[Touching the Heart] A Collection of Recommended Ballads for Men
When work is tough and mentally exhausting, or when you’re hurting from a breakup, many men probably turn to music for comfort.
At times like these, ballads that stay close to your heart are a perfect fit.
In this article, we’ll introduce ballad songs recommended for men.
We’ve picked out everything from timeless classics known across generations to the latest tracks by rising artists.
If you’re going through something difficult and want to be healed by the power of music, be sure to check them out.
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[Heart-Touching] Recommended Ballads for Men (11–20)
for a very, very long timeFANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE
Here is a pure-love ballad that warms the winter chill and seeps deep into the heart.
The lyrics, which capture the growing feelings of love through everyday, fleeting moments and the frustration of being unable to say “I love you,” tighten the listener’s chest.
Released as a single in December 2025, this song was chosen as the theme for the film “Romantic Killer,” starring member Sota Nakajima.
The delicate timbres of piano and strings intertwine with twin vocals, unfolding dramatically toward the chorus—another point of allure.
If you’re stuck in a one-sided crush and can’t quite take that first step, listening to it might gently nudge you forward.
Why not savor it slowly while thinking of someone special?
Song of Eternal NightKami wa saikoro o furanai
This song, which tells a sad story about a loved one disappearing from right in front of you, is a track by the rock band Kami wa Saikoro wo Furanai.
The lyrics, which squeeze your chest with pain, and the voice that spins those words are unbearably heartrending.
In the story told by the lyrics, the feelings the male protagonist holds don’t seem to fade even now that she’s gone, and listening to it will surely shake your heart.
It also feels like it might be a song about bereavement, which makes the sense of sorrow and sadness hit even harder.
green leavesHata Motohiro × TOMOO
This song, born from the collaboration between Motohiro Hata and TOMOO, depicts the changing seasons of life and personal growth through the image of lush green leaves.
From the fresh verdure that heralds spring, to the brilliance of summer, and on to memories that become the past, it skillfully expresses shifts in emotion.
Included on the album “HATA EXPO -The Collaboration Album-,” released in November 2024, it stands as a gem where the charms of both artists blend seamlessly.
It’s the perfect track for those who want to look back on the past without losing hope for the future, embracing a forward-looking spirit.
Its warm tones and vocals, close to the heart, are sure to soothe listeners.
Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN
The song I want to listen to while reflecting on a friend I’m parting ways with is BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Tomodachi no Uta” (“Song of Friends”).
The lyrics, written by Motoo Fujiwara as he thought of characters from works he loved since childhood, convey a clumsy yet warm sense of friendship, and the grand sound incorporating trumpet is sure to resonate deeply with men as well.
Released in February 2011 as their 19th single, this track moved many as the theme song for the film “Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops—Angel Wings.” It’s a song that wraps up the anxieties of a new departure and gently nudges you forward.
Even if you end up walking separate paths, it makes you believe the time you shared won’t disappear—a masterpiece filled with kindness.
Dried flowersYuuri
A song where Yuri’s voice really sinks into your heart.
The lyrics gently weave together the sorrow of heartbreak and complex emotions, and they’re truly moving.
You can feel the regret after choosing to part ways and the lingering attachment to the other person.
Released as a digital-only single in October 2020, the track sparked a huge response on streaming platforms, surpassing 700 million plays—an unprecedented achievement for a solo artist.
Highly recommended for those struggling with work or relationships, or anyone looking to heal from the pain of a breakup.
The heartfelt lyrics and Yuri’s vocals are sure to bring you comfort.
balladKetsumeishi
The time we spend with the person we love is precious to anyone.
But what would you do if your relationship was one where you couldn’t meet freely? This song portrays such a couple—from their joyful moments together to their breakup.
It’s a bittersweet yet sultry ballad that sings of the reality of love: “You can’t be with the one you love the most.”
[Heart-Touching] Recommended Ballads for Men (21–30)
orionYonezu Kenshi
Kenshi Yonezu is now an undeniable hitmaker—it’s no exaggeration to call him a national singer.
His song “orion,” released in 2017 as his sixth single, was also used as the ending theme for the popular anime March Comes in Like a Lion.
As the title suggests, the track is inspired by the Orion constellation spread across the winter sky.
It conveys a cold, crisp atmosphere that perfectly suits winter nights.
It’s a ballad you’ll want to listen to when you’re in a mood where words like taut feelings and delicate heart feel just right.
