[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.
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[Songs We Want Women to Sing!] Popular Ballads Sung by Female Artists (101–110)
DearestHamasaki Ayumi
Ayumi Hamasaki, a singer-songwriter who sparked a social phenomenon to the point of being called the “charisma of high school girls,” dominated the J-pop scene in the Heisei era.
Her 24th single, “Dearest,” used as the ending theme for the TV anime Inuyasha, became a massive hit and won both the Japan Record Award and the Japan Cable Radio Award.
Its lyrics, which evoke a sense of true love, are ones many people likely overlay with their own experiences or ideals.
With its beautiful melody, it’s an enduring masterpiece ballad sure to stand out at karaoke as well.
spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota
Singer-songwriter Tota has been gaining attention for songs that distill a wide range of musical styles—starting with indie rock and synth-pop—into J-pop.
The digital single Tsumugu, released on February 1, 2023, is especially striking for its emotionally resonant vocals.
The lyrics paint vivid scenes that may leave you feeling wistful just by listening.
It’s a dramatic track and great for karaoke, but be careful—the falsetto in the chorus makes it easy to go off pitch.
STRASNakajima Mika
Mika Nakashima is a singer who continues to captivate fans with a uniquely distinctive yet translucent voice you can’t forget once you hear it.
Her debut single “STARS,” chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “A Love Song Covered in Scars,” which also marked her acting debut, is a number notable for its stylish ensemble.
Its message, like a hand to hold when your heart is about to break, pairs with a beautiful melody that may soothe the soul.
Though challenging—especially with the falsetto in the chorus—it’s a ballad that’s sure to bring the house down when performed at karaoke.
Secret of my heartKuraki Mai
This is her smash hit released in 2000, which drew attention to her looks and musical talent.
There was a time when she was compared to Hikaru Utada, but both are Japanese divas with their own unique worlds.
Her soft, beautiful voice captivated listeners.
Although this was her third single, it’s surprising that she was still in high school when she debuted.
Let It Go ~As I Am~Matsu Takako
It’s a song sung by Elsa, a character from Disney’s blockbuster film Frozen.
This uplifting song carries the message, “From now on, I’ll live as my true self,” offering encouragement and support to listeners.
Takako Matsu’s voice has been highly praised worldwide for its beauty, and in this song as well, her singing is wonderful—expressing delicacy and grace while also conveying inner strength.
Songs We Want Women to Sing! Popular Ballads Performed by Female Artists (111–120)
Over The DistanceYaita Hitomi
Singer-songwriter Hitomi Yaida started playing guitar at 19 and made her professional debut just two years later.
Her fourth single, Over The Distance, released as a double A-side with Look Back Again, was chosen as the campaign song for Japan Airlines’ “ACTIVE Hokkaido 2001.” The poignant lyrics depicting a long-distance romance, together with the spacious, floating ensemble, truly move the heart.
It’s a song many would love to hear women sing at karaoke, but be mindful when performing it—the vocal range is wide and the melodic leaps are large.
maybeYOASOBI
A song by the music duo YOASOBI, who have gained popularity with their unique approach of “turning novels into music.” The lyrics tell a poignant, painful story: a lover you lived with moves out, and you spend your days in a room still scattered with traces of the two of you, unable to let go.
The song’s sound, on the other hand, is gentle and warm, with a beautiful, soothing melody.
It’s a heartbreak ballad you’ll want to sing while imagining the soft, tender voice of the vocalist, ikura.
