A collection of timeless ballads sung by idols—songs that deeply touch the heart

graduation tripNMB48

graduation trip

Released in March 2015, this NMB48 song is a heartwarming piece that cherishes bonds with friends and shared memories.

It portrays scenes of looking out at the passing landscape from a train while reflecting on the time spent together, accompanied by gentle piano tones.

Blending the hopeful glow of a faintly lit future with the bittersweet feeling of setting off on separate paths, the track achieves a harmonious balance.

It was included as a coupling track for “Don’t look back!” and is also featured on the album “Namba Ai ~Ima, Omou Koto~.” It is sure to resonate with those bidding farewell to graduating friends or parting from someone special.

BarrierSixTONES

SixTONES – Barrier [YouTube ver.]

This is the song chosen as the theme for the film “Ojō to Bankun” (The Young Lady and Her Bodyguard), starring SixTONES’ Jesse and Riko Fukumoto in a dual lead.

Rooted in mixture rock, it rides a powerful, fast-paced sound to convey a vow to protect the one you love no matter what.

The piece, which beautifully syncs with the film’s story through its deep affection for the other person and the strong desire to protect them, will be released on March 19, 2025, in three editions: First Press Limited, Regular, and MTV Unplugged.

For anyone who carries a strong wish to protect someone precious, this is sure to be a song that resonates deeply.

a tease; someone who leads others on≠ME

≠ME (Not Equal Me) / 7th Single “Flirtatious Tease” [MV full]

A song that shines with the sweet, heart-fluttering emotional expressions infused by Rino Sashihara, delicately portraying the feelings of a girl in love.

Cleverly sprinkled with cute onomatopoeia, it’s packed with a woman’s complex emotions—from intense feelings for the other person and assertiveness to, at times, forceful displays of affection.

Released in September 2023 as the seventh single, it features Hitomi Suzuki as center for the first time.

The music video, directed by Seito Nakajima, captivates with a love story set in a fairy-tale world.

It’s a track you can enjoy even more at karaoke by delivering the spoken lines with feeling.

Here we go! Phantom Thief GirlMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto

[Momoclo MV] Go for it! Phantom Thief Girl / Momoiro Clover Z (MOMOIRO CLOVER / IKUZE! KAITOU SHOUJO)

A conceptual work themed around phantom thieves, it unfolds a cute story about stealing fans’ hearts.

It’s a major-label debut packed with all the charms of Momoiro Clover Z.

Produced by Kenichi Maeyamada, the piece perfectly marries a world inspired by the animated film Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro with a bold musical structure that modulates from A minor to E-flat minor.

After its release in May 2010, it was featured as the opening theme for TBS’s Rank Kingdom, drawing significant attention.

The choreography includes the “Ebizori Jump” devised by Kanako Momota, which has become a highlight of their live performances.

It’s the perfect track for music fans seeking a high-energy idol song.

Dreaming 15-year-oldSumairēji

S/mileage 'Yume Miru 15-sai' (Music Video)

S/mileage’s major-label debut captures the summer romances of 15-year-old girls, filled with gentle vocals and bittersweet feelings.

Eurobeat-style synths blend with a kayōkyoku-inspired melody, tenderly expressing the fluttery first loves unique to adolescence.

Depicting a girl’s heart swaying between idealized scenes—summer festivals, fireworks, seaside dates—and reality, the song was produced by Hello! Project’s renowned producer Tsunku♂.

Upon its May 2010 release, it reached No.

5 on the Oricon charts and went on to win the Best New Artist Award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards.

It’s a perfect track for those who want to relive the sweet-and-sour memories of youth or empathize with a down-to-earth teenage girl’s feelings of love.

Gentle RainKoizumi Kyoko

Kyoko Koizumi – Gentle Rain (Official Video)

The lyrics penned by Kyoko Koizumi herself delicately depict loneliness in the city, chance encounters, and a heartfelt longing for the other person.

Released in February 1993, the song drew attention as the theme for the drama “To Love” and became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Oricon charts and selling over 950,000 copies.

Koizumi’s voice, carried by Shoko Suzuki’s beautifully composed melody, blends poignancy with warmth, gently resonating with listeners.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to alone on a rainy day—one that softly soothes the heart when you’re feeling the loneliness of the urban bustle or holding onto thoughts of someone dear.

Bittersweetarashi

ARASHI – Bittersweet [Official Music Video]

A classic Arashi song that expresses a sweet yet bittersweet love with a warm melody that gently embraces the heart.

This gem of a pop ballad showcases the blend of sweetness and bitterness in love through delicate harmonies and elegant dance performance.

Released in February 2014 and used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 PM drama “Heartbroken Chocolatier,” it features a sweet four-on-the-floor house sound infused with technopop elements, creating a soft, springlike atmosphere.

It’s a song that stays close to those who can only meet the one they love in their dreams or who carry an unrequited love.