A collection of timeless ballads sung by idols—songs that deeply touch the heart
When people think of idol songs, many might imagine bright, energetic tracks.
However, there are also many idol groups that sing beautiful ballads that truly touch the heart.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of wonderful ballad songs performed by idols.
We’ve chosen tracks that portray a variety of emotions and stories.
Be sure to read the lyrics as you listen, find your favorites, and take your time savoring their unique worlds.
Ballad songs sung by idols: a collection of moving masterpieces (1–10)
shukipiNEW!＝LOVE
This work expresses overflowing affection and possessiveness toward a beloved person through modern, cute word choices and a pop sound.
The lyrics were written by Rino Sashihara, and it’s also known for featuring Maika Sasaki in her first center position.
It was included as a coupling track on the single “Seishun ‘Subliminal,’” released in November 2020.
Although there were no notable tie-ins, it became popular enough that official LINE stickers inspired by the song were released in December of the same year.
Its sweet melody, carried by a brisk tempo, irresistibly captivates listeners.
It’s a song that gently gives you a push when you feel a bit shy about expressing your true feelings or when you want to fully revel in a buoyant, lovestruck mood.
That girl complexNEW!＝LOVE
A work that vividly portrays the ache of not being able to become someone special to the person you love and the inferiority you feel when you compare yourself to someone else.
It’s the title track of their 11th single, released in May 2022, with Maika Sasaki serving as the solo center for the first time.
The song drew significant attention, reaching No.
3 on the Oricon weekly chart and surpassing 10 million views on its music video.
Setting itself apart from straightforward, upbeat pop, its fragile yet serious worldview tightens around your heart.
If you listen when you’re anxious over an unrequited love and on the verge of losing yourself, its delicate vocals will gently stay by your wounded heart.
A gem of a heartbreak song that we highly recommend to anyone carrying the pain of earnest emotions.
This sky is the triggerNEW!＝LOVE
Its bright, glittering, classic idol-pop melody intersects with the ache of unrequited love to strike straight at the heart.
Though it sounds glamorous, what it portrays are the sweet-yet-bitter emotions of a love that won’t be returned.
That gap between cuteness and bittersweetness makes it irresistible, doesn’t it? Released in February 2023 as the group’s 13th single, this work wasn’t backed by a major tie-in; instead, it’s been cherished through events that connect directly with fans, such as special release-commemoration lives.
Surpassing 200,000 copies in its first week, it stands as a symbol of the group’s momentum.
It’s perfect for those wrestling with an unattainable love or anyone who wants to feel the sparkle of youth.
While it stays close to your aching feelings, it also brings a refreshing breeze to your heart.
Poisoning by a deleterious drugNEW!＝LOVE
An enticing pop tune that lets you feel as if you’re sinking into a sweet yet dangerous swamp of romance.
With lyrics penned by Rino Sashihara, it portrays an earnest longing that draws you to someone beyond reason.
The sound, blending a dark mood with exhilaration, stirs the heart with every listen.
Premiered on a TV music show as the title track of their 20th single, slated for release in April 2026, it has garnered major buzz.
With bonus video content featuring live performance footage, this work showcases the group’s momentum.
Perfect for those who want to revel in the thrills of a provocative love story or boost their mood with a powerful dance beat.
Be sure to add it to your favorite playlist.
Call me, Tell meSWEET STEADY
A SWEET STEADY track that poppily captures an overflowing crush trying to connect with the one they like over the phone.
Its breezy hyper-Y2K sound, evoking 2000s culture, and a world full of wordplay that recalls communication and radio waves really grab your heart, don’t they? Released in May 2024, the song was written and composed by Hiroaki Suzuki.
It’s also become one of the group’s signature numbers, with a newly recorded version included on the single “YAKIMOCHI / Good Job!” set for release in August 2025.
Can’t you feel the flutter of romance just by listening? It’s a perfect pop tune for lifting your mood or shouting along at a live show.
Just kidding!SWEET STEADY
I can’t stop thinking about the person I like.
This SWEET STEADY track captures a love that can’t quite be expressed honestly, set to a brisk, poppy sound.
The frustration of not being able to put it into words and the bashful emotions overlap with the sweet melody and bouncy rhythm, making your heart race just by listening.
The song was released in April 2024 and was later included on the classic “Pajama Party! / Diamond Days” in December of the same year.
At their one-man show in June, there was a production where silver streamers fluttered at the moment everyone jumped near the end, captivating the fans.
This piece has grown alongside the energy of the live scene.
If you can’t quite convey your feelings to the one you like and need a little push, why not give it a listen?
First Love Cinderella≒JOY
If you’re looking for a classic idol song brimming with the flutter of a faint first love, this might be just the one.
With lyrics penned by Rino Sashihara, this sparkling number portrays the down-to-earth feelings of a protagonist in love.
Released as the second single in October 2024, it also made waves by topping major charts like Oricon.
With Reon Esumi at center, the words sung over an exhilarating sound are sure to turn every listener into the heroine of the story.
It’s perfect not only for hyping up karaoke sessions with friends, but also as a powerful ally when you need the courage to take a step forward in love.