A selection of classic love ballads, from the latest hits to timeless favorites.

crescent moonayaka

Ayaka – Crescent Moon

Ayaka’s fourth single, which had already been distributed online across various Asian countries even before its release.

The song was used as the theme for the information program “Mirai Kansoku Tsunagaru TV @ Human,” and its title is also known for evoking the shape of a flip phone.

Carried by her soulful vocals, the poignant lyrics conjure images and loneliness of a long-distance relationship, the song’s central theme.

With a mystical atmosphere that evokes the moon and feels soothing, it’s a love ballad overflowing with powerful feelings for a partner.

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Hoshino Takashi

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NAOHY

HY – NAO (Official Music Video)

A four-member mixture band, HY, based in their hometown of Okinawa, pursues music while also producing a natural brand.

This song is included on their 4th album, “Confidence,” and the sacred power of the gospel layered over the powerful vocals is truly overwhelming.

The lyrics, said to be based on a friend’s real experience, depict a heart unable to break away from a cruel kind of kindness, conveying the reality of love where feelings and logic simply can’t be separated.

It’s a classic ballad that many will likely empathize with for its painful yet straightforward expression of love.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Love ForeverKatō Miriya × Shimizu Shōta

Miliyah Kato × Shota Shimizu “Love Forever”

The golden duo representing the J-POP scene, Miliyah Kato and Shota Shimizu, have an unmissable duet song.

While celebrating the joy of meeting, its lyrics occasionally hint at an inevitable end, making it achingly bittersweet and tightening your chest.

Told from both of their perspectives, it’s a track that powerfully conveys gratitude toward the person who saved them from lonely days.

Released in May 2009 as a single by Miliyah Kato and included on the classic album “Ring,” the song became hugely popular, with its music video winning an award at MTV VMAJ 2010.

The section in the latter half where their harmonies intertwine is a must-hear.

It’s a masterpiece perfect for nights when you want to bask in the beautiful memories and bittersweetness of love.

Don’t disappear.Aina ji Endo

AiNA THE END (BiSH) / Don't Disappear [OFFiCiAL ViDEO]

A ballad that begins with quiet piano notes and unfolds into a grand sound as emotions overflow.

This work marks the origin of Aina The End’s solo career.

She wrote both the lyrics and music, pouring in the earnest feelings she held at eighteen—the desperate wish not to lose someone precious.

The sense of loss—like a world drained of color without you—comes through painfully through her one-of-a-kind husky voice.

On nights when inescapable loneliness strikes, this singing will be there to help you.

MAYBETomioka Ai

Ai Tomioka – MAYBE (Music Video)

Sung by singer-songwriter Ai Tomioka, this is a love ballad filled with hope for the future.

It expresses a heartfelt wish to stay with the person by your side now, even if the future is uncertain.

Released in November 2024, the song was reportedly created in response to fans asking for “a warm song.” Perhaps because of that background, the entire track feels wrapped in kindness.

Ai Tomioka’s clear, translucent voice gently stays close to hearts swaying between anxiety and expectation.

AitaiKato Miria

Miliyah Kato - “Aitai”

It’s a heartrending love song about longing for someone who’s looking at somebody else.

Included on the acclaimed 2009 album “Ring,” this fan favorite became a hit with over 700,000 downloads despite not being released as a single.

It also adds deep resonance to the film “Villain” as an in-film track.

Even if I’m not your number one, even if I know I’ll get hurt, it has to be you… That desperate cry from the heart tightens the listener’s chest.

When you fall for someone, reason can’t do a thing about it.

If you’re suffering from an unrequited love, this is a song that will surely stay close to your heart.

Last LoveKato Miria

Miliyah Kato 'Last Love'

The work she created is a breakup song that perfectly fits the phrase “a heartbreakingly sad love ballad.” Through lyrics she wrote herself, it portrays with striking realism the aimless sense of loss and the lingering attachment that won’t fade after losing the one you love.

The grand, beautiful strings only seem to accentuate the loneliness at heart, and the clear, translucent vocals resonate as if asking a question—so achingly bittersweet.

Released in June 2010 as her 18th single, the track was later included on her acclaimed album HEAVEN, which became her first to top the charts.

When you’re carrying the pain of an unforgettable love, this song gently stays by your side in your helplessness.