[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)
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.
An Afternoon Spent Watching the SeaMatsutōya Yumi
This song exquisitely fuses a piano melody reminiscent of ocean waves with a crystal-clear vocal.
The lyrics, which recount a lost love and memories of the past, evoke a longing for happier times through the view of the sea from a quiet restaurant.
Included on the album “MISSLIM,” released in October 1974, it’s also known for featuring Tatsuro Yamashita’s chorus arrangement.
The gently flowing melody is perfect for listening at dusk or by the quiet seaside at night.
Give it a listen when you want to gaze at the ocean and softly immerse yourself in memories.
Let me hear the poetry of the wind.Kuwata Keisuke
Keisuke Kuwata is a singer-songwriter also known as the bandmaster of Southern All Stars, whose voice—perfect for the summer seaside—has won immense support.
His 10th single, ‘Kaze no Uta o Kikasete’ (‘Let Me Hear the Song of the Wind’), used as the theme song for the film ‘Life: Tengoku de Kimi ni Aetara’ (‘Life: If I Could Meet You in Heaven’), features lyrics that sing of deep love for a cherished person and truly move the heart.
The organic sound, led by acoustic guitar, draws you into the world of the song just by listening.
It’s a delicate ballad you’ll want to hear while gazing at the ocean.
KizunaORANGE RANGE
This is a summer ballad by ORANGE RANGE, a popular five-member rock band based in Okinawa with accolades such as the MTV Video Music Awards Japan and the Japan Gold Disc Award’s Artist of the Year.
Although they’re best known for their high-energy tracks, this song is also a fan favorite.
With its relaxed rhythm and the inclusion of the shamisen, it truly evokes the feeling of Okinawa’s ocean.
spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota
Singer-songwriter Tota.
The song that catapulted her name into the spotlight was “Tsumugu.” It also drew attention for being performed on THE FIRST TAKE.
The track portrays the bond between those who have passed away and those who remain, with lyrics that liken their feelings to the wind, sky, and stars—one of its key charms.
If you listen to it by the sea, feeling the breeze and looking up at the sky, it will move you even more.
Its refreshing melody also makes it perfect for moments when you want to feel a sense of openness.
Be happy, okay?matsumura kanau
Reflecting on memories while gazing at the sea alone—“Be Happy, Okay” is the perfect song for that kind of scene.
It’s a work released by the new-generation artist Kanau Matsumura.
This heart-wrenching breakup song portrays, from a male perspective, the moment he initiates the split for the other person’s sake, and how he later looks back on their memories.
While the word “sea” doesn’t appear directly, there are descriptions that evoke it.
Listen closely and see for yourself.
Island SongZa Buumu
THE BOOM is a four-piece rock band whose name carries a paradoxical meaning: a desire to always remain true to their own music, unshaken by trends.
Did you know that their single “Shima Uta,” now synonymous with the band, is actually a song that recounts the tragedy of war and expresses a wish for peace? Its message—that prayers should cross the sea and be heard—feels indispensable even today, in a world where conflict never ceases.
With melodies and sounds that evoke Ryukyuan scales and Okinawan music, this million-selling hit—known by everyone—moves the heart.