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 Want Women to Sing!] Popular Ballads Sung by Female Artists (1–10)

At the star-street stationtuki.

tuki. “At the Station of the Starry Town” Official Music Video
At the star-street stationtuki.

tuki.’s music is characterized by a bittersweet world view and beautiful melodies.

This work portrays the importance of moving forward without being bound by the past and the bonds with a loved one.

Gentle acoustic guitar tones are layered with tuki.’s emotionally rich vocals, resonating deeply with listeners.

It was released digitally on June 19, 2024, and was selected as an insert song for AbemaTV’s drama “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita: Graduation Edition.” tuki.’s songs have the power to evoke empathy across a wide range of ages.

It’s a track we especially recommend to those standing at a crossroads in love or life.

Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi

[Official] Aoi Teshima – Letter to Tomorrow (Theme Song for the Monday 9 PM Drama ‘Someday I Will Surely Cry When I Remember This Love’)
Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi

When it comes to divas with beautiful falsetto, it has to be her.

This song also became the theme for the Monday 9 p.m.

drama ‘Someday When I Recall This Love, I Will Surely Cry,’ and gained popularity.

Her gentle voice, which makes you close your eyes and get lost in the music, soothes everyone.

A heartrending ballad loved by a wide range of generations, regardless of age or gender.

It’s like a self-cheering song entrusted to a letter.

bow knotAimer

Aimer “Chouchou Musubi” (produced and written by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS)
bow knotAimer

Many people may have discovered Aimer—an enchanting singer with a uniquely beautiful and distinctive voice—through this very song.

The track is included on her album “daydream,” which features contributions and production from a number of popular artists.

In that sense, Aimer is a singer endorsed by fellow artists.

Needless to say, her voice is stunning, and this particular song was created by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS, with her vocals further elevating his signature lyrical style.

[Songs We Want Women to Sing!] Popular Ballads Sung by Female Artists (11–20)

guidelinesUru

[Official] Uru “Kokoroe” Official Audio (Short ver.) — Theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m. drama “Kazama Kojin: Kyōjō 0”
guidelinesUru

This is Uru’s fifth digital-only single, released in May 2023.

It was selected as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.

drama “Kazama Kimichika: Kyōjō 0.” It’s a beautiful ballad that lets you fully savor Uru’s gentle high-tone voice—remarkably clear yet warm and soft.

Coupled with production that gives the vocals a slightly deeper reverb, the song superbly conveys its world.

There aren’t many singers who can express a song with such warm high notes, are there?

Starry NightYuka

Yuka – Starry Night (Official Music Video)
Starry NightYuka

This is a ballad with a romantic atmosphere, where Yuka’s voice resonates deeply in the heart.

The aching wish to reunite with a loved one is beautifully expressed alongside imagery of a starry sky.

It began airing on January 17, 2023 as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Hoshi Furu Yoru ni” (“On a Starry Night”), and also drew attention for being produced by Toru of ONE OK ROCK.

Released digitally on February 8, 2023, it is included on Yuka’s first album, “brighter.” It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on nights under the stars as you think of someone special, and it’s perfect for reflecting on memories with a partner or friends.

Wrapped in Yuka’s clear, transparent vocals, this track offers a heartwarming moment.

planetariumOtsuka Ai

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium (Short Ver.)
planetariumOtsuka Ai

It’s a popular ballad of hers released in 2005.

In her body of work, it became a hit following her debut song “Sakuranbo.” The heart-wrenching, bittersweet lyrics sung in her slightly lisping, sweet whisper captured fans’ hearts.

It also drew attention as a track that showed a different side of her, who is usually cheerful and lively.

She’s a cute Japanese songstress.

moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro

Chihiro Onitsuka – Gekkou (Moonlight)
moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro

When it comes to Chihiro Onitsuka, this is the song everyone thinks of—it leaves that strong an impression.

The lyrics convey a sense of despair, but when Chihiro Onitsuka sings them, even such a song feels beautiful and fleeting.

It’s a masterpiece that resonates in the heart precisely because her voice is powerful and dynamic, yet somehow tinged with sadness.