[Tear-Jerking] Classic and Recommended Love Ballads

Cinderella BoySaucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Cinderella Boy” Music Video <5th Mini Album “Lazy Sunday” Released on 2021.8.25>

This song is included on Saucy Dog’s mini-album “Lazy Sunday,” which weaves a heart-wrenching love story that tightens the chest.

It portrays a bittersweet, inescapable dependence, even while suffering the agony of being torn apart by the other person’s lies.

Coupled with a melodious rock sound and written from a female perspective, it leaves a lingering aftertaste where sorrow and affection intermingle.

Released in August 2021, it also drew attention for its animation-style music video by Miku Masuda.

In 2022, the band appeared on Music Station.

It’s a recommended track for those struggling with complex feelings toward someone they love or seeking empathy in the subtleties of human relationships.

Song of the Eternal NightKami wa saikoro o furanai

God Does Not Play Dice “Yoru-Naga Uta” [Official Lyric Video]

A gem of a rock ballad by Kami wa Saikoro wo Furanai that became a hit after gaining buzz on social media.

Its melody, vocals, and lyrics each carry a sensational power that speaks straight to the heart.

The song was included on the mini-album “An Opinion on Lambda,” released in May 2019.

It expresses an overwhelming longing for someone precious you can never meet again, and many listeners find themselves moved to tears even without having gone through a breakup.

Vocalist and lyricist Shusaku Yanagita reportedly cried many times during production.

Listen to it on a night when you can’t forget someone, and your tear ducts will surely be stirred.

Cry On Your SmileKubota Toshinobu

Toshinobu Kubota – CRY ON YOUR SMILE [Official Video Short ver.]

This is a renowned ballad that tenderly yet poignantly captures the feelings of seeing a loved one off as they set out toward their dreams.

Released in October 1987, it became a milestone as the artist’s first entry into the Oricon Top 10.

Built on an R&B foundation, its beautiful melody is paired with lyrics filled with such deep affection that you find yourself in tears even within the other person’s smile—listening makes your chest tighten.

The emotionally overflowing ad-libbed outro is breathtaking, conveying irrepressible feelings that bring tears to your eyes.

Chosen as the theme song for the Toho film “Kamitsukitai,” it’s also included on the best-of album “the BADDEST.” When you listen to it as you cheer on someone dear at the start of a new chapter, it feels like a gentle push on the back.

MissingKubota Toshinobu

Toshinobu Kubota – Missing [Official Video]

This is an immortal masterpiece included on the first album “SHAKE IT PARADISE,” released in September 1986.

Although it was never released as a single, it’s widely known as one of Toshinobu Kubota’s signature songs.

It portrays a poignant relationship between a man and a woman who are drawn to each other yet can never be together, rendered through a one-of-a-kind, soulful voice.

The more one wishes to forget, the stronger the feelings grow—the searing emotion tightens the listener’s chest.

On a night when your heart is troubled by an unrequited love, why not listen quietly on your own?

AitaiKato Miria

Miliyah Kato - “Aitai”

It’s a heartrending love song about longing for someone who’s looking at somebody else.

Included on the acclaimed 2009 album “Ring,” this fan favorite became a hit with over 700,000 downloads despite not being released as a single.

It also adds deep resonance to the film “Villain” as an in-film track.

Even if I’m not your number one, even if I know I’ll get hurt, it has to be you… That desperate cry from the heart tightens the listener’s chest.

When you fall for someone, reason can’t do a thing about it.

If you’re suffering from an unrequited love, this is a song that will surely stay close to your heart.

Last LoveKato Miria

Miliyah Kato 'Last Love'

The work she created is a breakup song that perfectly fits the phrase “a heartbreakingly sad love ballad.” Through lyrics she wrote herself, it portrays with striking realism the aimless sense of loss and the lingering attachment that won’t fade after losing the one you love.

The grand, beautiful strings only seem to accentuate the loneliness at heart, and the clear, translucent vocals resonate as if asking a question—so achingly bittersweet.

Released in June 2010 as her 18th single, the track was later included on her acclaimed album HEAVEN, which became her first to top the charts.

When you’re carrying the pain of an unforgettable love, this song gently stays by your side in your helplessness.

WHYKato Miria

Miliyah Kato “WHY”

Miliyah Kato’s number, born from the “why?” that arises out of romantic miscommunication, resonates painfully deep in the heart.

Set to a powerful, rock-tinged sound, this song straightforwardly expresses irreconcilable feelings and a cry from the heart.

Even while carrying a sense of helplessness, you can feel the strength to keep moving forward.

Released in November 2009, it reached No.

10 on the Oricon weekly chart and was later included on the acclaimed album HEAVEN.

When you don’t understand how the other person feels and are suffering from questions with no answers, listening to it might feel like it speaks your emotions for you.

It’s sure to gently stay by the side of anyone struggling with a frustrating love.