Recommended ballads for men: classic songs about love, encouragement, and youth.
When you’ve had your heart broken, reached a turning point in life, or are struggling with something…
In times like these, many people want to listen to a touching ballad that stays close to the heart, or belt one out at karaoke, don’t they?
But even when we say “ballad,” there are all kinds: songs with lyrics about love, ones that feel like an anthem cheering on your life, and others that evoke youthful days.
The musical styles vary too—pieces featuring the beautiful tones of piano and strings, rock ballads with a full band sound, and acoustic numbers with just a guitar and voice.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of ballads—picked from among the many out there—that we especially recommend for men!
- [Touching the Heart] Timeless Ballad Masterpieces. A Collection of Unfading Classics and the Latest Songs [2026]
- [Touching the Heart] A Collection of Recommended Ballads for Men
- [Karaoke] Classic and Popular Ballad Songs You’ll Want to Sing at Karaoke
- Iconic songs men will want to sing! Karaoke tracks recommended for Gen Z
- [Ballads] Hidden gems of Japanese music. Songs that really hit you.
- [For when you want to cry] A ballad love song. A heartbreaking love song.
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- A poignant ballad song. A tear-jerking masterpiece of Japanese pop music.
- A ballad that will definitely make you cry at karaoke
- Nothing but masterpieces! Love songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z
- [Deeply Moving] A Compilation of Recommended Rock Ballads That Move the Heart
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 20s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
- For men in their 30s: Heart-touching breakup songs—masterpieces that can move grown men to tears
Recommended ballads for men: classic songs about love, encouragement, and youth (171–180)
lemon waterotsumami feat.mikan
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.
I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci
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.
Flameflumpool
I’m encouraged by the lyrics filled with positive words.
It’s a song by the four-member rock band flumpool.
It was included on their first full-length album, “What’s flumpool!?,” released in 2009.
The warm sound has a calming effect.
It was also chosen as a support song for Mynavi’s 2011 job-hunting campaign.
wishsumika
Sumika’s popular song delicately portrays the complex emotions of love.
It carefully expresses the feelings of a protagonist carrying the pain of unrequited love and a longing that cannot be fulfilled, making it a track that deeply resonates with listeners.
Released on March 3, 2021, this piece was also used as the theme song for the drama “Ossan’s Love: In the Sky,” earning widespread empathy.
Anyone who has experienced the joys and sorrows of love will surely find themselves reflecting on their own memories while listening.
It’s especially recommended for quiet nights or contemplative moments.
TRUE LOVEFujii Fumiya
A signature song by Fumiya Fujii released in 1993, this love ballad still shines in the J-pop scene.
It was released after The Checkers disbanded, as a solo work for which he wrote both the lyrics and the music himself.
Though the lyrics are simple and compact, they overflow with a straightforward devotion to the woman he loves.
With its slow-tempo ballad style and beautiful melody line, it should feel wonderfully comfortable to sing at karaoke.
It’s a piece that moves the heart even more when you sing it while thinking of someone special.
Ballads Recommended for Men: Classic Songs About Love, Encouragement, and Youth (181–190)
strawberryBUMP OF CHICKEN
A ballad by BUMP OF CHICKEN distinguished by a melody that gently embraces the loneliness and anxiety hidden deep within the heart.
It carefully sings about caring for someone and the desire to cherish that person’s experiences and emotions.
Released in September 2024, the song was used as the theme for the TBS Tuesday drama “Saionji-san Doesn’t Do Housework,” and is also included on the album “Iris.” It is a deeply empathetic track that resonates with those struggling with the distance in a relationship or holding strong feelings for someone important.
LetterNaoto Intiraymi
It’s a love ballad packed tightly with emotion.
Singer-songwriter Naoto Inti Raymi released it in 2013 as his 12th single.
It’s a song I especially recommend to those in long-distance relationships.
His powerful vocals are truly moving.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced plenty of popular ballads from Japanese music.
There were so many songs that are perfect not only for listening but also for singing at karaoke! From heartrending love songs and sad breakup tunes to uplifting anthems that give you a push, these ballads stay close to your heart and deliver wonderful messages.
They’re sure to sink into your soul and bring you comfort.