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Lovely ballad

[Songs I'd love women to sing!] Popular ballads performed by female artists

Many women say they love singing ballads, don’t they?

At karaoke, there are times when you don’t just want to hype up the room with upbeat tracks—you also want to deliver something tender and heartfelt.

So in this article, we’re introducing ballad songs by Japan’s leading female artists!

We’ve picked a wide range: from universally known masterpieces and timeless staples to the latest hits.

If you’re thinking, “I want to know popular ballads I can sing at karaoke,” or “I’m looking for Japanese ballads sung by women,” be sure to check this out.

Each track is unique yet soothing and moving—songs that heal our hearts and leave a lasting impression.

[Songs I'd love women to sing!] Popular ballads sung by female artists (61–70)

beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko

Released in 1999 as aiko’s fourth major single.

aiko herself thought, “The rhinoceros beetle is considered the strongest among insects, but if you peel off just one layer of its shell, it becomes soft and fragile—maybe it’s actually a lonely creature.” In this song, she likens herself to a rhinoceros beetle, singing about putting on a brave face to protect herself while falling in love.

It has long been beloved as a women’s karaoke staple and is a classic that resonates with feelings of love in any era.

Tell memilet

milet「Tell me」SPECIAL STUDIO LIVE 2020.02.19
Tell memilet

The moment you heard this song, didn’t you find yourself thinking, “Wait, is this really a Japanese singer?” Many probably did.

Singer-songwriter milet got the same reaction when she released her previous track, “us,” but she truly exudes the poise you’d expect from an international artist.

Especially in this song, she delivers everything from richly textured low notes to powerful highs with her distinctive husky voice—something other artists can hardly replicate.

It’s a must-listen that showcases her appeal to the fullest.

Ghost in the FlowersYorushika

Yorushika – Ghost in a Flower (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
Ghost in the FlowersYorushika

Yorushika is a rock band that debuted in 2019.

Their song “Hana ni Bourei” (Ghost in a Flower) is the theme song for the film “A Whisker Away.” I think everyone has nostalgic, somewhat bittersweet memories that resurface when they catch the scent of summer.

This song perfectly captures that sense of wistfulness, and listening to it brings back the summer heat and precious memories of youth.

Suis’s soft, gentle voice makes you want to keep listening forever.

Because it uses falsetto and doesn’t require belting to convey its atmosphere, it’s an easy ballad for women without strong vocal power to sing.

Good-bye DaysYUI

YUI – Goodbye Days (Official MV)
Good-bye DaysYUI

The lyrics that suddenly start with “So” leave a strong impression.

To bring out that nuance, try diving into the song from the intro’s distorted guitar and then begin singing.

According to YUI, this song, themed around pure love, aims to express an “uncool kind of kindness.” While facing a fated parting, the lyrics overflow with a strong yet gentle love, resonating with delicate beauty.

If you take your time and sing with rich expression, the warmth this song holds will surely be conveyed to those who listen.

PIECE OF MY WISHImai Miki

Speaking of ballads, Miki Imai comes to mind—she’s sung so many of them.

This song gives me hope when things are so tough I can’t even get back on my feet.

It gives me courage and lifts me up.

Her voice is so soft and soothing that it feels healing—truly a wonderful voice.

season (best time for something, especially when a food is at its peak), in vogueShiina Ringo

When talking about Japan’s divas, there’s no way we can skip introducing her! Ringo Sheena not only rocks, she absorbs and digests a range of genres and elevates them into her own unique expression.

She’s especially adored by women and enjoys immense popularity as a singer.

The lyrics of this song are wonderful too, like an anthem cheering on women, but the music itself is truly outstanding as well! It features a distinctly jazzy approach with a super stylish feel—arranged by J.A.M, a piano trio formed by members of the jazz band SOIL&”PIMP”SESSIONS.

The elegantly subdued, sophisticated accompaniment pairs perfectly with Ringo’s beautiful, bewitching vocals, making this a sublime track.

KanadeJUJU

JUJU “Kanade” Music Video
KanadeJUJU

This song, which begins with a depiction of a train station ticket gate, is a classic ballad that portrays the bond of a couple who are about to enter a long-distance relationship.

The lyrics are moving, reflecting the depth of their feelings for each other, but the song’s greatest charm is undoubtedly its beautiful arrangement and dramatic melody.

The original is sung by Sukima Switch, but there’s also a cover version by JUJU.

It’s such a beautiful piece that it really shines when sung by a woman as well.