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

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

B-b-but.NEW!≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / 2nd Single c/w 'Dadada, Datte.' [MV full]
B-b-but.NEW!≒JOY

From the peppy rhythm of the intro, this song instantly sweeps you into a bittersweet world of youth.

Included as the B-side of the single “First Love Cinderella,” released in October 2024, it became a hot topic as the group’s first unit track.

Sung by Ayumi Ichihara, Mizuki Oshida, and Yuka Murayama, this love song uses onomatopoeia-like phrases to express the fluster of a love that leaves you lost for words, making your heart skip a beat every time you listen.

The down-to-earth lyrics penned by Rino Sashihara are deeply relatable, and the music video’s must-see storyline cheers on its clumsy protagonist.

This work is an anthem that gives you courage when you feel timid about love.

Why not listen to it when you want to confess your feelings to someone you like, or when you need a little push forward?

Blue Hawaii LemonNEW!≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / 3rd Single Title Track “Blue Hawaii Lemon” [MV full]
Blue Hawaii LemonNEW!≒JOY

A refreshingly exhilarating summer tune themed around a fleeting summer escape.

The lyrics liken the feeling of being in love to shaved ice—cold yet sweet—evoking bittersweet, vibrant scenes of youth.

With Reon Esumi at center, the transparent vocals fuse with a driving sound to whisk listeners away to a distant seaside.

Released as the 3rd single in June 2025, this song—penned by Rino Sashihara—became a hit that symbolizes the group’s momentum, peaking at No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

Amid classic pop stylings, it also conveys a fragility that melts away like summer in an instant.

Perfect for amping up summer outings like drives or beach trips, and a great listen when you want to forget the everyday and feel refreshed.

I’m in love right now.NEW!≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / “I’m in Love Now” [MV full] Vertical video
I’m in love right now.NEW!≒JOY

A bittersweet summer love song told from a male perspective about unrequited feelings.

It captures a rush that makes you want to take off on a bicycle, along with the frustrating distance of watching someone from afar, striking a chord with its purehearted romance.

With lyrics by Rino Sashihara, it was released in August 2025 as part of a “Summer Special Song” project.

The vertically shot school-set music video also drew attention, with its story-driven visuals vividly enhancing the song’s world.

While wishing happiness for the dazzling person they love, the singer laments the ache of not being able to be part of that story.

It’s a must-listen for anyone holding feelings they can’t convey right now, or for those who want to savor the sweet-and-sour taste of love.

Many listeners are sure to relate.

First Love CinderellaNEW!≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / 2nd Single Title Track 'First Love Cinderella' [MV full]
First Love CinderellaNEW!≒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.

Love hurt.NEW!≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / 4th Single c/w 'Love Hurt' [MV full]
Love hurt.NEW!≒JOY

It’s a love song filled with a heart-wrenching sense of longing.

“Love Hurt,” with lyrics by Rino Sashihara, delicately portrays the shock of discovering love and the confusion of feeling something inside yourself begin to change.

Included on the single “Tell Me Your Phone Number!” released in February 2026, the track features Aoi Onishi as center, and her clear, translucent vocals deeply express the song’s worldview.

The music video, featuring an angel descending into a city of skyscrapers, also became a hot topic.

Bright love songs are great, but this is the kind of piece you want to hear on nights when you want to immerse yourself in feelings so strong they make your heart ache.

It’s a beautiful yet fragile masterpiece that offers comfort to those who fear they’re the only ones changing, and to anyone who keeps loving someone with unwavering sincerity.