[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.
Your heart is marine blue.Sugiyama Kiyotaka & Omega Tribe
A nostalgic Omega Tribe ballad that was essential in the summer.
Since their previous songs were mostly upbeat numbers, the ballad revealed a new kind of appeal and became popular.
It’s definitely one of those tracks you want to listen to by the sea, so why not give it a spin again after a long time?
[Ballads That Suit the Sea] A handpicked selection of fleetingly beautiful masterpieces perfect for summer listening! (31–40)
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.
SparkleRADWIMPS
It’s an emotional and captivating ballad, known as a memorable insert song from the film “Your Name.” and released in November 2016.
Created by RADWIMPS, it weaves in grand themes like fate and the future while expressing the sparkle of love and fateful encounters.
It’s a song that resonates when listened to by a quiet seaside, with the piano’s clear, transparent melody evoking light reflecting off the ocean’s surface.
If you listen while walking along the beach at dusk, or as if meditating under a starry sky, it will conjure up even more vivid scenes.
It’s a piece that makes any view feel more romantic and enriches the heart.
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.
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.