[Resonates with the Heart] Masterpiece Ballads with Beautiful, Poignant Lyrics

The Little Bird That Forgot How to FlyMISIA

The Little Bird That Forgot How to Fly

MISIA’s song overlays the image of a bird so wounded it has forgotten how to fly with the hidden fragility everyone carries in their hearts.

It is said to embody the artist’s own belief that no matter how strong we pretend to be, inside we are as vulnerable as a little bird that has lost its way.

Beginning with a quiet piano and unfolding into majestic strings, the sound itself traces the journey of a heart finding light amid confusion.

The track is included on the million-selling album “KISS IN THE SKY,” released in September 2002, and is widely loved as the theme song for the RPG “Star Ocean: Till the End of Time.” It’s a tale of renewal that, when listened to on nights you feel crushed by your own powerlessness, inspires you to cherish the warm happiness that lies beyond the pain.

A world without goodbyesŌhashi Torio

A world without goodbyes

A medium-tempo ballad woven from a gently soul-soothing voice and richly expressive strings.

The melody spun by Ohashi Trio seems to tell us that, while parting from someone dear is unavoidable, there is a world without “goodbyes” that spreads within our hearts, where memories continue to shine forever.

Listening to this song, some of you may have quietly pictured someone you can no longer meet.

Released in September 2022, this work colored the story as the theme song for the drama “Sayonara no Mukougawa.” Rather than overcoming the sorrow of farewell, it tenderly stays close to those who wish to embrace their goodbyes as warm memories and keep living with them.

canaryYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Canary

Released in August 2020, this gentle, heartwarming ballad closes out the landmark album STRAY SHEEP, which set the record of selling over two million copies.

It affirms the distance that unexpectedly came between people and the bewilderment of a changing everyday life, while portraying the resolve to keep moving forward through the image of birds letting their songs ring out.

The song was also chosen as the theme for NHK’s documentary program “Futari no Distance” (Two People’s Distance).

When you find yourself feeling a vague anxiety—wondering, “What’s going to happen from here?”—give it a listen.

It will surely wrap your heart in a softly glowing warmth.

milk teaShimizu Shota

milk tea

When you think of ballads you want to listen to as autumn deepens, many of you might picture songs with warm melodies that really touch the heart.

That’s why I recommend this one by Shota Shimizu! With its memorable electric piano intro, the song is a love ballad that portrays a calm moment where two hearts melt together, like milk slowly blending into tea.

You can really feel his talent for weaving irreplaceable affection out of everyday scenes.

The track was included on the single “My Boo,” released in October 2016, and later featured on the 2017 album “FLY.” If you listen to it on a chilly night with a warm drink in hand, thinking of someone special, you’ll likely find yourself wrapped up in its sweet, gentle world.

ALONEB’z

B’z / ALONE

Under the twilight sky, standing alone while thinking of a loved one.

It conjures a poignant yet beautiful scene—an exquisite ballad that represents B’z.

The lyrics, which portray how time apart only deepens one’s feelings for the other, are truly heart-wrenching.

Released in October 1991, the song became a million-seller as the theme for the drama “Hotel Woman.” In live performances, Koshi Inaba’s piano-and-vocal rendition has become a legendary moment among fans.

Listen to it on a night spent alone, and it will gently keep your lonely heart company.

OCEANB’z

B’z / OCEAN

An emotional ballad whose grand sound woven by piano and strings resonates deep in the heart.

It likens an unwavering resolve—to protect a loved one and overcome any hardship together—to the boundless expanse of the open sea.

Released in August 2005, the song richly colored the story as the theme for the drama “Umizaru: UMIZARU EVOLUTION,” and won Song of the Year at the 20th Japan Gold Disc Awards.

When you want to reaffirm the bond with someone precious, it will gently give you a push forward.

White LoversKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibito-tachi (Short ver.)

A heartwarming ballad that delicately paints winter scenes, transforming the bittersweet memory of a lost love into a feeling of blessing.

While looking back on a past romance, it carries a positive message about cherishing the love that was shared, resonating through Keisuke Kuwata’s warm, soulful vocals.

Released in October 2001 as his seventh single, this gem won the Gold Prize at the 43rd Japan Record Awards that same year.

Also featured in Coca-Cola’s “No Reason” campaign commercial, the song won the hearts of listeners across generations.

It’s the perfect soundtrack for spending unhurried time with someone special in a relaxed lounge, or for quietly gazing at a winter nightscape alone with a glass in hand.