[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] Classic and Recommended Love Ballads (1–10)
A Naked Heartaimyon
This song has a lovely, quiet intro that traces the melody of the chorus on piano.
It was also used as the theme song for TBS’s smash-hit drama “My Housekeeper Nagisa-san.” Because it always played during the drama’s tear-jerker moments, I feel like I’m about to cry whenever I hear it, like a Pavlovian response.
The line “Without hiding anything, I showed my heart just as it is and realized—I’m in love” evokes a beautiful world of affection that ties in with the drama.
I think many fans would say this is their favorite song.
It was also performed at the 2020 year-end NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
One more time, One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi
One of Masayoshi Yamazaki’s signature songs, and a timeless tear-jerking ballad, “One more time, One more chance” has been loved for years.
It’s also famous as the theme song for the film “The Moon and a Cabbage,” in which Yamazaki himself appeared, as well as the animated film “5 Centimeters per Second.” The lyrics, which feel like they’re chasing after the image of a former lover who lingers in the heart even after a breakup, can move you to tears even without a similar experience.
Released in 1997, time has passed, but it remains a beloved classic.
Love SongGO!GO!7188
When it comes to love ballads that capture the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love, “Koi no Uta” comes to mind.
Released in 2000 by the three-piece band GO!GO!7188, it’s also known as one of their signature songs.
The rock sound delivered with a simple band setup leaves a strong impression.
Yumi Nakashima’s emotional vocals, perfectly matched with the refreshing yet heartrending melody line, are truly heart-melting.
Many listeners will relate to the turmoil of a love that just won’t come true.
It’s a straightforward love ballad that stays close to the loneliness and anxiety of heartbreak.
Its heavy, passionate rock will soothe your heart.
[Tearjerkers] Classic and Recommended Love Ballads (11–20)
AiHata Motohiro
Hata Motohiro’s ninth single, released in 2010.
It’s a classic that has been covered by various artists, including Chris Hart and Hitoto Yo.
Hata’s mellow, gentle vocals and the carefully strummed acoustic guitar resonate with a poignant tenderness, wrapping you in a feeling of affection.
It’s perfect for when you want to reflect on the flutter of a fateful encounter that makes you feel love in an instant, and on those irreplaceably happy moments—please give it a listen.
PreciousItō Yuna
A ballad imbued with a strong determination to believe wholeheartedly in your loved one and overcome any hardship together.
Sung by Yuna Ito, a Hawaii-born vocalist with overwhelming vocal prowess, this piece is a grand love song that will move listeners to the core.
Released in May 2006 as her third single, it was chosen as the theme song for the film “Limit of Love: Umizaru” and became a major hit.
The beautifully interwoven string melodies and her expansive, resolute voice are sure to inspire deep emotion.
Consider choosing it for a scene where you vow eternal love to the partner with whom you’ll walk through life, or as end-credits BGM to grace an emotional finale.
Spot the differenceSuda Masaki
A ballad written by the genius Kenshi Yonezu is powerfully sung by the exceptional artist Masaki Suda.
Just the combination of these two tells you it’s a wonderful song.
Centered on the theme, “I feel like I met you precisely because I chose the wrong path,” the love story it portrays is quiet yet elegant.
Also pay attention to Suda’s strong vocals as the song builds toward the chorus.
Yonezu’s album STRAY SHEEP includes his own cover version as well—be sure to check that out too!
LemonYonezu Kenshi
A song written as the theme for TBS’s TV drama “Unnatural,” it became a signature hit of 2018 and 2019.
Kenshi Yonezu was asked to create a piece that would “gently embrace those who are hurt,” in line with the show’s theme, and when you listen, you can feel a sense of universal, boundless love.
The cherished “you” belongs to the past, yet the feelings are eternal—that message comes through clearly.
It’s a masterpiece that makes you think that a deep love which continues to shine and sparkle forever in one’s heart—such a form of love might be perfectly fine.