[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)
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?
[Ballads That Suit the Sea] Carefully selected ephemeral, beautiful masterpieces perfect for summer listening! (51–60)
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.
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.
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.