[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 fragile, beautiful masterpieces perfect for summer listening! (41–50)
Tears of Tropical FishFlower
Tropical Fish’s Tears, sung by the female dance and vocal group Flower, is their seventh single, released in 2014.
It was chosen as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s information program Sukkiri!! for May 2014.
The lyrics, which reminisce about a past lover that comes to mind in the summer, are quite heartrending.
The somewhat exotic sound is also memorable.
The summer night sea carries a certain loneliness.
If you head to the beach at night during camping or a trip, be sure to give it a listen!
Sea of DreamsMISIA
Sea of Dreams was written as the theme song for the commemorative event “Tokyo DisneySea 5th Anniversary,” celebrating the park’s 5th anniversary in 2006.
The vocals are performed by MISIA, one of Japan’s premier divas, and the song is included on the compilation album “Disneymania presents POP PARADE JAPAN.” It’s said that Tokyo Disney Resort approached MISIA, who is a big fan of the resort.
The result is a grand, ocean-evoking ballad.
seaSazan Ōrusutāzu
“Umi” is a song included on Southern All Stars’ 1984 album “Ninkimono de Ikō,” which reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
It’s a distinctive number featuring lyrics from a female perspective—unusual for a track sung by Keisuke Kuwata.
The song was originally written for Juicy Fruits, a rock band that originated as the backing band for Haruo Chikada, and it was arranged into a refreshing ballad that evokes the summer sea.
Blue BenchSasuke
It’s a song I’d like to listen to on a bench by the sea.
It’s about heartbreak, but it has a really refreshing feel to it, and if you listen closely, it can leave you feeling very clear and uplifted.
I recommend it for anyone who’s just gone through a breakup and wants to head to the ocean.
Golden MoonSuga Shikao
A song that seeps into the heart with the sound of waves at a seaside sunset.
Shikao Suga’s distinctive husky voice delicately sings of both despair and hope in life.
Released in May 1997, it was also used as an insert song in the anime Honey and Clover.
The image of “me,” living in a tainted world and trying to find the beauty of living, is striking.
Listen to it while gazing at the quiet sea, and it will resonate deeply within you.
When facing heartbreak or a crossroads in life, this song will gently embrace you.
BoyhoodInoue Yosui
Inoue Yosui’s signature song and biggest hit, “Shonen Jidai” (Boyhood), is a refreshing ballad that evokes summer.
Released as a single in 1990, it reached No.
4 on the Oricon Singles Chart and became a million-seller.
It’s a classic that has appeared in music textbooks many times.
The song is also famous for using many coined words created by Inoue himself, conjuring up various summer scenes.
It’s the perfect track to listen to while setting off fireworks by the summer sea.
Even if (it) turns into bubblesYuga
It’s one of those bittersweet love songs you want to listen to by the seaside.
Set to a gentle melody, it delicately conveys both the fear of losing someone precious and the desire to support them.
Yugao’s clear, translucent voice evokes the fleeting nature of sea foam.
Released in August 2024, the track is also included on the album “Love Deluxe,” out in September.
With a voice and melodies that seep into the heart—hallmarks of the artist who also performed the theme song for the film “A Long Goodbye”—its appeal is undeniable.
Listening while gazing at the ocean at dusk, you might feel the many emotions stirring in your chest gradually being washed clean.