[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)
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!
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.
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.
LOVE LETTERMakihara Noriyuki
Do you know the hidden gem by Noriyuki Makihara that portrays a faint, letter-bound first love? Centered around an undelivered love letter, it delicately captures the emotions of a protagonist seeing off someone dear who is leaving for a distant job.
The imagery—twilight at the station and scenes along the tracks—feels so vivid it tightens the listener’s chest with a poignant ache.
The song was included on the album UNDERWEAR, released in October 1996, and was later used as the theme for NTT East’s corporate commercial “Mother,” featuring Yui Aragaki.
This piece rekindles the unspoken kindness we couldn’t put into words and the bittersweet memories of youth.
It’s a song to savor, especially for those who’ve experienced a springtime parting or who carry unspoken feelings in their hearts.
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.
[Tearjerkers] Classic and Recommended Love Ballads (21–30)
Close your eyesHirai Ken
When it comes to love songs, you can’t leave out Ken Hirai’s 20th single.
Released in 2004, it was written as the theme song for the film Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World.
Created as an answer song to a movie that contemplates love and life through the story of a high school girl battling leukemia, its worldview—depicting a deep love for someone you can never meet again—never fails to bring tears to your eyes.
The lyrics, which capture the aching feelings for a beloved person who has vanished from your life, naturally draw you in.
And beyond sorrow, it’s a love song that makes you want to cherish what your loved one gave you and keep living with that in your heart.