[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)
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.
In the midst of the trivialHoshino Gen
A little-known gem: Gen Hoshino’s first single as a solo artist.
Having a ballad as a debut song—Gen Hoshino is just too wonderful! As he himself said, “I’d always thought it would be nice if I could convey that feeling without saying ‘I love you.’” The more you listen, the more you somehow end up falling for Gen Hoshino—it’s a mysterious song! It’s a tearjerker I want to listen to with the person I love, soaking in the lyrics that say, “Love quietly dwells in the ordinary.”
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)
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.
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.
Love StoryAmuro Namie
It’s a love ballad in which you can feel the pain conveyed through Namie Amuro’s powerful vocals.
It was also used as the theme song for the drama “Reasons I Can’t Find My Love.” The sound has a gentle atmosphere that evokes the image of slowly facing your own heart, and the piano accents seem to heighten the sense of poignancy.
The lyrics express both the growing love within oneself and the regret of not being able to be together.
It’s a moving song that suggests realizing the magnitude of love only after losing it.
I want to hug you.Mr.Children
Mr.Children’s (aka Misuchiru’s) second single.
Surprisingly, when it was first released, it didn’t attract much attention and only peaked at No.
56 on the charts.
Four years after its 1992 release, it gradually gained popularity after being used as an insert song in the final episode of Fuji TV’s drama “Pure,” and it has since grown into a song that’s constantly in demand for commercials and live performances.
The choice of the phrase “I want to hold you” rather than “I like you” or “I love you” really showcases Mr.Children’s strength.
It’s a tear-jerking ballad often sung on special anniversaries and at weddings.