[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 (11–20)
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.
I long to see you now.MISIA
A grand ballad that stirs the heart with a bittersweet yet powerful longing to meet a cherished person across time.
Sung by MISIA, renowned for her overwhelming vocal prowess, this piece was written as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “JIN” and released as a single in November 2009.
It was also positioned as the lead single from the album “JUST BALLADE,” and many listeners may remember it alongside the drama’s moving scenes.
The lyrics, capturing the frustration of not being able to meet someone you long for and the overflowing passion within, are perfect for anyone seeking the courage to confess their feelings on Valentine’s Day.
Why not immerse yourself in this soul-stirring voice while making chocolates?
Wherever you areONE OK ROCK
A love ballad by ONE OK ROCK that’s also popular as a wedding staple.
Just like the title suggests, it delivers a straightforward message: “I’m thinking of you no matter where you are,” making it a number brimming with love.
The lyrics vow a love that never changes—no matter the situation or how many years pass—and since most of it is sung in English, it feels a little less embarrassing, which is another charm of the song.
It’s perfect for quietly listening while thinking of someone you love, or for singing at karaoke.
With its beautiful melody, it gently seeps into your heart and fills you with warmth.
catDISH//
A love ballad with Takumi Kitamura’s emotionally charged vocals that poignantly capture a farewell to a loved one.
Released in 2017 with lyrics and music by Aimyon, it drew renewed attention with a 2020 video on the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE and became a massive hit.
Its heartfelt message—one that only those who have endured the unbearable pain of a farewell they cannot forget, no matter how hard they try, can truly understand—pierces straight to the heart.
When you just want to cry, listen closely and immerse yourself fully in this bittersweet world of love.
EverythingMISIA
A love ballad that could be called one of MISIA’s signature songs.
Released in 2000, it became a massive hit as the theme song for the TV drama “Yamato Nadeshiko.” Its dramatic and romantic worldview—thinking of a loved one and shedding tears even in the moments you can’t meet—is conveyed through MISIA’s overwhelming vocals.
There are many forms of love, of course.
Some may even break down in difficult circumstances.
Yet this is an anthem of love so powerful it convinces you that what you’re feeling is true love.
KanadeSukima Suichi
Released in March 2004, this is Sukima Switch’s second single.
It’s a ballad whose poignant message—that even though a parting comes as the two change, they remain connected somewhere—deeply resonates.
Although it was reportedly written with the scenario of a woman leaving a man, the lyrics are something people of any age or gender can relate to.
They’re filled with many feelings: the wonderful memories of being together, the loneliness of parting, the love for the one who’s leaving, and the desire to cheer them on.
It wraps you in a rich tapestry of emotions.
[Tearjerkers] Classic and Recommended Love Ballads (21–30)
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.
