RAG MusicBallad
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)

passwordayaka

Ayaka / “Aikotoba” Music Video
passwordayaka

A beautiful ballad sung by Ayaka that became the theme song for the film “The House Where the Mermaid Sleeps.” In the movie, the image of a mother who continues to protect her child—believing in a miracle while the child remains unconscious—left a deep impression, didn’t it? “Aikotoba” is a song themed around an eternal love that conquers everything, and its lyrics—crafted as Ayaka faced the story head-on—truly resonate with listeners.

It’s a song imbued with deep, boundless, unconditional love that dispels anxiety; please try singing it with great care.

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.

Togetsu Bridge ~Thinking of You~Kuraki Mai

Mai Kuraki “Togetsukyo ~Kimi Omou~” Music Video (Short Ver.)
Togetsu Bridge ~Thinking of You~Kuraki Mai

Mai Kuraki has performed many theme songs for the anime Detective Conan, and there may be many people who strongly associate her with Conan.

Her clean, mature vocals are captivating, and she has created numerous ballads over the years.

However, this song differs a bit from her previous ballads; as you’ll hear, it’s crafted with a distinctly traditional Japanese sound! Matching the atmosphere of the track, her vocal tone also differs from her past songs, making this a piece where you can feel another side of her appeal.

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo

This masterpiece, which can be considered Yo Hitoto’s signature song, became such a massive hit that it was later adapted into a film inspired by the track.

At first glance, the lyrics might seem like a love song, but it’s also said to be a requiem for the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

It’s a song imbued with very deep emotions.

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.

for a long timeKiroro

The title track of Kiroro’s major-label debut single, released in 1998.

It was also chosen as the entrance march for the 71st National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament held in 1999.

In addition, it seems to be frequently used at elementary and junior high school sports days.

The lyrics, which depict a deeply heartrending love, sound as if they tell of an unrequited romance.

No matter how many times you listen, it’s a masterpiece that tightly grips your heart.

AitaiKato Miria

Miliyah Kato - “Aitai”
AitaiKato Miria

It sings of a woman’s heartrending feelings—she can’t help but want to see the person she loves.

Many of us have probably experienced a love like this, where your chest feels like it’s going to burst, yet you single-mindedly yearn for the one you adore.

It’s one of Miliyah Kato’s greatest masterpieces, resonating deeply with women in unrequited love.