Recommended ballad songs for women

Seriously, only youTakeuchi Mariya

Only You in Earnest (Let’s Get Married) – Mariya Takeuchi

Has it already been two decades or so…? This song used to be a staple for candle-lighting ceremonies at weddings.

I think the gentle melody of the slow ballad and Mariya Takeuchi’s clear, pure voice perfectly matched the image of happiness held by young women at the time.

Dazzling candle flames and the smiles of the bride and groom are the images this song evokes.

Just being alive is admirable.ReoNa

ReoNa “Just Being Alive Is Wonderful” - Lyric Video -

A ballad infused with ReoNa’s deep emotions, where a warm melody wrapped in kindness is accompanied by a soul-stirring voice.

It delicately portrays the hardships of living, the small setbacks in everyday life, and the subtle feelings of trying to overcome them.

Included as a track on the single “Nai Nai,” released in May 2021, it has soothed the hearts of many listeners.

This piece, in which the piano’s melody and ReoNa’s vocals blend beautifully, is a gem written and composed by Tota Kasamura.

Her voice, which gently stays close to a weary heart, is perfect for times when you want to be encouraged—or when you want to encourage someone else.

I wish I were the one you liked.Te ga kuriimu pan

I wish I were the one you love / Hands Like Cream Bread (Wishing I’m her / tegacreampan) [Official Music Video]

A heart-stirring ballad by Tegami Cream Pan, where earnest feelings and a bittersweet mood are woven together through a clear, transparent vocal.

It gently portrays a woman who carries deep feelings for someone important yet struggles to express them.

Featuring an evocative piano melody, the song was released in April 2023.

Showcasing her delicate expressive power to the fullest, this piece speaks on behalf of girls in love.

It’s a must-listen for those who keep their feelings for a crush to themselves or find it hard to be honest about their emotions toward someone dear.

Sentimental KissShio Reira

Reira Shio / Sentimental Kiss Acoustic ver. (full) [Official Music Video]

A gentle ballad by Reira Shio that delivers bittersweet feelings on a warm acoustic sound.

The lyrics delicately portray the distance between lovers after a breakup and the emotions wavering between heart and body, resonating deeply.

Her voice weaves memories of a feverish love and a faint lingering warmth with novel-like beauty, tenderly embracing the kind of heartache everyone has felt at least once.

Released in March 2022, the song was also used as background music for ABEMA’s dating show “He and the Wolf-chan Won’t Deceive.” It’s a track that will stay by your side on nights when you want to bask in memories of someone special, or when you need someone to hear the feelings you can’t hold inside.

Give me a gentle kiss.DREAMS COME TRUE

A Gentle Kiss – DREAMS COME TRUE (Full)

It’s a story written as the theme song for the TBS drama “Vessels of Sand” (Suna no Utsuwa), depicting adult love.

It longs for a relationship where both partners are gentle to each other and to themselves—where they say nothing about one another, and simply treat each other kindly.

Perhaps the choice not to draw clear lines, not to make things black and white, is precisely what makes it adult… It carries a poignant, sorrowful feeling.

366 daysHY

HY 366 Days LIVE

This song was included on HY’s fifth album after their indie debut, “HeartY,” and was released in 2008.

It was selected as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama and Toho-distributed film “Akai Ito,” and it has become one of HY’s most popular tracks.

It has been covered by many artists and is especially popular among women at karaoke.

Tomorrow’s wayYUI

YUI　『Tomorrow’s way-short ver.-』

It was released in 2005 as YUI’s second single.

It was chosen as the theme song for the nationwide Shochiku/Toei theatrical release film “HINOKIO.” Among YUI’s songs, it has the second-longest running time, and the music video features Kanata Hongo, the star of “HINOKIO.”