A masterpiece piano ballad

In loveHY

HY - “In Love” (Theme song for the film ‘366 Days’) Music Video

Even if you weren’t the one they chose, the fact that you loved doesn’t change… A bittersweet yet forward-looking sentiment runs through this touching HY ballad.

Written as the theme song for the film “366 Days,” released in January 2025, the track is positioned as an answer song to their 2008 classic “366 Days.” It beautifully portrays emotional growth—rising from the pain of heartbreak and embracing even that experience as a cherished memory—and is also included on the album “TIME.” Set across Okinawa and Tokyo, the film unfolds a pure love story spanning 20 years, and this song superbly captures its worldview.

For those who have reached the end of a romance, or who are about to take a new step forward, this is a song that will gently give you a push.

LetterSHE’S

SHE’S – Letter【MV】

Among introductions to poignant piano ballads, SHE’S “Letter” is an unmissable track.

The gentle piano accompaniment blends with Ryoma Inoue’s whisper-like vocals to create a moving sound.

The poetic lyrics, which read like a single story across the whole song, are irresistible as well.

The calm, tender resonance of the piano lets you feel the lyrics more deeply.

On top of that, the harmony parts that quietly nestle up to the main melody add a nice touch.

The way your ears naturally gravitate toward these subtle details may be one of the charms of piano ballads.

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unrequited lovemiwa

miwa 'Unrequited Love'

Released in 2012 as miwa’s eighth single.

It was her first song performed on piano since her debut, and despite having no tie-in, it reached No.

7 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It’s the ultimate heart-wrenching unrequited love song, with painfully straightforward feelings woven into the lyrics.

Letter ~To My Beloved~Fujita Maiko

[Chinese-Japanese Subtitles PV] Maiko Fujita - Letter ~To My Beloved~

Released in 2013 as Maiko Fujita’s ninth single.

The song features lyrics that candidly express gratitude to one’s parents, and it has gained strong support as a very popular choice for weddings.

It is also known as a staple ballad at “Rui-katsu” events—gatherings where people refresh their mind and body by having a good, cathartic cry.

EndlessTOMOO

Endless

A heart-stirring ballad packed with the sparkle and poignancy of youth.

This new song by TOMOO, written as the ending theme for the drama “Zenryōiki Ijō Kaiketsu-shitsu” starring Tatsuya Fujiwara and released digitally in October 2024, uses the metaphor of a ribbon tracing a spiral to portray two people moving forward without becoming entangled.

Centered on piano and vocals, the lyrics weave tenderness and pain in a way that strikes the heart.

It conveys a sense of cherishing the small joys of everyday life, as if conjuring the image of a view shared side by side with someone.

With lyrics that evoke hope after the rain, it’s sure to lift your spirits.

HOMEAnjura Aki

Angela Aki “HOME” Music Video

It was released in 2005 as Angela Aki’s major-label debut single.

Despite having no tie-in, it gradually became a hit, leading to her first appearance at the 57th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, where she delivered a gentle piano-and-vocal performance.

With its clear vocals and piano tones, this song brings back memories of the hometown scenery I had almost forgotten.

AloneMayo Okamoto

Mayo Okamoto — alone

Released in 1996 as Mayo Okamoto’s third single.

Among her songs, it is a signature heartbreak ballad that poignantly conveys the feelings of a woman whose precious boyfriend is taken by a friend.

Okamoto’s delicate vocals and the tone of the piano heighten the sense of sorrow.