[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.

Playlist

[Touching the Heart] A Collection of Recommended Ballads for Men
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi		Kazuyoshi Saito's masterpiece, a soul-stirring song that resonates in the heart
2	rootKing Gnu		A song of deep love that gently stays by the heart
3	SubtitleOfisharu Higedan Dism		A moving piece that expresses the power of words and emotions
4	Be the soil that makes flowers bloom, rather than the flowers themselves.BERRY GOODMAN		The warmth of a song of encouragement that supports the heart
5	day by dayKANA-BOON		KANA-BOON’s new song that resonates with the heart
6	KanadeSukima Suichi		The popular love song “Kanade” by Sukima Switch
7	Something I’ve always wantedHirai Dai		An inspiring song that celebrates everyday miracles
8	Last FragranceAmatsuki		A voice that resonates in Amatsuki’s heart, feelings as they are
9	bouquetback number		A heartrending love story, an emotional ballad by back number
10	Is there still anything that love can do?RADWIMPS		A moving song from the soundtrack of Weathering with You that resonates with the heart
11	I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka		Yutaka Ozaki’s masterpiece, passed down in song forever
12	Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN		Song of friendship, even when apart our hearts remain connected
13	IvyNovelbright		A wedding love song that portrays bonds and happiness
14	Fantasy in the CornerHirai Dai		Hirai Dai’s winter song, a heartwarming melody of love
15	Cat ~THE FIRST TAKE ver.~DISH//		A heart-stirring breakup song by DISH//
16	Song of Eternal NightKami wa saikoro o furanai		A poignant song about the story of losing a loved one
17	Dried flowersYuuri		Yuuri’s song gently conveys the feelings of heartbreak.
18	green leavesHata Motohiro × TOMOO		A moving collaborative piece that portrays the transience of youth
19	crepuscular raysChevon		Chevon, a hopeful ballad that shines light into the darkness of the heart
20	balladKetsumeishi		A bittersweet love song, the tale of two people parting ways.
21	MissingKubota Toshinobu		An unforgettable, heartrending ballad by Kubota
22	threadBank Band		Songs that connect people—heartwarming masterpieces
23	You’re BeautifulJames Blunt		A poignant masterpiece depicting the fleeting nature of love: “You’re Beautiful”
24	catDISH//		Aimyon “Hadaka no Kokoro” — moving and heartrending
25	Maplesupittsu		The appeal of Spitz’s classic song “Cherry”
26	FlowerNaka Kousuke		Atsushi Nakajima’s Shiranami commercial song: the singing voice of “Shima Uta.”
27	orionYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s masterpiece “orion” resonates on a winter night.
28	HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number		A bittersweet unrequited-love birthday song, a love that cannot come true
29	White WingsSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu		Winter romance, a song with a beautiful melody
30	HOWEVERGLAY		GLAY’s first million-selling hit, winner of the Wired (Yusen) Grand Prize
31	I was only looking at you.To Be Continued		An insert song from 'If Wishes Come True,' a classic love song
32	HOMEShimizu Shota		An inspiring song that sings of Shota Shimizu’s dreams and challenges
33	far; distant; by farGReeeeN		A touching ballad about gratitude to one’s parents
34	Let’s become a familyFukuyama Masaharu		Masaharu Fukuyama’s moving ballad, a song of love and bonds
35	Unfair WorldSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu		Songs that won grand prizes as movie theme songs or commercial jingles
36	Spot the differenceSuda Masaki		A song by Masaki Suda produced by Kenshi Yonezu
37	budKobukuro		Kobukuro’s “Tsubomi” is a song of gratitude to a mother.
38	I for YouLUNA SEA		LUNA SEA's love rock ballad song
39	Sakura (2019)Moriyama Naotaro		Sakura by Naotaro Moriyama, a soothing masterpiece
40	Because I fell in loveaimyon		The romantic emotions embedded in Aimyon’s songs
41	ALONEB’z		Introduction to B’z’s hit song “ONLY YOU”
42	I can’t say it.Gō Hiromi		Hiromi Go's hit songs and drama theme songs
43	Lion HeartSMAP		A classic SMAP song, a love-singing ballad
44	HANABIMr.Children		Mr.Children's heart-touching masterpiece
45	Heroineback number		A moving masterpiece that sings of the bittersweet feelings of winter
46	Just a Kiss feat. AimyonSuda Masaki		The iconic ballad by Suda and Aimyon: the emotional distance between a man and a woman
47	I want to hug you.Mr.Children		A popular early signature song for weddings, a song about pure love
48	homeKiyama Yusaku		A moving song about love for family
49	PIECES OF A DREAMCHEMISTRY		Signature songs of CHEMISTRY; winners from an audition show
50	MetronomeYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s love ballad, feelings passing each other by
51	Lovers AgainEXILE		A wistful winter love song by EXILE, featured in a commercial
52	Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi		A youth song by Kenshi Yonezu and Masaki Suda
53	Dream FireworksNovelbright		Novelbright, portraying a heartrending love and unchanging feelings
54	I want to take only you away just like this.DEEN		DEEN's first big-hit single, a heartrending ballad.
55	Ghost of the SeaYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s masterpiece depicting the mysteries of the sea
56	OrangeSMAP		A classic SMAP song: a beautiful ballad that colors parting with gratitude.
57	tear(s)GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE		A classic ballad that sings of the bittersweet pain of heartbreak.
58	#302Hirai Ken		A classic song that sings about memories from karaoke
59	AnniversaryKinKi Kids		A popular Kinki Kids love song celebrating an anniversary
60	I want to see you.yuzu		A farewell song filled with feelings for my father
61	aloneGosuperāzu		The Gospellers’ smash hit, appearance on the Kouhaku (Red and White) Song Battle.
62	Beyond the goodbyeMatsushita Kohei		A song of courage to overcome heartbreak
63	AzaleaYonezu Kenshi		A ballad depicting lost love and hope for the life that follows
64	Broken RadioTokunaga Hideaki		Hidetaka Tokunaga’s signature song, “City Forest,” theme song
65	PerfumeEito		A TikTok hit song: memories and lingering feelings captured in a scent
66	The Final RiverCHEMISTRY		A timeless song that conveys feelings for someone special
67	heartbeatFukuyama Masaharu		A heart swayed by an unexpected love and the singing voice of Masaharu Fukuyama
68	365 daysMr.Children		Mr.Children's heart-touching love masterpiece
69	meteorKobukuro		Kobukuro’s moving classic “Nagareboshi” (“Shooting Star”)
70	Love Story Comes SuddenlyOda Kazumasa		The classic theme song of Tokyo Love Story
71	I don’t want to let go.T-BOLAN		Hit songs and breakthrough songs by T-BOLAN
72	Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro		Motohiro Hata’s “To the Future” is the theme song of Doraemon.
73	YC&K		A heartrending love song, C&K's 'Y' resonates with the heart.
74	I’ll be by your side.Maeda Nobuteru		Wataru Maeda's straight-shooting love ballad
75	Blue amberback number		back number is known for their emotional vocals.
76	TRUE LOVEFujii Fumiya		Fumiya Fujii’s solo debut single is a big hit.
77	I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki		A classic ballad that portrays the pain and heartache of a broken romance
78	trace (of someone/something), semblance, vestige; a lingering image or memory of how someone/something used to beNovelbright		Novelbright’s heartbreak ballad song
79	Voice of the Seaurashima tarou		Otohime Love Song from the Santarō series
80	globeYonezu Kenshi		The hopeful theme song of “How Do You Live?”
81	SharonOfisharu Higedan Dism		A moving song that captures feelings for someone special
82	NonfictionHirai Ken		Ken Hirai’s moving songs reflect life
83	Unrequited loveSUPER BEAVER		A bittersweet love ballad by SUPER BEAVER
84	CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi		A famous song by Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi that celebrates the start of a new chapter in life
85	FlowerORANGE RANGE		A poignant ballad as a movie theme song
86	DestinyAee! group		Aぇ! group’s bittersweet love song
87	Heart Rainindigo la End		A ballad that quietly sings about a romantic breakup
88	Rainy Amusement ParkSasuke		A ballad depicting memories of an amusement park date and a breakup
89	180°yamazaru		A love ballad of a mountain monkey. Depicting the struggles of romance.
90	First loveHata Motohiro		A ballad by Motohiro Hata. It sings of bittersweet memories of love.
91	spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota		A moving song that gently accompanies the heart, depicting loss and hope
92	Love songSambomasutā		A moving masterpiece that sings of the pain of heartbreak
93	Bridge of Gloryyuzu		An anthem that cheers you on to overcome hardships and seize hope
94	It always begins with rain.ASKA		ASKA's popular singles, million-hit songs
95	single bedSha ran Q		Sharam Q’s signature song, their first million-selling hit
96	Bedroom TalkOfisharu Higedan Dism		A gentle night, music that heals the heart
97	If only I could remain at zeroOfisharu Higedan Dism		A classic song that sings of the heartache of a long-distance romance.
98	Endless JourneyMr.Children		A signature work by Mr.Children. It depicts the courage to keep moving forward.
99	Midnight ExpresswayFurawā Kanpanī		Flower Companies' youth rock fight song
100	Goodbye to sorrowanzenchitai		A love ballad by Anzen Chitai. The themes are parting and rebirth.
101	Ikuriipuhaipe		A ballad collaborated with Sorane, highly relatable
102	KaraBank Band		Socially-contributive musical works by Bank Band
103	more than anyoneBE:FIRST		A ballad depicting the struggles of a man tormented at heart by BE:FIRST
104	Precious LoveEXILE ATSUSHI		A wedding song by EXILE ATSUSHI themed around love
105	You’re no longer here.FUNKY MONKEY BABYS		A ballad about the pain of heartbreak
106	somedaySaucy Dog		A love song that portrays heartbreak and memories
107	Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo		A socially conscious masterpiece that depicts the feelings of men and women
108	An unfinished love song I’ve been working on foreverHata Motohiro		Hata Motohiro’s new song that gently expresses the love between a married couple
109	When I was your manBruno Mars		Bruno Mars’s bittersweet heartbreak song
110	Your favorite songUVERworld		I relate to the bittersweet lyrics about a man with unrequited love.
111	indigoSukima Suichi		Sukima Switch’s ballads resonate with the heart.
112	Life is BeautifulHirai Dai		Conveying the beauty of life through a pleasant tone
113	Happy Endingback number		A bittersweet breakup song by back number
114	Breath of DawnChekkāzu		Fumiya Fujii’s movie tie-in love song
115	SBYSnow Man		Snow Man's moving ballad
116	Instead of goodbyeTUBE × GACKT		A moving collaborative ballad by TUBE and GACKT
117	The thing I wanted mostJAY’ED		JAY’ED’s translucent, captivating vocals are charming.
118	chameleonKing Gnu		King Gnu’s stirring theme song
119	Winter and Springback number		Depicting a woman's growth as she rises from heartbreak
120	Be happy, okay?matsumura kanau		A heartfelt song that sings of the pain of heartbreak
121	LetterSHE’S		SHE’S’s “Letter” is a moving masterpiece.
122	Earned ItThe Weeknd		Award-winning weekend R&B love song
123	Goodbyeofukōsu		Off Course’s pure love ballad, poignantly expressing the end of a romance
124	Hide-and-seekYuuri		A ballad that likens a breakup with a live-in partner to a game of hide-and-seek
125	Heartbreaker (I fell in love with a cowgirl)Hirai Dai		Hirai Dai's country love song
126	A Naked Heartaimyon		Aimyong's love songs are moving.
127	My WayDef Tech		A song that sings about the importance of moving forward as yourself
128	forever; for good; indefinitelyGReeeeN		A ballad depicting memories and love with a lover
129	strawberryBUMP OF CHICKEN		A gentle ballad song by BUMP OF CHICKEN
130	I got a boyfriend/girlfriend.My Hair is Bad		A heartfelt song that sings of the pain of heartbreak and lingering attachment
131	Christmas songback number		A wistful winter love song, “Christmas Song”
132	snow moonYamada Ryosuke		A bittersweet love story on a winter night
133	Close your eyesHirai Ken		Ken Hirai's moving heartbreak ballad
134	A late breakfast on a gentle afternoonHata Motohiro		A Heart Song of Small Happiness and Self-Renewal
135	Prayer FlowerHirai Dai		Expressing gratitude and prayers through Dai Hirai’s soothing songs
136	SymphonyHirai Dai		Dai Hirai’s movie theme song love ballad
137	Tears are about to fall.[Alexandros]		An inspiring song by the band [Alexandros] that makes you feel the blue sky
138	Eternal, unchanging loveOda Tetsurō		Tetsuro Oda’s refreshing masterpiece resonates with the heart.
139	The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi		A heartbreak ballad depicting a farewell in the rain
140	SakuraŌhashi Torio		A heartbreak song themed around farewell and a new departure
141	LIFE is…Hirai Ken		A ballad song that sings of Ken Hirai’s heartrending love
142	monologueHata Motohiro × Matayoshi Naoki		A collaborative song by Naoki Matayoshi and Motohiro Hata. A profound worldview.
143	PearlGosuperāzu		Gospellers’ 30th Anniversary: Song of the Pearl of Bonds
144	Before our feelings overlapHirai Ken		Ken Hirai’s hit song reached No. 1 as a commercial (CM) song.
145	sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI		A moving, heart-touching song by SEKAI NO OWARI
146	1.15 Million Kilometers of FilmOfisharu Higedan Dism		“Film” is a song that compares life to a movie.