[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 (41–50)
heartbeatFukuyama Masaharu
A poignant yet warm ballad that captivatingly portrays the turmoil of an unexpected love.
The protagonist, who had decided never to fall in love, grapples with confusion and a loneliness hidden behind a brave front, all conveyed through Masaharu Fukuyama’s richly emotive vocals.
Included on his original album “AKIRA,” released in December 2020—his first in six years and eight months—the song was chosen as the theme for the drama “#Remolove: Normal Love Is for the Weak.” Its delicate melody reflects the nuances of the protagonist’s emotions, making it a deeply satisfying listen.
Try listening while thinking of someone special.
BelieveChe’Nelle
Che’Nelle’s soul-stirring voice permeates the heart in this sweeping ballad.
The song movingly portrays unwavering trust in a loved one and a steadfast belief in the future, no matter what obstacles stand in the way.
Chosen as the theme song for the film “BRAVE HEARTS: Umizaru,” released in July 2012, it left a deep impression on many.
Listen to it by the seaside at dusk or under a star-filled sky while thinking of someone dear, and you’ll feel a gentle warmth, as if it’s softly encouraging you forward.
Precious LoveEXILE ATSUSHI
With a warm, translucent voice, EXILE ATSUSHI pens a wedding song themed around love and bonds.
Gently singing of the importance of affection felt in days walked together and vows to the future, this work carefully portrays the delicate emotions of a romance born in everyday life transforming into eternal love.
Released as a single in October 2014, it was featured in a commercial for the wedding magazine Zexy and earned the Best Vocal Performance at the 56th Japan Record Awards that same year.
It was subsequently included on the album Love Ballade, captivating listeners across a wide audience.
Whether for a moody evening spent savoring a drink while feeling the bond with someone special, or as wedding background music, it will surely stay close to your heart.
heartaimyon
A poignant ballad that carefully portrays the complex emotions of love.
Released in 2021, this song was written by Aimyon as the theme for the TBS Tuesday drama “Only Just Married.” During production, she rewrote the lyrics from scratch for the first time, focusing on expressing feelings that are “not too cute, yet not too clumsy.” Inspired by the heart’s shape—round on top and pointed at the bottom—the song explores a relationship where affection and pain coexist.
It resonates deeply with those struggling with marriage or romance.
The holeKing Gnu
A ballad that gently accompanies those carrying loneliness, loss, and wounded hearts.
It begins with a serene piano melody, then unfolds into a deeply poignant soundscape woven from strings and reverb-laden drums.
The lyrics, crafted by Daiki Tsuneta, express profound empathy for people bearing emotional scars and a powerful desire to protect the ones they love.
The music video, directed by filmmaker Takuya Uchiyama, beautifully portrays the shifting dynamics of a couple’s love.
When you want to take time alone to face yourself, or when your heart feels unsettled, this work offers quiet healing along with deep resonance.
nape (of the neck)aiko
A poignant winter ballad by aiko, beloved by fans as a hidden gem.
She sings earnestly of an unerasable love, recalling things like her ex-lover’s slightly grown-out nape-length hair and awkward smile.
Released as a single in November 2003, it was also performed at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Although it had no commercial tie-in, it served as the lead track from the album “Akatsuki no Love Letter,” and its moving finish makes sense in light of the anecdote that aiko herself was brought to tears during production.
On nights when you want to linger in the memory of an unforgettable love, this song may gently keep you company.
Heartbreaker (I fell in love with a cowgirl)Hirai Dai
A gem of a love song by Dai Hirai that paints uncontrollable infatuation and aching longing with a sound that skillfully weaves in elements of country music.
It sings of a man’s pure feelings for a free-spirited, cowgirl-like woman, set to a refreshing beach sound.
Released in April 2025, the piece conveys the bittersweetness of love through a gentle narrative tone and a pleasant melodic line.
Created as the first installment of a series leading up to “HIRAIDAI presents THE BEACH TRIP 2025,” which kicks off in May, it’s a perfect fit for open-air moments like seaside drives or BBQs under clear blue skies.
A soul-stirring ballad that deeply resonates with those nursing heartbreak or struggling with single-minded love.