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 (11–20)
Aino Katachi feat. HIDE (GReeeeN)MISIA
Singer MISIA has healed listeners’ hearts with numerous love ballads, and she’s well known for signature songs like “Everything.” Her 2018 release “Ai no Katachi” was used as the theme song for the drama “Gibo to Musume no Blues.” It also drew attention for being written and composed by the vocal group GReeeeN.
The song features a grand, piano-driven sound, and her soulful vocals are truly moving.
When you feel anxious, try listening to this gentle yet powerful track.
365 daysMr.Children
Since the 1990s, the rock band Mr.Children has been a driving force in J-POP, known for many songs themed around “life” and “love.” Among their catalog, one song that soothes the heart is “365 Nichi” (“365 Days”).
It was included on their 2010 album “SENSE” and was used in commercials for NTT East and NTT West.
The track is characterized by a slow tempo and a warm melodic line.
Why not let yourself be healed by Kazutoshi Sakurai’s powerful yet transparent vocals?
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko
Singer-songwriter aiko is known for her uniquely jazzy yet pop sound.
Among her songs—celebrated for lyrics that paint a distinctive worldview—Kabutomushi is especially heartwarming.
Released in 1999, this track has been loved by many for years.
Its charm lies in her cute vocals that match the soft, airy melody line.
The bittersweet lyrics liken a person in love to an “insect,” gently soothing the listener.
Put it on while thinking of the person you can’t help but have on your mind.
KanadeSukima Suichi
When discussing Heisei-era love ballads, you can’t overlook Sukima Switch’s “Kanade,” released in 2004.
It was featured in numerous tie-ins, including as an insert song for the film “Rough.” The track delivers a band sound highlighted by a beautiful, memorable piano tone.
Takuya Ohashi’s vocals, singing dramatic lyrics about a couple’s separation, are sure to resonate.
While they’re known for upbeat songs like “Zenryoku Shonen,” be sure to also listen to their slower masterpieces that capture a aching, wistful heart.
mysteryHoshino Gen
If you’re looking for a love ballad that sets a moody atmosphere, “Fushigi” is highly recommended.
Released in 2021 by singer-songwriter Gen Hoshino, it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Kikazaru Koi ni wa Riyuu ga Atte” (There’s a Reason for Dressing Up Love).
By blending 1980s pop with R&B and soul, it achieves a modern vibe.
His tight, groovy vocals are another key attraction.
Why not add this versatile pop track to your playlist for any occasion?
Love SongShimizu Shota
Shota Shimizu is a singer-songwriter known for signature songs like “HOME” and “My Boo.” Among his works that capture everyday moments and love, a particular recommendation is “Koiuta,” released in 2021.
Its wistful sound, carried by an R&B sense of rhythm, resonates deeply.
Despite its tight arrangement, it maintains a cohesive, groovy feel.
It’s a warm number filled with phrases that show care for someone after a breakup.
Try listening while thinking of a lover or someone you once loved.
Heal your heart with love ballads. A collection of pure love and heartbreak songs (21–30)
catDISH//
DISH// is a dance-rock band fronted by Takumi Kitamura, who is also active as an actor.
They’re known for performing songs across a wide range of genres.
Among their tracks, the one that resonates most deeply is “Neko” (“Cat”).
It was included on their 2017 release “Bokutachi ga Yarimashita.” The song features a warm yet heartrending melody, and its lyrics—likening a vanished lover to a “cat”—are sure to bring tears.
Be sure to listen for his emotional yet refreshing vocal performance.