Heal your heart with love ballads: A collection of pure love and heartbreak songs.
Among listeners who focus on lyrics when they listen to music, I’m sure many of them love love songs.
That said, the term “love song” covers a wide range of styles and moods.
Upbeat, happy tunes and rock-tinged tracks are certainly appealing, but in this article we’ll be highlighting love ballads that gently seep into the heart.
The lyrics span everything from joyful themes to bittersweet unrequited love and breakup songs.
Find the one song that perfectly matches your mood.
- [For when you want to cry] A ballad love song. A heartbreaking love song.
- [Tear-Jerking] Classic and Recommended Love Ballads
- [Resonates with the Heart] Masterpiece Ballads with Beautiful, Poignant Lyrics
- [Unrequited Love] Heart-wrenching Love Songs | A Roundup of Tear-Inducing Crush and Breakup Tracks
- [Today’s Heartbreak Song] A poignant love song that gently wraps your wounded heart
- Songs to give to your lover or someone you like. Love songs devoted wholeheartedly to your boyfriend or girlfriend.
- [Tear-Jerking Breakup Songs] A curated selection of love songs that gently comfort a wounded heart!
- A selection of classic love ballads, from the latest hits to timeless favorites.
- [Love Songs] Recommended love songs. Masterpieces that sing about feelings of love.
- [Once More…] A lingering-attachment song: a song about a love you can’t forget
- A tear-jerking love song. A love song that stays close to a hurting heart.
- [Adultery Song] A forbidden song about an affair that sings of an impossible love
- A collection of romance-themed songs. Let’s listen to some Japanese love songs.
Heal your heart with love ballads. A collection of pure love and heartbreak songs (71–80)
Happy Endingback number
A touching song that sings of the aching feelings for a former lover.
The portrait of a woman who tries to act tough yet cannot sever her lingering attachment is striking.
It depicts the complex emotions of someone who, despite her words, still truly loves the other person.
Released in November 2016, it was also used as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.” It’s recommended as a chance to sort out your feelings if you’ve experienced parting from someone you love.
Let yourself be carried by back number’s gentle vocals and take a moment to face your own emotions.
I stillmilet
This is a heartbreak song that sings of a poignant, aching love.
It’s common to look back and think, “If I had never met you, maybe I wouldn’t have been hurt this much…” But that’s the thing about love—you can’t just stop yourself there.
The more you try to forget, the more that person lingers in your mind, and perhaps all you can do is wait for time to heal it.
This piece was written as the theme song for the film “Shiranai Kanojo” (“Unknown Girlfriend”).
Together with this work—where milet takes on her first-ever role as a heroine—it is sure to resonate with the hearts of many.
Spring Notesmiwa
How about soothing your soul with the youth-themed song “Harunoto”? This piece was written by miwa as the ending theme for the anime “MIX MEISEI STORY: The Second Summer, Beyond the Sky.” The lyrics portray the frustrating feeling of being aware of each other yet unable to confess your feelings.
Listening to this song might be a nice way to reflect on memories of your youth and past romances.
Because it sings about universal themes, it’s something people of all generations can relate to.
Heal your heart with love ballads: A collection of pure love and heartbreak songs (81–90)
O youdoba shishō
Released in February 2025, this work is a gem of a love song whose gentle, familiar melody and straightforward, heartfelt lyrics resonate deeply.
Wrapped in warm tones, the chorus adds a sweeping string arrangement that heightens the sense of emotion.
The vocals overflow with pure affection for the other person, and the tender worldview that cherishes everyday, ordinary moments will speak not only to those in love, but to anyone nurturing warm feelings for someone important.
the first strong spring windnishina
A song by Nishina that delicately depicts a poignant spring scene.
The warm tones of the acoustic guitar and a melody line that feels somehow nostalgic sink deep into the heart.
The lyrics, woven with everyday scenery and memories, resonate with each listener’s own experiences and evoke empathy.
Released in March 2023, it was featured as a song for a radiko commercial.
Seeing the lyrics that recall a love which ended without ever being confessed may make many people feel as if their hearts are being gently gripped.
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.
Shall we break up?Miyuhan
Some of you may be feeling down even though you were the one who ended the relationship.
“Wakare yokka” speaks on behalf of those feelings.
It’s a song by singer-songwriter Miyuhan, where her signature clear vocals are highlighted by a simple acoustic arrangement.
The lyrics, which portray the wavering of the heart leading up to the decision to break up, will likely feel personally relatable.
Even if that’s not your situation, it’s crafted in a way that you can still empathize with.