[Ballads That Suit the Sea] A handpicked selection of fleetingly beautiful masterpieces perfect for summer listening!
When thinking of songs to listen to at the beach, many people probably imagine lively, upbeat tracks.
But the ocean suits not only sparkly, high-energy tunes—it also pairs beautifully with tender ballads.
In this article, we introduce Japanese ballad songs that go well with the sea.
From tracks that match the romantic ocean scenery at sunset or under the starry night sky, to gentle songs that let you reflect as you gaze at the waves, we’ve picked a wide range.
Enjoy the vast seascape together with your favorite ballad songs!
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[Ballads That Suit the Sea] A handpicked selection of fleetingly beautiful masterpieces perfect for summer listening! (21–30)
guidelinesUru
Uru, whose crystal-clear voice captivates many, wrote Kokoroe specifically for the drama Kazama Kojin: Kyōjō 0.
Inspired by the original novel, the song likens the protagonist—who mentors juniors sometimes gently and sometimes strictly—to the vast ocean and the sunlight.
With vocals that convey grandeur and an uplifting message, it seems perfect for creating a relaxed vibe when listened to by the sea.
It also stands out as a support song for people striving toward their dreams.
Listening to it might fill you with motivation.
nape (of the neck)aiko
It’s a ballad that makes you want to listen while gazing at the sea, singing of a bittersweet love.
It portrays the regret that follows a breakup and the feelings that remain unchanged.
The lyric “If I find you five years from now” also conveys a sense of hope for the future.
Released in November 2003 as Aiko’s 14th single, it even appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The lyrics, which express youthful innocence and the inability to be straightforward, have resonated with many people.
It’s a song that sinks even deeper into your heart when you listen to it while watching the sunset by the seaside.
Recommended for those who’ve experienced heartbreak or find it hard to express their feelings.
[Ballads That Suit the Sea] A handpicked selection of fleetingly beautiful masterpieces perfect for summer listening! (31–40)
marine snowSukima Suichi
Marine Snow is the title of a song by Sukima Switch, named after the so-called “snow” said to fall in the ocean.
The term refers to particulate matter such as microorganisms that sinks toward the deep sea.
Released as a single in 2007, Marine Snow reached No.
3 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
The lyrics, portraying someone unable to recover from heartbreak and sinking as if into the deep sea, convey a sense of loss and helplessness.
If you’ve suffered a painful breakup, listening to Marine Snow and letting yourself sink into those feelings might be just what you need.
sandy beachAnri
On a seaside at dusk where the sound of waves murmurs, a heartrending melody fills the air.
Anri’s song is a moving ballad that stays close to the hearts of those carrying lost love and regret.
Released in May 1982, this piece, with Anri’s rich expressiveness and delicate vocals, stirs the listener’s soul.
You can almost see the protagonist walking along the sandy shore, looking back on the past—enough to bring tears to your eyes.
It’s a song you’ll want to hear when you need to soothe the pain of heartbreak or bask in memories of someone special.
Recommended for those who want to gaze at the sea and quietly face themselves.
Nagisasupittsu
When the summer heat subsides and a hint of autumn rides on the breeze, it makes you feel a bit sentimental, doesn’t it? Gentle and resonant against that late-summer melancholy is a number by Spitz.
Contrary to its sparkling, refreshing sound, it depicts a profoundly layered world where reality and fantasy intertwine.
The ache of clutching warped memories and yearning for someone you can only meet in a mirage overlaps with the loneliness of the passing season, sinking deep into your heart.
Released in September 1996, this song is also included on the album “Indigo Chiheisen.” It became well-loved as the CM song for Ezaki Glico’s “Pocky Love Story.” It’s a track you’ll want to savor alone, lost in your summer memories.
Harmony at Summer’s EndATSUSHI
It’s a cover of the song that also became a hot topic as a duet by Yosui Inoue and Koji Tamaki, sung by EXILE ATSUSHI.
His beautiful vocals suit it perfectly, and it conjures up a different kind of summer scenery.
When you want to savor the end of summer, be sure to listen to it by the sea.
Ghost of the SeaYonezu Kenshi
Kenshi Yonezu’s “Spirits of the Sea” was written as the theme song for the animated film Children of the Sea, released in 2019.
It came about after Yonezu, who had a deep attachment to the comic that the film is based on, made the offer himself.
The song reached No.
1 on both the Oricon and Billboard singles charts, and by 2021, its music video on YouTube had surpassed 100 million views.
Effects are applied to the vocals in the chorus to evoke an underwater feel, creating a fantastical atmosphere.