that resonates deeply with listeners.

Scenes of memories unfolding with the changing seasons—like springtime cherry-blossom viewing and winter kisses indoors—further heighten the ache of heartbreak.

It’s a song that gently supports those who have lost someone precious or who are seeking closure.

Linju Lovemakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Rinju Love” MV

A moving story that portrays profound love and longing in the face of death.

This piece was released as a single by Macaroni Empitsu in January 2023.

Created as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “I Wish I Had Said It a Million Times,” it captured the hearts of many viewers alongside the show’s poignant narrative.

Woven with a heartrending melody of love and an emotional vocal performance, the lyrics contain the soul’s cry of someone forced to part with the one they love.

It’s a song that brings to the fore the ache of holding someone dear in your heart right up to the final moment, along with the feelings left unspoken.

Perfect for those who want to empathize with the pain of lost love or are seeking music that stirs the soul.

Agate Caressed by NightAyase

Yoru Naderu Agate / Ayase (self cover)

A beautiful ballad from Ayase’s solo project that poignantly paints the depths of the night.

Included on the first EP, “Ghost City Tokyo,” released in November 2019, this piece vividly portrays the emotions of a man and woman who have no choice but to decide on parting from a loved one.

In a city after the last train has gone, a young man looks back on their relationship; his frustrated feelings as he senses the approaching goodbye are conveyed alongside an urban, mellow sound.

The wavering between wishing for a night with no terminus and trying to accept reality—tenderness toward the other person and a lingering regret—soaks into the heart with the melancholic melody line.

It’s a work that shines with adult sophistication and delicate emotional expression, perfect for a late-night drive or quiet time.