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

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.

Island SongTHE BOOM

THE BOOM “Shima Uta (Original Version)” Official Music Video

The BOOM’s classic, which opens with the wistful tones of a sanshin, is a gem of a ballad imbued with the tragedy of the Battle of Okinawa and a fervent wish for peace.

On the surface it appears to be a love song about a parting between a man and a woman, yet it was born from Kazufumi Miyazawa’s 1991 visit to the Himeyuri Peace Museum in Okinawa.

Its distinctive sound blends a base in the Ryukyuan scale with elements of contemporary music.

The track was included on the January 1992 album Adolescence and released as a standalone single the following year.

It was featured in a commercial song for Mizuho Distillery’s Ryukyu Awamori Xi.

In 2001, a cover by an Argentine artist became a major hit locally, and the international response was so great that it was even used as a supporters’ chant during the 2002 Japan–Korea World Cup.

It’s a song I particularly recommend for quiet, solitary evenings, as well as to younger listeners who want to experience the diversity of Japanese music.

fateTani Yuuki

Fate – Tani Yuuki [MV]

Fate depicts a fateful encounter in a straightforward way.

The song was written by singer-songwriter Tani Yuuki for Ryota Katayose of GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE.

This time, I’d like to introduce Tani Yuuki’s self-cover version.

Compared to the original, this rendition features a more passionate vocal performance.

It’s fun to listen to both and compare.

Also, don’t miss the music video, shot in exactly the same setting.

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horsetailnishina

Nishina – Tsukushi [Official Video]

A song written as the theme for NHK’s Saturday drama “The Beast Path Where Lilacs Bloom.” It’s a heartwarming piece that gently portrays the fragility and beauty of life, as well as the strength of people who face adversity.

Released in February 2025, the work was created after Nishina visited the land and school that inspired the original story.

With delicate nuance, it captures the way life carries itself with quiet dignity even amid loneliness, and the growth that follows trials—like flowers that take on color as they learn of parting.

Born from experiences of encountering the rhythms of nature and the ways people live, and of contemplating the meaning of life, this work will stay close to your heart and give you the courage to look forward when confronted with difficulties or standing at a crossroads.

Shall we break up?Miyuhan

Miyuhan “Shall we break up?” [Music Video]

Some of you may be feeling down even though you were the one who ended the relationship.

“Wakare yokka” speaks on behalf of those feelings.

It’s a song by singer-songwriter Miyuhan, where her signature clear vocals are highlighted by a simple acoustic arrangement.

The lyrics, which portray the wavering of the heart leading up to the decision to break up, will likely feel personally relatable.

Even if that’s not your situation, it’s crafted in a way that you can still empathize with.

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So it wasn’t me, huh.riria.

riria. / So it wasn’t me. [Music Video]

A heart-stirring ballad by Riria.

that gently embraces the delicate emotions of a woman tossed around by someone’s misleading behavior.

With a tender, translucent voice, she vividly portrays a woman who struggles with helpless longing yet cannot sever her lingering feelings.

Released digitally in October 2021, the song also drew major attention with its music video that premiered the same year.

If you sing it earnestly at karaoke, it’s sure to resonate with anyone who knows the pain of heartbreak.

It’s a song that quietly stays by the side of those facing a farewell with someone dear.

AnswerIkuta Rira

Lila Ikuta 'Answer' Official Music Video

A moving ballad by Lila Ikuta that weaves delicate emotional expression with a powerful message, portraying the search for answers to forge one’s own future.

It beautifully captures the protagonist’s emotional journey—from anxious nights curled up in tears to the resolve to carve out a path with their own hands.

Released in March 2021, the song was also featured in a Tokyo Marine Nichido Anshin Life commercial.

It gently encourages people who, despite feeling anxiety and loneliness in their daily lives, choose to face forward and overcome them.

It’s also recommended when you want to convey your feelings at karaoke.