Recommended ballads for men: classic songs about love, encouragement, and youth.

Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo

EXILE ATSUSHI – Sake, Tears, Men and Women (EXILE ATSUSHI SPECIAL SOLO LIVE in HAWAII)

This is a socially conscious masterpiece that portrays the subtle miscommunications between men and women and the nuances of emotional expression with deep insight.

It warmly observes how men open up through drinking and women through tears, each revealing their inner feelings.

Born from impressions Eigo Kawashima had at age 18 during a family memorial gathering, the song was included on the November 1975 album “Jinrui” (Humanity) and released as a single in June 1976.

Also known as the jingle for the sake brand Kizakura, it became a major hit, reaching No.

9 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It is a gem I recommend to anyone who wants to face their heart honestly when confronted with life’s sorrow and poignancy.

me me sheRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – me me she [Official Music Video]

RADWIMPS has created numerous love songs over the years, characterized by Yojiro Noda’s distinctive perspective.

This song, titled “me me she” and read as ‘memeshii’ (meaning ‘effeminate’ or ‘pathetic’), is one of the masterpieces only they could have crafted.

Its lyrics portray the feelings of a man who can’t cut ties with his lingering attachment to his ex.

Although she has told him it’s over, he still can’t forget the promise they made to “stay together even when we’re 100.” The lyrics even mention the specific year “2085,” which is the year vocalist Noda would turn 100, lending a romantic touch that makes you wonder if it might be based on a true story.

Yet, precisely because of these traits, the man in the song is bluntly labeled “memeshii,” which is where the title comes from.

Still, no matter how “pathetic” he’s called, many men may find themselves relating to the straightforward, unshakeable love he continues to feel for his former girlfriend.

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Hane Keisuke

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In the midst of the trivialHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – In the Useless (Official Video)

As a heartwarming ballad, “Kudaranai no Naka ni” celebrates the beauty found in the ordinary moments of everyday life.

In this song by Gen Hoshino, the gentle melody carried by an acoustic guitar stands out, creating a warm, tender atmosphere.

Amid simply passing through each day, we discover scattered moments of happiness, and the genuine smiles born from them quietly reach into people’s hearts.

It’s a song with the message that “the most important things are right in front of you.” Hoshino’s vocals have a way of gently resonating with the listener’s emotions.

CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi

Cheers

This is a renowned song that has continued to resonate with many as an anthem celebrating life’s new beginnings.

Originally released in September 1980 on the album “Kampai,” it vividly depicts a celebratory scene lit by candlelight and carries a warm message of encouragement for a friend taking their first step forward.

Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s powerful vocals deliver hope and courage for the future.

In 1988, it was re-recorded and released as a single, becoming a major hit that reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

In the early 1990s, it was also featured in commercials for Kirin Lager Beer, further boosting its recognition.

To this day, it remains a timeless song passed down through the years, often chosen to convey heartfelt feelings to loved ones at important milestones in life, such as weddings and graduation ceremonies.

I LOVE…Ofisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – I LOVE… [Official Video]

A song that delicately portrays the feelings of a protagonist who struggles to convey their love to someone dear.

Released in February 2020 as the theme song for the TBS drama “Love Lasts Forever” (Koi wa Tsuzuku yo Doko Made mo).

It features Official HIGE DANDism’s signature polished sound and emotionally rich vocals in perfect harmony, gently embracing not only romantic love but also friendship, familial love, and every form of affection.

For this piece, it’s recommended to sing with a gentle, warm tone while valuing emotional expression.

By infusing the performance with the frustration of not being able to fully express one’s feelings and the pure affection for the other person, it will surely resonate with listeners.

lemon waterotsumami feat.mikan

Lemon Water / otsumami feat. mikan [Music Video]

Otsumami is a creators’ unit whose members—musicians, illustrators, and more—each bring diverse backgrounds.

Their track “Lemon Water,” released digitally on August 25, 2023, features Yuka Togashi, who performs with the yet-untitled idol group, as the vocalist.

The lyrics evoke the bittersweet feeling of summer’s end and the sense of a fresh beginning, and together with an ensemble that conjures retro-pop, they draw you into a sentimental mood.

It’s a clear, translucent ballad whose cute vocals enrich the song’s world.

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Hoshino Takashi

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I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci

wacci “I Became Someone Else’s Girlfriend” Music Video

The lyrics capture a poignant feeling: a woman who’s found a new lover—she has no complaints about him—yet, for some reason, she can’t help but think of the person she broke up with.

It’s a song by the rock band wacci, released in 2018.

Many women are sure to relate to the protagonist’s emotions.

It’s surprising to think this was written by a man.

With a guitar sound that stirs the heart and beautiful piano tones, it can be presented as a tear-jerking rock ballad.

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Araki Jakkan

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