[2026] Recommended for guitar-vocal performance! A collection of Reiwa J‑POP ballads

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

No matter how much music genres get subdivided and how our ways of listening and enjoying evolve, the greatness of ballads remains universal.

Of course, the Reiwa-era J-pop scene has produced plenty of ballads with melodies and lyrics that resonate with the heart.

If you know songs that pair well with acoustic guitar and are easy to express in a solo vocal-and-guitar style, it can be the key to discovering your own unique performance style.

In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of Reiwa-era J-pop ballads that you’ll want to perform as acoustic guitar renditions.

Whether you’re practicing in your living room or preparing for a special day when you want to play for someone, be sure to find a favorite song.

[2026] Recommended for Guitar and Vocals! A Collection of Reiwa J‑Pop Ballads (11–20)

Dried flowersYuuri

Yuri “Dry Flower” Official Music Video - Director’s Cut ver. -

Dried flowersYuuri

[Cover] Dry Flower (Acoustic) / Yuuri

Told from a woman’s perspective, this song dwells on lingering feelings for an ex and serves as a sequel that follows the story depicted in the previous track, “Kakurenbo.” Comparing those undying emotions to flowers that keep their shape even after they wither, the lyrics poignantly capture both the permanence of feeling and the passage of time.

Yuuri’s whisper-like vocals and nuanced breaths deliver each word with intimate care.

Released as a digital-only single in October 2020, it went on to top Billboard JAPAN’s year-end chart in 2021—a modern classic.

Centered on acoustic guitar, it’s a medium-slow rock ballad with simple chords that nonetheless demand expressive singing.

It’s the perfect number to perform as a heartfelt solo for someone special.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri

Sakura Clear Skies

Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri

I tried singing my own song [Yuuri] [Sakurabare]

This is the fourth major digital single by singer-songwriter Yuuri, known for hits like “Dry Flower” and his powerful vocals.

Released in February 2021 and later included on his long-awaited first album, “Ichi,” this heartwarming graduation song was inspired by an email from a fan.

The lyrics, which convey down-to-earth gratitude toward a father, mother, and friends, are sure to resonate deeply with anyone setting off on a new journey.

While the original is a beautiful piano-and-strings ballad, the melody itself is so expressive that a simple acoustic guitar-and-vocal performance is more than enough to get the feelings across.

The chord progression is relatively simple and makes it easy to focus on the singing, so try performing it for someone special.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

A Song Dedicated to the Worst YouYuuri

Yuuri “A Song for the Worst You” Official Music Video

A Song Dedicated to the Worst YouYuuri

Yuri’s new song, released in November 2025, had its live debut on the first night of the Asia tour at Yoyogi National Gymnasium First Gymnasium, and was streamed online in a way that carried the fans’ on-site energy straight to the internet.

The track is a poignant medium-tempo ballad in the lineage of “Dry Flower” and “Betelgeuse,” portraying the protagonist’s conflicted emotions as they continue a relationship even while knowing the other person isn’t serious.

Aware that both they and their partner are being unfair, the lyrics frankly express the pain of being unable to let go and the lingering attachment—offering listeners a chance to confront their own vulnerabilities.

It’s a song that will stay close to anyone who has settled for a convenient relationship or needs the courage to accept an ending.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

In conclusion

J-pop ballads born in the Reiwa era reveal a different kind of charm when performed as guitar-vocal pieces.

The acoustic resonance expresses the song’s emotions with greater delicacy and will likely reach listeners more deeply.

There’s surely a song that will resonate with your sensibilities.

Through solo acoustic performance, enjoy new encounters and discoveries in music.