A selection of classic love ballads, from the latest hits to timeless favorites.
Among people who enjoy listening to music, many especially love listening to love ballads that depict love in its many forms, don’t they?
In particular, when you’re nursing a crush or going through a heartbreak, it’s common to find comfort in lyrics that mirror your own feelings.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of classic love ballads that sing about a wide range of situations and emotions.
From bittersweet songs about unrequited love or breakups to joyful tracks portraying couples who are happily close and supportive, we’ve chosen broadly—so try finding the one song that perfectly matches your state of mind.
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Selection of classic love ballads: from the latest hits to timeless favorites (71–80)
Tearful KissSazan Ōrusutāzu
A bittersweet yet beautiful melody that seeps into the heart, this ballad delicately portrays the protagonist’s sorrow and lingering feelings as they face a breakup with a lover.
The emotionally rich vocals woven by Southern All Stars, together with a simple instrumental arrangement, convey the pain of heartbreak with striking clarity.
Released in July 1992, it drew major attention as the theme song for the drama “Zutto Anata ga Suki Datta.” It became Southern All Stars’ first million-selling single and won the Excellence Award at the 34th Japan Record Awards.
Whether you’re seeking to heal the sadness of parting or reminiscing about past love, this song gently stays by your side—and continues to be a source of comfort for many to this day.
That’s all there is to it.Marushii
Be sure to check out the passionate love ballad “Tada Sore Dake no Koto ga sa” as well.
This song was produced by Marcy and has garnered attention as an insert track for the romance show “Koisuru ♥ Shūmatsu Homestay 2023 Spring ~Sweet Orange Memory~.” The lyrics depict a woman who has experienced heartbreak, looking back on the happy days the two of them spent together.
What stands out is the sprinkling of words that convey regret and a sense of putting on a brave face.
Give it a listen together with the drama-style music video featuring Rinka Kumada.
I knewRozarīna
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.
threadNakajima Miyuki
Originally released as the B-side to “Inochi no Betsumei,” “Ito” was treated as the second-string track.
However, the depth of its lyrics sparked conversation, and it eventually became so acclaimed that the drama’s theme song was switched from “Inochi no Betsumei” to “Ito.” Today, it has grown into a song cherished by music professionals as well, covered by major artists like EXILE ATSUSHI and Aimer.
Its famous chorus—“If the vertical thread is you, then I will become the horizontal thread”—is penned with a depth that even evokes a sense of eternity.
It’s a masterful ballad that reminds us that true classics transcend time.
Sounds good.Ide Ayaka
This is a gently toned song by singer-songwriter Ayaka Ide that expresses the feeling of being in love.
While it features a strong rhythm with an R&B sensibility, the overall sound has a floating, airy quality that leaves a strong impression.
The title, which conveys a light, affirmative will, is another key point—it evokes an image of quietly facing one’s own heart.
It’s a track that encourages a calm, forward-looking mindset, telling us not to be swayed by our surroundings and to cherish the present—even if things feel uncertain.
AutomaticUtada Hikaru
A towering masterpiece of ’90s J-pop that vividly captures the instant when romantic feelings rise up unconsciously.
Crafted with an R&B flair by a 15-year-old Hikaru Utada, the song delicately expresses the shifting distance and tremors of the heart between two people.
A young talent portrays the complexities of love from a unique perspective.
Released in December 1998, the debut single became an instant smash, selling an astonishing 2.55 million copies.
It also dramatically raised expectations for the album First Love.
Winner of the JASRAC Gold Award, it earned outstanding critical acclaim.
A perfect classic for anyone who wants to relive the flutter of first love or reexperience the brilliance of ’90s J-pop.
Your SongYasuda Rei
One song that has been drawing attention for its strong storytelling is “Kimi no Uta.” This track was released by Rei Yasuda in 2020 and is also known as the theme song for the anime Natsume’s Book of Friends Roku.
The lyrics express a longing for a lover who has passed away.
In the music video, the deceased boyfriend returns to life, and the story depicts the couple spending a brief moment together.
The appeal lies in how viewers of the anime can listen while overlaying its story, and others can become emotionally invested in the MV’s narrative as well.