[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.

Playlist

[Songs I'd love women to sing!] Popular ballads performed by female artists
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	First LoveUtada Hikaru		Hikaru Utada’s classic, a moving ballad
2	tomorrowNoda Megumi		A ballad that portrays a heartbreaking emotion with a gentle singing voice
3	I stillmilet		milet’s love ballad that serves as a movie theme song
4	AnswerIkuta Rira		Depicting the resolve to carve out my own future
5	Versailles – Versailles –ayaka		Ayaka’s theme song expresses feelings of love and freedom
6	So it wasn’t me, huh.riria.		Lilia’s Heartbreak Ballad
7	PrologueUru		Uru’s music, with her distinctive voice, heals the heart.
8	At the star-street stationtuki.		Depicting a poignant worldview and the importance of moving forward
9	Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi		Theme song of a Monday 9 PM drama, a beautiful falsetto songstress
10	bow knotAimer		A one-of-a-kind singing voice, a song produced by Yojiro Noda
11	guidelinesUru		Theme song of “Kimi to Sekai ga Owaru Hi ni” features a gentle, transparent vocal tone.
12	Starry NightYuka		Yuka’s starry-sky ballad sings of love
13	planetariumOtsuka Ai		A poignant ballad sung with a sweet voice
14	moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro		I’m moved by Chihiro Onitsuka’s heartrending singing voice.
15	Because you are hereUru		Music that heals with Uru’s beautiful singing voice
16	HappinessShenelu		A timeless song that heals the heart with its transparent singing voice
17	Unrequited lovemiwa		A ballad that portrays the bittersweetness of unrequited love
18	A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru		Hikaru Utada, NHK morning drama theme song ballad
19	hanatabamilet		Milet, with her husky singing voice, is performing the drama’s theme song.
20	NautilusYorushika		Masterpieces by Yorushika—drama theme songs
21	Sentimental KissShio Reira		A ballad by Shio Reira. A gentle portrayal of the end of a romance.
22	KissHugaiko		The theme song of Hana Yori Dango F, a heartrending love song
23	Goodbye, my beloved.Hana＊Hana		A moving song filled with feelings for someone special
24	Kasane AiSoala		Soala’s ballad depicting lost love
25	OrionNakajima Mika		A poignant ballad singer with moving vocals and lyrics
26	youUtada Hikaru		A love-expression song by Hikaru Utada. It’s also popular for use at weddings.
27	PreciousItō Yuna		Umizaru theme song, a grand and moving love song
28	EverythingMISIA		The classic song 'Everything' by MISIA, a masterpiece that sings of love.
29	Please forget it.Yorushika		Yorushika’s bittersweet love ballad
30	I wish I were the one you liked.Te ga kuriimu pan		Cream Bun, a ballad depicting a woman who cannot express her feelings
31	Say goodbye to the love I clung to.matsuri		A song that portrays the emotions of a woman moving forward after heartbreak
32	Unchanging ThingsOku Hanako		Hanako Oku's heartrending singing voice resonates in the heart.
33	crescent moonayaka		Ayaka’s moving, gospel-style masterpiece
34	Shape of LoveMISIA feat.HIDE(GReeeeN)		A moving theme song sung by MISIA
35	Unrequited loveAimer		Aimer’s unrequited love song captivates with her gentle singing voice.
36	StoryAI		AI’s 12th work: a song with a heartfelt, resonant singing voice
37	A Naked Heartaimyon		A love song that sings of the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love
38	Finale.eill		A moving ballad as a movie theme song
39	I fell in loveaiko		A heartwarming masterpiece: the theme song by aiko for A Silent Voice
40	The summer you gave meieiri reo		A song featuring Leo Ieiri’s poignant, heart-wrenching vocals
41	Togetsu Bridge ~Thinking of You~Kuraki Mai		Mai Kuraki, the songstress of Detective Conan theme songs
42	EndlessTOMOO		The depth of love in TOMOO’s piano ballads
43	dilemmaspeena		Girls rock band speeна
44	Snow BlossomNakajima Mika		Mika Nakashima’s signature song, a masterpiece with a fragile, ephemeral worldview
45	May it be filled with kindnessJUJU		A heartwarming classic that sings of love and kindness
46	Love StoryAmuro Namie		90s Amurer, Namie Amuro's famous song
47	BloomSuperfly		Superfly’s moving classic, a response song of love
48	petalOku Hanako		Oku Hanako's singing voice captivates as a movie theme song
49	Just being alive is admirable.ReoNa		ReoNa's emotional ballad song
50	unlastingLiSA		The Vocal Prowess and Allure of the Captivating Songstress LiSA
51	Song for…HY		An inspiring song by the Okinawan band HY
52	TokyoJUJU		JUJU’s stylishly captivating movie theme song
53	ENDLESS STORYREIEA starring YUNA ITO		The theme song of the movie “NANA,” a classic released under the name REIRA
54	passwordayaka		Movie theme song: lyrics of love and hope resonate in the heart
55	Stop this nightJUJU		JUJU's drama theme song filled with melancholy, with heartrending lyrics
56	dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo		Hitoto Yo’s masterpiece, a requiem of deep sentiment
57	I want to see you.sawada chikako		Chikaco Sawada’s signature songs: lyrics and emotions that resonate with the heart
58	Things that have formShibasaki Kou		Ko Shibasaki’s “Katachi Aru Mono” is moving.
59	Imo-rai Imotuki.		A delicate love song that portrays the subtleties of romance
60	youHY		HY’s signature song “Anata” is a heartwarming ballad.
61	setting sunToukyou Jihen		I get a sense of a mature woman from Shiina Ringo’s songs.
62	threadNakajima Miyuki		A moving classic that celebrates the wonder of encounters
63	tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa		A bittersweet tale of cigarettes and heartbreak
64	beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko		Myself, loving like a rhinoceros beetle
65	Tell memilet		milet’s commanding husky voice is captivating.
66	Ghost in the FlowersYorushika		Yorushika’s “Ghost in a Flower” sings of memories of summer.
67	Good-bye DaysYUI		Singing of the warmth of pure love before parting
68	PIECE OF MY WISHImai Miki		Miki Imai’s ballads heal the heart.
69	season (best time for something, especially when a food is at its peak), in vogueShiina Ringo		The allure and expressiveness of Ringo Sheena’s music
70	KanadeJUJU		A bittersweet love story about a long-distance relationship
71	Where the Wind GoesAdo (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)		The moving ending theme song of the movie “RED.”
72	Merry XmasBoA		BoA’s classic hit that gained popularity as a Christmas song
73	AitaiKato Miria		A famous song by Miliyah Kato that portrays a heartrending love
74	First loveUtada Hikaru		Hikaru Utada: The Allure of a Formidable Artist
75	Your SongYasuda Rei		A song that portrays a woman's emotions, tinged with sorrow yet filled with hope
76	Letter ~Dear fifteen-year-old you~Anjura Aki		Angela Aki’s graduation song resonates with the heart.
77	for a long timeKiroro		An emotional love song by Kiroro, filled with bittersweet feelings.
78	Reason(s) to hold handsNishino Kana		Kana Nishino's songs resonate with women's hearts.
79	WAY TO LOVEMiho Karasawa		A timeless love song that resonates with the heart
80	flameLiSA		The theme song of Demon Slayer features a captivatingly beautiful melody.
81	366 daysHY		HY’s heartbreak song, a timeless track that resonates with the heart
82	secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE		An inspiring masterpiece at the end of summer
83	Song of LoveKōda Kumi		The appeal of Kumi Koda’s signature song “Ai no Uta”
84	It’s nothing.Kamishiraishi Mone		The theme song of “Your Name” is popular at karaoke.
85	Marigoldaimyon		Aimyon's bittersweet summer love songs are popular
86	Marunouchi SadisticShiina Ringo		Shiina Ringo’s “Marunouchi Sadistic” is cool.
87	sayonaraMirei Touyama		Mirei Touyama’s beautiful singing voice and emotional expression
88	Love fallsKato Miria		A songstress popular among high school girls, a moving piece that resonates with the heart
89	Moon DropsRUI		Ko Shibasaki's song under the name RUI, 'Tsuki no Shizuku,' is gaining attention.
90	VoyageHamasaki Ayumi		We walk the journey of life alongside our memories.
91	AlgernonYorushika		A duo band rich in literary flair, Yorushika's iconic song
92	To You at DawnTomei		A film song that resonates in the heart with Tomobi’s/Tomei’s singing voice
93	I knewRozarīna		Rosalina’s new song is sentimental and captivating.
94	Home Sweet HomeYU-KI		Debut single and theme song for the NARUTO movie
95	Deep RiverUtada Hikaru		Hikaru Utada “Deep River”: a masterpiece portraying life and death
96	Love is…Kato Miria		An inspiring classic that vows eternal love
97	far; distant; by farAimer		Theme song for the Takagi-san movie expresses nostalgia and poignancy
98	If only you were here so I could hold you.miwa		miwa’s singing voice is captivating and purifies the heart.
99	UninstallIshikawa Chiaki		A song that resonates in the heart of the anime song diva
100	Watarase BridgeMoritaka Chisato		Chisato Moritaka’s poignant romantic ballad masterpiece
101	No-sideMatsutōya Yumi		No-side, the moving song after the match ends
102	GarnetOku Hanako		Okubana's heartbreak songs heal the heart
103	HitotsuboshiKOH+		The theme song by KOH+ for the film “Silent Parade.”
104	Savoring youthIkuta Rira feat. ano		A collaboration song by Lila Ikuta and ano portrays youth.
105	CAN YOU CELEBRATE?Amuro Namie		Namie Amuro’s classic is beloved at weddings.
106	DearestHamasaki Ayumi		Ayumi Hamasaki’s classic song “Dearest” became a big hit.
107	spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota		Introduction to songs by singer-songwriter Tota
108	STRASNakajima Mika		Mika Nakashima’s Captivating Voice and the Masterpiece “STARS”
109	Secret of my heartKuraki Mai		A smash-hit song by a supremely talented songstress
110	Let It Go ~As I Am~Matsu Takako		The positive hope embedded in Elsa’s song
111	Over The DistanceYaita Hitomi		Hitomi Yaida passionately performs a heartbreaking long-distance love song
112	maybeYOASOBI		A moving song by YOASOBI themed around heartbreak
113	Flower of loveaimyon		A song in which Aimyon likens love to a flower
114	Gentle WordsKōda Kumi		Kumi Koda has an alluringly mature singing voice and vibe.
115	remainingYoshizawa Kayoko		A songstress with a captivating voice and tantalizing lyrics
116	The Beginningayaka		Ayaka’s powerful ballad “Living for Tomorrow”
117	Spring Notesmiwa		A soothing song written by miwa with a youth theme
118	Love SongGO!GO!7188		A classic song by a Japanese-style alternative rock band
119	FarewellSuperfly		Superfly, a Western-style J-pop act, with a moving ballad
120	heartaimyon		Aimyon, known for her relatable lyrics, and her love songs
121	I’m proudKahara Tomomi		A classic by Tomomi Kahala, produced by Tetsuya Komuro
122	lensIkuta Rira		Lila Ikuta’s ballad expresses a heartrending love.
123	LONELYKatō Miriya feat. LANA		A poignant song about loneliness by Miliyah Kato and LANA
124	Give me a gentle kiss.DREAMS COME TRUE		The charm of the masterpiece “A Gentle Kiss”
125	confessionTakeuchi Mariya		A masterpiece depicting reunion and wavering hearts, a massive hit.
126	Kiss me and hold meMISIA		A heartfelt slow ballad from the debut album
127	dearestKOH+		A beautifully emotional ballad sung by Kou Shibasaki
128	Poem of TruthDo As Infinity		Do As Infinity’s classic song “Sora”
129	YOU… feat. Izumi Nakasone (HY)Kato Miria		Hit ballads by Miliyah Kato and HY
130	Goldfish FireworksOtsuka Ai		Her bright ballad, quiet and enchanting
131	KiraraKudō Shizuka		Shizuka Kudo, formerly of Onyanko Club, her classic hit
132	Last sceneikimonogakari		A coming-of-age song that portrays the pain of heartbreak and personal growth
133	A flower of no colorUtada Hikaru		Hikaru Utada’s moving theme song
134	It’ll get stained.Chatto Monchī		Representative and captivating songs by Chatmonchy
135	contrailArai Yumi		A moving masterpiece by Yumi Arai/Matsutoya that resonates with the heart
136	butterfly effectNoda Megumi		An inspiring song where the butterfly’s message delivers hope and courage
137	Poem of the Wandering Starssuis from Yorushika		A Train Bound for the Moon: Gen Z’s Determination and Hope
138	HEROAmuro Namie		Namie Amuro’s Rio Olympics theme song
139	landlord; owner (of a rented property)Hitoto Yo		The moving song “Ooki-na Ie (Home)” by Yo Hitoto, expressing her feelings for her father
140	I miss you. (I want to see you.)Te ga kuriimu pan		Cream Pan's 'I Want to See You' — a song that resonates with the heart
141	zuttoMariko Nagai		90s hit song, memorable for its overalls outfit
142	wedgeOku Hanako		Okuda Hanako’s breakup ballad gains popularity through word of mouth
143	JupiterHirahara Ayaka		Ayaka Hirahara's 'Jupiter' is moving.
144	To youKotone		The new song “To You,” captivating with Kotone’s beautiful voice
145	Shall we break up?Miyuhan		A song that portrays the feelings of deciding to part ways
146	waltzieiri reo		Leo Ieiri’s poignant breakup song, elegantly depicted.
147	Excessive WealthShiina Ringo		Sheena Ringo’s moving hymn to life, ‘Excessive Wealth’
148	I love youTakasuzu		A beautiful songstress who sings heartrending love songs
149	If you call it loveUru		Uru’s singing voice is delicate, with a distinctive vocal style.
150	AldebaranAI		A theme song that delivers hope with an AI singing voice
151	Embraced by loveSuperfly		Ochi Shiho's deep singing voice captivates the heart.
152	Because I Want to See You ~Missing You~Matsuda Seiko		Seiko Matsuda’s beautiful singing voice and aching love
153	WildflowerSuperfly		Songs included on Superfly’s “Mind Travel”
154	SAKURAikimonogakari		A classic cherry blossom song, with Yoshioka’s vocals leaving a strong impression.
155	aimlesslyAimer		A warm and gentle song crafted by Aimer
156	Homeayaka		Ayaka’s “Home” is a powerful song suited for the morning.
157	Together…MAX		The famous song by the sexy dance-vocal group MAX
158	ElfAdo		A ballad depicting an elf’s loneliness and inner conflict
159	a hair’s breadthUru		Uru’s singing voice and the song “Kami Hitoe” are captivating.
160	Melancholy Cherry Blossomsatarayo		Atarayo depicts a spring departure
161	Days of JewelsAina ji Endo		Introducing songs by Aina the End
162	treasure holderAina ji Endo		An inspiring theme song by Aina that resonates with the heart
163	That’s all there is to it.Marushii		A heartbroken woman looks back on her happy days
164	Love PhotosOtsuka Ai		Ai Otsuka’s heartrending ballad, a song of pure love
165	Decembermilet		A ballad song in which milet sings of love and gratitude to her mother
166	PasswordAina ji Endo		A bittersweet song of growth, Aina’s heart-resonating track
167	19 memoriesKato Miria		A life-sized masterpiece at 19, embraced by peers of the same generation
168	Legendary GirlMizuki Arisa		Alisa Mizuki’s debut song that sings about the feelings of a mature-seeming girl
169	more and moreShinohara Ryōko		Ryoko Shinohara’s classic song produced by Tetsuya Komuro
170	One heartMISIA		The slow ballad that is the theme song of the movie Dragon Head