[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 (51–60)
I stillmilet

A gem-like love ballad by milet, known for a voice where aching tenderness and strength intertwine, beautifully capturing the emotions of the character she portrays in the film.
Its richly emotive melody weaves together a yearning for eternal love and the anxieties that come with it, while lyrics that speak of unwavering, straightforward affection resonate deeply.
Written as the theme song for the film “The Girlfriend I Don’t Know,” slated for release in February 2025, the track will debut on streaming platforms in January 2025, followed by a CD single release in February.
It’s a heartwarming song you’ll want to listen to on your morning commute, on your way home at night, or while thinking of someone special.
That’s not fair…arekunn

Are-kun’s song, which beautifully portrays aching love and suffering, has deeply moved many listeners.
While harboring intense feelings for the other person, the work delicately weaves the complex emotions of a woman swayed by ambiguous behavior.
Released in August 2021 as an advance track from the album “Breath,” it was also chosen as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “BREAKOUT” in September, allowing it to resonate with an even wider audience.
Confused and hurt by the other person’s vague kindness, yet unable to suppress her feelings—this piece offers heartfelt empathy and comfort to anyone who bears the pain of an unrequited love.
Be happy, okay?matsumura kanau

Reflecting on memories while gazing at the sea alone—“Be Happy, Okay” is the perfect song for that kind of scene.
It’s a work released by the new-generation artist Kanau Matsumura.
This heart-wrenching breakup song portrays, from a male perspective, the moment he initiates the split for the other person’s sake, and how he later looks back on their memories.
While the word “sea” doesn’t appear directly, there are descriptions that evoke it.
Listen closely and see for yourself.
That’s all there is to it.Marushii

Be sure to check out the passionate love ballad “Tada Sore Dake no Koto ga sa” as well.
This song was produced by Marcy and has garnered attention as an insert track for the romance show “Koisuru ♥ Shūmatsu Homestay 2023 Spring ~Sweet Orange Memory~.” The lyrics depict a woman who has experienced heartbreak, looking back on the happy days the two of them spent together.
What stands out is the sprinkling of words that convey regret and a sense of putting on a brave face.
Give it a listen together with the drama-style music video featuring Rinka Kumada.
[Tearjerkers] Classic and Recommended Love Ballads (61–70)
Liar MoonYorushika

It is a ballad marked by the quiet melody of the piano and Suis’s gentle vocals.
Through vivid depictions of scenes in the rain and the symbolic image of drinking down moonlight, it delicately portrays the protagonist’s emotions as they face loss and loneliness.
Produced in June 2020 as the ending song for the Netflix feature-length animated film A Whisker Away, the piece was composed by Yorushika’s n-buna to reflect the film’s worldview while capturing the atmosphere from spring to early summer.
It is a song that will deeply resonate with those who wish to relive a fragile yet beautiful page of youth, as well as those who have experienced parting with someone dear.
the depths of the heartrokudenashi

A bittersweet love ballad by Rokudenashi that resonates deeply.
It weaves delicate words about the loneliness that comes at dusk and the urgent feelings hidden behind a smile.
While yearning to be loved, the wavering heart that hesitates to face its true feelings seeps in along with gentle piano melodies.
Released in February 2025 as the lead track from the album “Sigh,” this song reaches out to those who, even while carrying wounded, unsettled hearts, try to look ahead with cherished memories held close.
snow moonYamada Ryosuke

A winter mid-tempo ballad that captivatingly conveys a sweet yet bittersweet love story woven into a snowy landscape, expressed through a delicate singing voice.
Set for release in February 2025, this track will also be included on the album “RED.” With vivid, wintry imagery, it delivers sincere affection for a cherished person, carried by a clear and beautiful vocal.
It’s a wonderful song that gently keeps you company on winter nights when you’re thinking of someone you love or during quiet moments spent reminiscing about precious memories.


