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!

Playlist

Recommended ballads for men: classic songs about love, encouragement, and youth.
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	I want to hug you.Mr.Children		Heart-touching love songs, masterpieces that cheer on life
2	Happy Endingback number		A masterpiece by back number that sings of a heartrending love
3	RomanticSEKAI NO OWARI		SEKAI NO OWARI's new song depicts the seasons and emotions.
4	catDISH//		A poignant song about returning as a cat, unable to let go of a broken heart
5	filling upFuji Kaze		Fujii Kaze’s movie theme song resonates with the heart
6	One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi		A timeless song that resonates with the heart, depicting a bittersweet love
7	Maplesupittsu		A bittersweet autumn love song, a classic by Spitz
8	HOWEVERGLAY		GLAY’s classic ballads, lyrics that resonate with the heart
9	Time ParadoxVaundy		A moving song about encounters and hope for the future
10	To you, who looks good with a bouquetneguse.		A masterpiece that sings of lingering heartbreak and the pain of a broken heart
11	I like that kind of thing.wacci		How Breakup Songs Portray Miscommunication Between Men and Women and Inner Turmoil
12	SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE		A heartwarming ballad that conveys the meaning of life
13	MelodyTamaki Kōji		An uplifting song, a melody that heals the worries of life
14	YoursSuda Masaki		Masaki Suda’s iconic song “Yours” that heals your worries
15	KanadeSukima Suichi		A moving masterpiece that portrays the bond of a long-distance love
16	To meEXILE		A gentle song that chooses again even while fearing love
17	budKobukuro		Kobukuro’s moving ballad cheers on your life.
18	A melody instead of a bouquetShimizu Shota		Shota Shimizu’s masterpiece that sings of pure love
19	Wherever you areONE OK ROCK		A moving ballad that sings of love’s eternity
20	road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE		A graduation song that transcends generations, portraying the hope of setting out on a new journey
21	M&AEXILE		EXILE’s moving pure-love ballad
22	the red threadKobukuro		A fated encounter and reunion bound by the red thread
23	funny storyTani Yuuki		A heartwarming song filled with gratitude for my mother
24	meteoryoshida takurou		Takuro Yoshida’s classic ballad, a song that touches the heart
25	HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number		A classic back number song that portrays the pain of unrequited love
26	balladKetsumeishi		A heartfelt ballad that sings of the pain of parting
27	Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi		Kazuyoshi Saito's classic, a straightforward love song
28	LetterSHE’S		While introducing a heartrending piano ballad, SH…
29	homeKiyama Yusaku		A heartfelt song about family and the moving journey of overcoming illness
30	Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu		A passionate message that captures the brilliance of youth with a sense of speed
31	Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN		Song of friendship, even when apart our hearts remain connected
32	caramelmosao.		A heartrending love ballad, a timeless song that resonates with the heart
33	C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK		Bonds and resolve with companions heading toward our dreams
34	rendezvousshaitoopu		Shytoop’s heartbreak song “Rendezvous”
35	I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka		Yutaka Ozaki’s classic hit, a ballad popular among men
36	trace (of someone/something), semblance, vestige; a lingering image or memory of how someone/something used to beNovelbright		Novelbright’s heartbreak ballad song
37	About meMrs. GREEN APPLE		A rock ballad that sings of the wonders of everyday life
38	Together foreverKobukuro		A moving love song that sings of the love and bond of marriage
39	knot; tie; bind; concludeSaucy Dog		A heartrending love song that sings of intense feelings for the one you love.
40	LemonYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s masterpiece “Lemon” is a heart-touching ballad.
41	And I Love You SoAK-69		A song that sings about the feelings of two people in love
42	Broken RadioTokunaga Hideaki		The pronunciation of radio is special—a masterpiece that resonates in the heart.
43	White LoversKuwata Keisuke		Keisuke Kuwata’s bittersweet winter love song “Shiroi Koibito-tachi” (White Lovers)
44	Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro		An inspiring song about love and bonds: 'Promise of the Sunflower'
45	single bedSha ran Q		Shararan Q's melancholic anime theme song
46	I don’t want to let go.T‐BOLAN		A classic song about not wanting to break up
47	Pray[Alexandros]		An Inspiring Rock Ballad, the Theme Song of the Film “Godzilla”
48	1.15 Million Kilometers of FilmOfisharu Higedan Dism		Rising in popularity with the love-vowing “Pretender”
49	I want to take only you away just like this.DEEN		DEEN's signature songs—lyrics of bittersweet love that resonate with the heart
50	The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi		Yasushi Nakanishi’s masterpiece, a heartbreak song that resonates with the heart
51	100-year first loveshikuramen		Speaking of the allure of ballads and the hopes of first love
52	#302Hirai Ken		Ken Hirai's heartrending love ballad, moving.
53	Someday Merry ChristmasB’z		B’z’s classic breakup ballad
54	Spot the differenceSuda Masaki		A heartwarming song written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu and sung by Masaki Suda
55	AiHata Motohiro		A moving song that sings of anxiety and hope in love
56	KindnessFuji Kaze		Fujii Kaze's melody resonates with my heart.
57	I love you, but I can’t love you.AAA		A heartbreaking love song by the mega-popular band AAA
58	hana cherieNissy(Nishijima Takahiro)		A solo ballad song by Takahiro Nishijima of AAA
59	Lovers AgainEXILE		'Lovers Again' is a poignant winter ballad.
60	Close your eyesHirai Ken		Ken Hirai’s film theme song: a melody of memories and gratitude
61	I was born to meet you.EXILE SHOKICHI		A heartwarming song that sings of pure feelings for a cherished person
62	365 daysMr.Children		A love song for someone precious, “365 Days”
63	MissingKubota Toshinobu		Toshinobu Kubota’s classic song “Missing” is a bittersweet love song.
64	FlowerORANGE RANGE		An inspirational ballad by ORANGE RANGE
65	On the hill where the moon is visible tonightB’z		A powerful song that sings of the agony of love and determination
66	sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI		A cheer song for dreams: let's move forward
67	Bridge of Gloryyuzu		Yuzu’s classic song “Eikou no Kakehashi”: passionate lyrics and a moving melody
68	Is there still anything that love can do?RADWIMPS		The moving theme song of the animated film “Weathering With You”
69	Sakura (2019)Moriyama Naotaro		Naotaro’s “Sakura” is a timeless classic loved across generations.
70	Lion HeartSMAP		The idol ballad “Lion Heart” is a masterpiece.
71	March 9Remioromen		A song for a friend that beautifully conveys feelings of gratitude.
72	Pure Love SongShonan no Kaze		A beloved hit that's belted out at karaoke
73	cold; curt; blunt; unfriendlyRADWIMPS		The lyrics and music of RADWIMPS resonate with my heart.
74	Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki		A masterpiece by Noriyuki Makihara—an inspiring song about friendship.
75	A world without youto shiki		Toshiki’s classic that freshly sings of the pain of heartbreak
76	TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu		Southern All Stars’ classic hit “TSUNAMI” sells 3 million copies
77	Together forever…GLAY		Ballads are moving—something I want to listen to on a special day.
78	Something CertainOda Kazumasa		Oda Kazumasa’s famous song that sings about love for family and lovers.
79	Just… I want to see youEXILE		EXILE’s “Tada Aitakute” is a masterpiece that sings of the feelings of a broken heart.
80	Loving too muchCHEMISTRY		A passionate ballad by CHEMISTRY
81	aloneGosuperāzu		Gospellers’ Heart-Touching Song “Hitotsu”
82	Let’s become a familyFukuyama Masaharu		Masaharu Fukuyama’s moving ballad, a wedding commercial song
83	It always begins with rain.ASKA		Introducing heartbreak songs for rainy days
84	Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s “Eine Kleine” is a masterpiece that sings of the anxieties of love.
85	It’s nothing.makaroni enpitsu		The heart-touching songs of Macaroni Empitsu
86	Another OrionFujii Fumiya		A love song in the luminous night sky of Orion
87	day by dayYoshida Yamada		A moving song by Yoshida Yamada that sings of marital love
88	silentSEKAI NO OWARI		A classic song that sings of a bittersweet Christmas romance
89	YC&K		A moving masterpiece that sings of feelings for a sorrowful woman
90	BetelgeuseYuuri		Expressing human connection through a passionately emotive singing voice
91	Song of the Eternal NightKami wa saikoro o furanai		Kamisai’s classic ‘Yorunaga Uta,’ a song about a heartrending love
92	Baby, I love youTEE		A classic TEE song popular at weddings
93	Family SongHoshino Gen		Gen Hoshino’s song expresses the importance of family.
94	My BooShimizu Shota		Shota Shimizu’s “My Boo” is a love ballad.
95	EnchantedSaucy Dog		A romantic theme song by the captivating rock band Saucy Dog
96	Voice of the Seaurashima tarou		Kenta Kiritani’s emotional song from the au commercial
97	Your favorite songUVERworld		A heartrending ballad by UVERworld, an emotionally rich masterpiece
98	I can’t say it.Gō Hiromi		A classic hit by Hiromi Go that sings about the feeling of being unable to say 'I love you.'
99	Hide-and-seekYuuri		Yuri’s signature song that depicts the pain of heartbreak
100	Magic CarpetKawasaki Takaya		Takaya Kawasaki’s love song, a TikTok-born hit track
101	Your FriendWEAVER		An inspiring masterpiece that supports dreams
102	The end of love comes surprisingly quietly.Ketsumeishi		A ballad that quietly depicts the end of love
103	SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu		Masaharu Fukuyama’s classic song “Sakurazaka” resonates at life’s turning points.
104	Blue BenchSasuke		Sasuke’s debut song, Memories of Youth
105	The way homeOAU		An OAU song that evokes summer with its gentle tones
106	canaryYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s moving love song, powerfully message-driven
107	Ah, geez.Saucy Dog		A Saucy Dog song depicting the struggles of love
108	cherry blossomKawaguchi Kyogo		A beautiful song from the heart that wishes for the happiness of a loved one
109	I was looking at the moon.Yonezu Kenshi		Introduction to Kenshi Yonezu’s “I Was Watching the Moon”
110	Why did I end up falling in love with you?Tōhōshinki		A heartfelt ballad that sings of the pain of heartbreak and the hope that follows
111	rainbowSuda Masaki		The theme song about eternal love sung by Masaki Suda
112	SubtitleOfisharu Higedan Dism		Official HIGE DANDism classic, a moving ballad that sets the heart on fire
113	PerfumeEito		A bittersweet classic ballad that surged back to popularity on TikTok
114	This Time ~Wish~w-inds.		w-inds.’ signature ballad, featuring Keita’s captivating vocals
115	roomshaitoopu		A soul-stirring rock ballad that sings of the pain of heartbreak
116	My Gift To YouCHEMISTRY		A beautiful ballad that sings of unseen kindness
117	my nameback number		A ballad for someone recovering from heartbreak
118	snow jamRin Oto		A sweet love story painted on a laid-back track
119	PuzzleKEYTALK		A classic song by the rock band KEYTALK that converses through musical scales
120	Love SongGReeeeN		A moving love song of straightforward affection
121	powder snowRemioromen		Insert song from '1 Litre of Tears', moving lyrics and great for passionate singing
122	The Aye-Aye Song: Days of You, Me, and UsC&K		A heartwarming song about a long-distance farewell
123	One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS		High school baseball cheer song, lyrics that give courage
124	future visionMarushii		A happy future with someone irreplaceable
125	Bye-bye.yamazaru		A mountain monkey’s heartbreak song, singing of the feelings of parting.
126	Love Story Comes SuddenlyOda Kazumasa		Kazumasa Oda's Love Story Suddenly
127	Precious LoveEXILE ATSUSHI		Singer ATSUSHI’s wedding song “Precious Love”
128	horizonback number		A poignant song for rebirth that resonates with the heart
129	Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi		A youth song by Kenshi Yonezu and Masaki Suda
130	CITRUSDa-iCE		Da-iCE's ballad has become a major topic of conversation
131	Beyond the goodbyeMatsushita Kohei		A song by Kohei Matsushita that sings about the courage to recover from heartbreak
132	Grandfather’s ClockHirai Ken		A masterpiece in which Ken Hirai arranged an old children’s song.
133	WhyNovelbright		Novelbright announces “Doushite” at their first Budokan show
134	Kanata HarukaRADWIMPS		RADWIMPS's moving film theme song
135	tagYuuri		Try listening to Yuuri’s three-part series of breakup songs.
136	dearestFukuyama Masaharu		Masaharu Fukuyama’s classic song “Saiai” is a beautiful ballad about heartbreak.
137	crescent moonGadoro		GADORO songs that depict real romance and everyday life
138	Be happy, okay?matsumura kanau		A breakup song sung by Kanau Matsumura
139	Midnight ExpresswayFurawā Kanpanī		Flower Companies' youth rock fight song
140	Goodbyeofukōsu		Off Course’s pure love ballad, poignantly expressing the end of a romance
141	sign; mark; symbol; omenrakkuraifu		The big ... who made their major debut in 2016
142	HANABIMr.Children		Mr.Children's heart-touching masterpiece
143	Dried flowersYuuri		The bittersweet love story woven into Yuuri’s “Kakurenbo”
144	Ikuriipuhaipe		Turn the Soranen collaboration song into a ballad
145	Pale BlueYonezu Kenshi		Rikokatsu theme song, Kenshi Yonezu’s masterpiece
146	Blue amberback number		back number is known for their emotional vocals.
147	the Big DipperBikkeburanka		A track with piano sounds and high-pitched vocals
148	Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.berii guddoman		A heartwarming song that celebrates the value of those who support from behind the scenes
149	With You ~Even After 10 or 20 Years~AK-69		A ballad by AK-69 that sings of eternal love
150	DestinyAee! group		Aぇ! group’s bittersweet love song
151	more than anyoneBE:FIRST		A ballad depicting the struggles of a man tormented at heart by BE:FIRST
152	You’re no longer here.FUNKY MONKEY BABYS		A ballad about the pain of heartbreak
153	Unrequited loveSUPER BEAVER		A bittersweet love ballad by SUPER BEAVER
154	somedaySaucy Dog		A love song that portrays heartbreak and memories
155	Heart Rainindigo la End		A ballad that quietly sings about a romantic breakup
156	I want to see you.yuzu		Yuzu releases a ballad dedicated to expressing gratitude to his father
157	Rainy Amusement ParkSasuke		A ballad depicting memories of an amusement park date and a breakup
158	Heartbreaker (I fell in love with a cowgirl)Hirai Dai		Hirai Dai's country love song
159	First loveHata Motohiro		A ballad by Motohiro Hata. It sings of bittersweet memories of love.
160	MetronomeYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s love ballad, feelings passing each other by
161	Prayer FlowerHirai Dai		Expressing gratitude and prayers through Dai Hirai’s soothing songs
162	WeddingOnda Masanori		A story and song of pure love for a partner
163	I LOVE…Ofisharu Higedan Dism		A song that depicts the feeling of being unable to fully convey one’s love
164	Snow SmileBUMP OF CHICKEN		BUMP OF CHICKEN’s winter love song
165	forever; for good; indefinitelyGReeeeN		A ballad depicting memories and love with a lover
166	SymphonyHirai Dai		Dai Hirai sings powerfully about his feelings for someone special
167	Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo		A socially conscious masterpiece that depicts the feelings of men and women
168	CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi		A famous song by Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi that celebrates the start of a new chapter in life
169	Only youDani.		A love song that harmonizes Auto-Tune with passionate lyrics
170	snow moonYamada Ryosuke		A bittersweet love story on a winter night
171	Can I try saying “I love you”?Matsushita Kohei		Kouhei Matsushita’s love song. Singing about the courage to confess love.
172	I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki		A ballad depicting the pain of heartbreak and the glimmer of hope
173	me me sheRADWIMPS		A bittersweet love ballad by RADWIMPS
174	In the midst of the trivialHoshino Gen		A gentle song by Gen Hoshino that sings of everyday beauty
175	An unfinished love song I’ve been working on foreverHata Motohiro		Hata Motohiro’s new song that gently expresses the love between a married couple
176	lemon waterotsumami feat.mikan		Otsumami releases new song “Lemon Water,” featuring vocals by Yuka Togashi
177	I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci		Lingering attachment to a past lover while being with a new partner
178	Flameflumpool		The warm lyrics of flumpool encourage my heart.
179	wishsumika		A popular song by sumika that delicately portrays the emotions of love.
180	TRUE LOVEFujii Fumiya		Fumiya Fujii’s famous song, a love ballad filled with affection
181	strawberryBUMP OF CHICKEN		A gentle ballad song by BUMP OF CHICKEN
182	LetterNaoto Intiraymi		A moving song that portrays a long-distance relationship