[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)
I went to the sea.Saitō Kazuyoshi
Kazuyoshi Saito shot to prominence when his 2011 release “Yasashiku Naritai” became a massive hit.
“Umi ni Dekaketa” (“Went Out to the Sea”), included on his seventh album “COLD TUBE” released in 2000, is an acoustic tune featuring lyrics that beautifully portray the sea.
His emotional vocals pair exquisitely with the clear sound of the acoustic guitar, creating a strange sensation that makes you feel as if you’re standing right on the shoreline just by listening.
[Ballads That Suit the Sea] Carefully selected ephemeral, beautiful masterpieces perfect for summer listening! (51–60)
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.
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.
A seagull is a seagull.Tokunaga Hideaki
This is a song originally covered by Naoko Ken, a cover of a Miyuki Nakajima track that expresses the aching feelings of an adult woman, and then covered again by ballad icon Hideaki Tokunaga.
It has a different vibe, and it’s a track I’d love for you to listen to by the sea.
How about it for a night when you feel like crying by the ocean?
seaGorin Mayumi
Mayumi Itsuwa is a singer-songwriter known for signature songs like “Koibito yo,” and as a pioneer who commercially succeeded with overseas recordings, influencing many musicians.
Her 11th single, “Umi” (“The Sea”), is striking for its piercingly powerful vocals.
The lyrics evoke scenes of departure and farewell, and the wistful ensemble seems to pair perfectly with seascapes.
It’s a bittersweet yet soulful number that conjures a sentimental storyline.
