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.
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Ballad songs sung by idols: a collection of moving masterpieces (1–10)
Tell me your phone number!NEW!≒JOY
≒JOY, an idol group that captures the fluttering thrill of first love as you think about your crush.
This track, the title song of their 4th single releasing in February 2026, is a number that sings of the impulse of unrequited love.
With classic J-POP sounds that sparkle with romantic feelings and a chorus that suddenly turns up the heat of love, it’s a song even those who don’t usually listen to idol music can get hooked on thanks to its catchy melody.
Kanoa Amano serves as center—listen to the lyrics that wish to bravely close the distance with the one she likes.
In the music video released in January 2026, the dance performed under a shower of numbers leaves a strong impression.
If there’s someone you’re interested in, listening to this will give you the courage to take a step forward.
≠MENEW!≠ME
A dazzling, fast-paced number that sounds like the very essence of youthful brilliance.
It’s a song by ≠ME, the idol group produced by Rino Sashihara, included on their debut mini-album “Super Express Bound for ≠ME,” released in April 2021.
The album captured many hearts, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Rankings.
As the group’s first original song, its appeal lies in the way it races from the ache of unrequited love to the resolve to shout “I love you.” The refreshing melody and straightforward lyrics strike a chord, filling you with positive energy just by listening.
Give it a spin when you want to take a new step forward or break out of your shell.
Bashful ShortNEW!≠ME
An exceptionally cute winter song packed with the sparkle of the season and the flutter of first love.
It’s a track by the idol group ≠ME, produced by Rino Sashihara, released as their 5th single in November 2022.
First, we should note the earnest story of changing one’s hairstyle for someone they like.
The lyrics capture the bashfulness of that makeover moment and the heart-pounding anticipation of waiting for their reaction.
It also drew major attention that Nanaka Tomita, who serves as center, actually chops her long hair into a short cut in the music video.
Try playing it as BGM on your way to a winter date, or when you want the courage to change.
The brilliance of this song will give you a gentle push forward.
Summer ChocolateNEW!≠ME
If you’re looking for an irresistibly sweet number packed with the thrills of summer, this is the one.
Sung by the duo of Hitomi Suzuki and Saya Tanizaki, this unit song has won fervent support from fans.
The lyrics portray a love that melts like chocolate, and the onomatopoeia-filled phrases are sure to set your heart racing just by listening.
It’s a coupling track included on Type B of the single “Su, Suki Janai!” released in August 2022.
The title track also drew attention as the theme song for the TV anime “The Maid I Recently Hired Is Mysterious.” This song is also featured on the 2024 album “Springtime In You,” making it an indispensable track for the group.
It’s perfect for when you want to feel cute or make that special someone turn their head.
Immerse yourself in the duo’s adorable voices!
MobnoderellaNEW!≠ME
A dramatic track with lyrics by Rino Sashihara and composition by Sota Sekiguchi and Katsuhiko Sugiyama.
Released in April 2025 as ≠ME’s 10th single, it’s the group’s first double A-side and topped the Oricon weekly chart.
A bittersweet yet beautiful medium-tempo ballad that captures the feelings of the “many others” who can’t be the protagonists of a fairy tale.
Center Nanaka Tomita’s expressively rich vocals convey the aching emotions straight to the listener.
A worldview that spotlights the stories outside the limelight—pure Sashihara at her finest.
When your heart aches from unrequited love, this song will quietly stay by your side.