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