Heal your heart with love ballads: A collection of pure love and heartbreak songs.

raspberryMarushii

marcy – Raspberry (Official Music Video)

Marcy is a three-piece rock band whose lyrics, delicately depicting the intricacies of the human heart that defy simple explanation, have been gaining attention not only in Japan but across Asia.

Released digitally on June 28, 2023, “Raspberry” strikes a chord with its lyrical guitar riff intro and a poignant vocal melody.

Many listeners may find themselves overlaying their own romances and memories onto the story—a love that won’t fade, even while knowing deep down it won’t be reciprocated.

It’s a bittersweet pop tune: brisk yet tinged with melancholy, with an ensemble that feels sentimental and sweet-and-sour.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

I knewRozarīna

Rosalina 'I knew' Official Lyric Video

Singer-songwriter Rosalina, whose stage name comes from the relaxing herb “rosalina.” Her digital-only single “I knew,” released on April 19, 2023, was written as an insert song for the TV drama Unknown.

Its unique groove and melody line are challenging, but if you can pull it off at karaoke, you’ll definitely stand out.

With sentimental lyrics that resonate, it’s a number we’d love to hear women sing.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

MissingKubota Toshinobu

Toshinobu Kubota – Missing [Official Video Short ver.]

Toshinobu Kubota delivers the bittersweet ache of an unattainable love with a sweet yet powerful voice.

The portrait of a love that cannot be fulfilled is drawn alongside a beautiful melody that seeps deep into the heart.

Included on his debut album “SHAKE IT PARADISE,” released in September 1986, the song was used as the ending theme for the TV programs “Uwasa-teki Tatsujin” and “World Pro Wrestling.” It’s a recommended track for times when you want to immerse yourself in memories of past love or revisit precious recollections you keep tucked away in your heart.

PRIDEImai Miki

Miki Imai - 'PRIDE' Music Video

A gem of a love song that portrays a woman pledging her heart to the Southern Cross.

The deep affection for the lover who taught her both loneliness and freedom soaks into the heart through Miki Imai’s translucent vocals.

Written and composed by Tomoyasu Hotei, the song was released in November 1996 and topped the Oricon charts for three consecutive weeks.

Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Doc,” it became a massive hit, selling 1.6 million copies.

In 2006, the couple appeared together on the 57th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, delivering the performance with Hotei’s guitar accompaniment.

A heartwarming anthem that conveys the joy and ache of love, and the strength to turn feelings for a beloved into pride.

Recommended for those who want to keep moving forward while thinking of someone precious.

lingering loveKitatani Ruki

Ruki Chatan “Koinokori” Official Music Video

This is a ballad by Ruki Kitaya that sings of the pain and lingering feelings of heartbreak—something everyone experiences at least once.

Carried by gentle, unadorned strings, the song carefully weaves the emotions of someone who can’t accept parting with a loved one.

The protagonist, avoiding places filled with memories—like the convenience store where they used to meet or the walking path—will be relatable to many listeners.

Since its release in January 2023, the song has generated a major response, particularly on social media.

It’s a recommended track for those nursing the wounds of a breakup or in the mood to look back on a past love.