[Tear-Jerking] Classic and Recommended Love Ballads
This is a playlist that spotlights ballads among love songs—nothing but love ballads.
These ballads are filled with tender, heartrending emotions unique to romance, from sorrowful love to songs that gently draw you in.
There are nights when you just want to dive into love ballads and have a good cry, right?
We’ve gathered a wide selection, from recent hits to timeless classics.
Even when they describe happiness, they somehow bring tears—so immerse yourself in these exquisite love ballads and let it all out.
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[Tearjerkers] Masterpieces and Recommended Songs of Love Ballads (121–130)
threadNakajima Miyuki
A classic song that likens encounters with loved ones and the workings of fate to the warp and weft used in silk weaving.
The irreplaceable bonds formed with those we meet eventually become a beautiful fabric that warmly envelops someone—this is the wonderful tale woven by Miyuki Nakajima in this gem of a track.
Its emotionally rich melody and lyrics that pierce the heart are in perfect harmony, gently embracing the listener.
Released in October 1992 on the album “EAST ASIA,” it returned to the spotlight in 1998 as the theme song for the drama “Seija no Kōshin” (March of the Saints).
Sparked by a cover by Bank Band, it has continued to be cherished as a wedding staple.
Why not etch it into your heart as a memorable song to color life’s milestones together with someone special?
BetelgeuseYuuri
It’s a grand piece that overlays the brilliance of the stars with the bonds between people.
Like starlight that reaches Earth after many years, Yuuri’s powerful voice conveys how our past experiences shape who we are today.
Released in November 2021, it was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “SUPER RICH.” Resonating with many listeners—surpassing 500 million total streams—this work strikes a chord.
It’s recommended for those who want to gaze up at the night sky and feel their connection with someone important, embracing the universal theme that no one can live alone.
First LoveUtada Hikaru
A melody that gently embraces a bittersweet farewell and unforgettable memories.
The lingering sweetness of young love woven by a 16-year-old Hikaru Utada seeps into the listener’s heart.
While accepting a past romance as a cherished memory, it also conveys a forward-looking strength to take a new step.
Included on the album “First Love,” released in March 1999, it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Majo no Joken,” which began airing in April of the same year.
Set against a warm arrangement of piano and strings, even the breaths in the vocal performance resonate as part of the story.
This gem of a song offers solace when parting with someone dear or when you wish to bring closure to a past relationship.
Your SongYasuda Rei
One song that has been drawing attention for its strong storytelling is “Kimi no Uta.” This track was released by Rei Yasuda in 2020 and is also known as the theme song for the anime Natsume’s Book of Friends Roku.
The lyrics express a longing for a lover who has passed away.
In the music video, the deceased boyfriend returns to life, and the story depicts the couple spending a brief moment together.
The appeal lies in how viewers of the anime can listen while overlaying its story, and others can become emotionally invested in the MV’s narrative as well.
[Tearjerkers] Masterpieces and Recommended Songs of Love Ballads (131–140)
Gentle RainKoizumi Kyoko
The lyrics penned by Kyoko Koizumi herself delicately depict loneliness in the city, chance encounters, and a heartfelt longing for the other person.
Released in February 1993, the song drew attention as the theme for the drama “To Love” and became a major hit, reaching No.
2 on the Oricon charts and selling over 950,000 copies.
Koizumi’s voice, carried by Shoko Suzuki’s beautifully composed melody, blends poignancy with warmth, gently resonating with listeners.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to alone on a rainy day—one that softly soothes the heart when you’re feeling the loneliness of the urban bustle or holding onto thoughts of someone dear.
snow moonYamada Ryosuke
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.
Your Song for YouKawasaki Takaya
This is a heartwarming song that contrasts the grandeur of the universe’s history with the small acts of love found in everyday life.
It is one of Takaya Kawasaki’s signature works, included on the 2018 album “I believe in you.” After its initial release on an indie label, it was reissued by Victor Entertainment.
The song portrays the preciousness of each moment with a loved one, expressing a straightforward, sincere devotion to someone dear.
The gentle tone of the acoustic guitar and the tender vocals resonate as if softly enveloping those feelings.
It’s a piece that supports anyone reflecting on relationships with irreplaceable people—partners, family, and others—and feeling a deep sense of love.