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