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Lovely ballad

[2026] Latest Masterful Ballads | A Curated Selection of Heartfelt Love Songs and Uplifting Anthems

When you’re feeling emotionally drained or struggling with love and relationships, don’t you ever find yourself wanting to listen to a soul-stirring ballad?

Among ballads, there are countless masterpieces—love songs and anthems for life—that gently stay close to our hearts as listeners.

In this article, we’ve carefully selected moving, standout ballads—from the latest releases to tracks that have gained popularity on social media.

You’re sure to find a song that perfectly matches how you feel.

Be sure to check them out!

[2026] Latest Great Ballads | A Curated Selection of Heart-Touching Love Songs and Anthems (121–130)

Be happy, okay?matsumura kanau

Be Happy. – Kanau Matsumura [Official Music Video]
Be happy, okay?matsumura kanau

Kana’u Matsumura, who has been gaining attention after posting a singing video on TikTok, is in the spotlight.

The heartbreak song he’s known for—one that listeners say moves them to tears—is “You’re Going to Be Happy.” The first half of the song reflects on memories with a former lover from a male perspective, while the latter half expresses wishes for the ex’s future happiness.

It’s a bittersweet and sorrowful piece, yet its appeal lies in the hopeful feeling woven into it.

Although it’s sung mostly in a high tone, the slow tempo should make it easy to sing.

Love songMarushii

Malcy – Love Song (Music Video Teaser)
Love songMarushii

Marcy is a rock band that has drawn attention with emotionally charged love songs and is growing in popularity both in Japan and abroad.

Their track “Love Song,” released digitally in September 2023, is especially memorable for its intro featuring delicate acoustic guitar.

Its straightforward message, dreaming about a future with someone you love, is likely to make listeners feel happy just by hearing it.

With gentle vocals and a clear, transparent ensemble, it’s a heartwarming love song that feels wonderfully soothing.

horizonYahagi Moeka

Moeka Yahagi – Horizon [Music Video]
horizonYahagi Moeka

A song beloved as a winter tradition has arrived from Moeka Yahagi.

Set to a warm yet wistful melody, it powerfully sings about the importance of living true to oneself.

Written as the ending theme for the anime Sorairo Utility, the track will be released digitally in January 2025, with a CD to follow in February.

It marks Yahagi’s first anime tie-in and is an ambitious work that reflects her own feelings.

Tied to the anime’s themes of youth and friendship, it’s a song that will resonate differently in the hearts of each listener.

stoppage timeNoda Megumi

Aimi Noda – Lost Time (Official Lyric Video)
stoppage timeNoda Megumi

Singer-songwriter Emi Noda, who has been active as a vocalist since elementary school.

This song also served as the theme for TV Asahi’s Newcomer Scenario Award special drama “Dear, Strange Neighbor.” Many people have surely felt this way in love or during life’s rough patches.

These gentle, quietly penetrating lyrics offer solace for the confusion and hardship of wondering, “Why is this happening only to me?”—and are sure to give you courage and hope.

[2026] Latest Great Ballads | A curated selection of heart-touching love songs and uplifting anthems (131–140)

tomorrowNoda Megumi

Emi Noda – Ashita (self-cover) [Fuji TV October season Thursday drama 'My Treasure' theme song]
tomorrowNoda Megumi

This is the song chosen as the theme for Fuji TV’s Thursday drama series “Watashi no Takaramono” (My Treasure).

It is performed by Emi Noda, a singer-songwriter from Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture.

A heart-stirring ballad filled with both wistfulness and hope, it combines lyrics that reflect the drama’s worldview with Noda’s straightforward vocals for a deeply moving result.

The delicate, piano-centered sound gently envelops the listener.

It’s an anthem for life that teaches us the importance of living in the present.

Melancholy Cherry Blossomsatarayo

Atarayo – Sorrowful Sakura (Music Video)
Melancholy Cherry Blossomsatarayo

Atarayo is a rock band that rose to prominence on YouTube.

Among their three-month consecutive release project, they unveiled Urei-zakura.

This song focuses on springtime departures, portraying the anxiety and hope of stepping into a new environment.

A key point is the message that no matter what happens, memories will support you.

How about reflecting on your happy memories as you listen and turning them into energy? It’s also recommended if you’re looking for a youth anthem.

Starry NightYuka

Yuka – Starry Night (Official Music Video)
Starry NightYuka

Yuka is also known for being produced by Toru from ONE OK ROCK.

With a husky yet translucent singing voice, she captivates many listeners.

Her 2023 release “Seigetsuya” is a must-listen as well.

Drawing on Van Gogh’s work of the same name as its foundation, it sings of a romantic scene beneath a beautiful night sky.

It also served as a TV drama’s theme song, and the lyrics connect with that story.