[Tear-Jerking] Classic and Recommended Love Ballads

Bye For NowT-BOLAN

T-BOLAN「Bye For Now」MV

A gem of a ballad etched in the hearts of many as a supportive anthem about a beautiful farewell.

Released by T-BOLAN in November 1992, this song was used as the theme for Woman Dream and went on to become a million-seller.

Its powerful message—singing of the courage and hope to move toward one’s dreams after overcoming the loneliness of parting—deeply resonates with listeners.

It remains a beloved choice for moments like parting from someone dear, graduation ceremonies, and new beginnings, retaining its luster more than 30 years after its debut.

Featured on the albums HEART OF STONE and SINGLES, it shines brightly as one of T-BOLAN’s signature songs.

ContrastTOMOO

TOMOO – Contrast [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Woven together with a simple piano tone, this moving song showcases TOMOO’s delicate emotional expression.

It carefully depicts the uniquely adolescent swings of feeling, vividly portraying the interplay of conflicting emotions.

With an intimacy akin to reading a diary, it gently traces the subtleties of a heart in love.

Released in January 2024 and chosen as the ending theme for cour 2 of the TV anime Ao no Hako, the track aligns beautifully with the anime’s world, adding depth to the story.

It’s a recommended listen for those who want to empathize with the feeling of being in love or sink into memories of their youth.

MyraTani Yuuki

Myra – Tani Yuuki (full ver.)

A gem of a love song that begins with the blissful everyday moments of two people waking up together and gradually portrays, with deep emotion, the process of their love falling apart.

It was the first track Tani Yuuki created with DTM after starting his music career, delicately weaving complex feelings for a lover while skillfully rhyming.

Its memorable melody and heartrending lyrics are sure to resonate with anyone facing a breakup.

Released as his debut single in July 2020, it was later included on his 2021 album “Memories.” The song was also featured in a TikTok commercial, capturing the hearts of many.

Highly recommended for those who want to share the thrill of love and the pain of heartache.

Me too,YUTORI-SEDAI

YUTORI-SEDAI – Me Too, [Official Music Video] (Theme Song for the Drama “I’m Being Toyed With by a Younger Virgin Guy”)

A ballad that poignantly portrays an unrequited love, set to the aching timbre of a piano.

Upon learning that their crush is dating a close friend, the protagonist carefully weaves their feelings as they have no choice but to give up while keeping their emotions hidden.

The more they think about the person they love, the more the pain intensifies—an experience many share as a bittersweet memory that lingers in the heart.

Included on YUTORI-SEDAI’s major first EP “blanket,” released in April 2025, this song was also chosen as the ending theme for MBS’s Drama Tokku series “I’m Being Toyed With by a Younger Virgin.” It’s a track that gently accompanies the hearts of those in one-sided love, where simply thinking of someone makes your chest tighten.

petalback number

back number – Hanabira (full)

A heartbreaking breakup song that overlays the fleeting memories of love with cherry blossom petals.

The lyrics delicately portray how memories with a lover linger everywhere in the city, turning even everyday scenes into amplifiers of pain.

While still holding on to love, the reality is that they will never meet again.

This song carries a message that gently embraces that hurt.

Released in April 2011, it was featured as the ending theme for JAPAN COUNTDOWN.

It is sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced a painful romance.

Happy Endingback number

back number – Happy End (full)

A touching song that sings of the aching feelings for a former lover.

The portrait of a woman who tries to act tough yet cannot sever her lingering attachment is striking.

It depicts the complex emotions of someone who, despite her words, still truly loves the other person.

Released in November 2016, it was also used as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.” It’s recommended as a chance to sort out your feelings if you’ve experienced parting from someone you love.

Let yourself be carried by back number’s gentle vocals and take a moment to face your own emotions.

my nameback number

back number – My Name (full)

This is a gem of a medium-tempo ballad that portrays a profound form of love in which hearts connect simply by calling each other’s names.

Set to the gentle melodies woven by back number, it warmly sings of gratitude and devoted feelings toward someone precious.

Meeting someone who accepts your weaknesses and wounds, and the desire to give them everything—these emotions make for a bittersweet yet heartwarming song that leaves a deep impression.

Released as a single in May 2016 and included on the album “Encore,” this track was written as the theme song for the film “Wolf Girl and Black Prince.” It reached No.

6 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and earned Gold Disc certification, becoming a popular hit.

It’s a heartwarming love song you’ll want to listen to while thinking of someone important to you, recommended for moments when you want to renew your gratitude for irreplaceable people—be they a partner, a friend, or family.