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 (1–10)
prime lensPenthouse
When you want to soothe your heart, you find yourself craving light, breezy city pop, don’t you? “Tanshōten,” released in 2022 by the city-soul band Penthouse, is a track with a resonant jazzy groove.
Marked by technically skilled band performances, it showcases their wide musical range.
The powerful flow delivered by their male–female twin vocals is equally striking.
Give it a listen as café or driving BGM, too.
This bittersweet love ballad will wrap you in its embrace.
bouquetback number
back number is a rock band that captivates listeners with songs that candidly portray the dynamics of love.
Among their tracks, one I especially recommend is “Hanataba,” released in 2011.
It features the straightforward guitar sound unique to a three-piece band.
Iyori Shimizu’s vocals, both heartrending and warm, are sure to resonate with you.
The orthodox, singable melody line is also memorable.
Why not listen to this unadorned love ballad, filled with honest feelings, and let yourself be your truest self?
I long to see you now.NEW!MISIA
A grand ballad that stirs the heart with a bittersweet yet powerful longing to meet a cherished person across time.
Sung by MISIA, renowned for her overwhelming vocal prowess, this piece was written as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “JIN” and released as a single in November 2009.
It was also positioned as the lead single from the album “JUST BALLADE,” and many listeners may remember it alongside the drama’s moving scenes.
The lyrics, capturing the frustration of not being able to meet someone you long for and the overflowing passion within, are perfect for anyone seeking the courage to confess their feelings on Valentine’s Day.
Why not immerse yourself in this soul-stirring voice while making chocolates?
It’s nothing.makaroni enpitsu
Macaroni Enpitsu, known for their catchy songs and often described as an all-ages pop-rock band, have gained popularity—especially among young listeners—for lyrics that capture subtle emotional shifts.
Among their tracks, the one that truly resonates is “Nandemonai yo,” included on their 2022 release “Happiness, Expectation for a Happy End.” It features a piano sound reminiscent of soul and pop, paired with a modern beat that hits home.
Be sure to check out vocalist Hattori’s emotional performance carried by the relaxed tempo.
If you’ve ever experienced that in-between stage of more-than-friends-but-not-quite-lovers, this song is a must-listen.
bow knotAimer
Aimer is a singer who has handled numerous anime songs and commercial tie-ins, captivating listeners with a voice that is both powerful and heartrending.
Among her tracks, the one that brings a sense of healing is “Chouchou Musubi,” released in 2016.
The song was written and composed by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS.
Its beautiful melody line evokes a distinctly Japanese sensibility.
The lyrics create a unique world centered on the theme of “knots.” If you enjoy dramatic love ballads, be sure to give it a listen.
Wherever you areONE OK ROCK
ONE OK ROCK is a rock band that brings passionate, powerful performances to listeners.
Among the songs by this group leading Japan’s rock scene, the heartwarming track would be “Wherever you are.” It’s included on the 2010 release “Niche Syndrome” and was featured as the theme song for NTT Docomo’s “Family” commercial.
Its straightforward melody line, set to a slow tempo, strikes a chord.
You can also fully savor Taka’s vocals, renowned for their overwhelming power.
If you’re looking for a rock ballad about someone you love, be sure to give it a listen.
PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism
When you’re heartbroken, you crave gentle, bittersweet love ballads, don’t you? “Pretender,” released in 2019 by the rock band Official HIGE DANDism, is a track you’ll want to hear precisely when your heart feels heavy.
It was chosen as the theme song for the film The Confidence Man JP: Episode of the Romance.
The track features a jazzy sound enhanced with sound effects.
Satoshi Fujihara’s emotional, soulful vocals about heartbreak are utterly heart-throbbing.
It’s a masterpiece that lays bare feelings for a former lover with disarming honesty—so much so it hurts.