![[Ballads That Suit the Sea] A handpicked selection of fleetingly beautiful masterpieces perfect for summer listening!](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/diWmmAA10Eg/maxresdefault.webp)
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] Carefully Selected Ephemeral and Beautiful Masterpieces to Hear in Summer (1–10)
The summer you gave meieiri reo
The song that captures bittersweet summer memories is Leo Ieiri’s “Kimi ga Kureta Natsu” (“The Summer You Gave Me”).
Released as a single in 2015, it was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Koinaka,” and it reached No.
6 on the Oricon singles chart.
It also won the Best Drama Song at the 86th The Television Drama Academy Awards.
As of 2022, the music video on YouTube has surpassed 20 million views.
The lyrics, which echo the drama’s poignant storyline, perfectly suit an evening beach at sunset—be sure to give it a listen!
Life is BeautifulHirai Dai
A heartwarming song that’s perfect for peaceful moments by the sea.
Dai Hirai’s gentle voice, paired with soothing sounds of ukulele and acoustic guitar, quietly reminds us just how precious the small joys of everyday life are.
The message embedded in this piece—“Life is beautiful”—guides the heart toward those sparkling moments we tend to overlook in our busy days.
Released in June 2016 as the title track of the acclaimed album “Life is Beautiful,” it also became well-loved as the theme for House Foods’ “Java Curry” commercial.
Whether you’re lost in thought on a beach at sunset or standing at a turning point in life, this song is sure to resonate deeply with the listener.
Starry NightYuka
A heart-stirring ballad whose delicate, starry-sky-inspired lyrics paint a deep devotion to a loved one.
Its many words that evoke warmth even on a cold night are sure to soothe countless listeners.
Released digitally in February 2023, it drew attention as the theme song for the drama “A Night When the Stars Fall,” which began airing in January of the same year.
It is also included on Yuka’s first album, “brighter.” When you want to think of someone special, this is a song that will resonate in your heart.
OCEANB’z
B’z’s “OCEAN” was written as the theme song for the drama “Umizaru -UMIZARU EVOLUTION-,” which focuses on Japan Coast Guard divers.
It reached No.
1 on the Oricon singles chart, and the music video—shot aboard an actual Japan Coast Guard patrol vessel—became a hot topic.
It’s a powerful ballad whose fiery sound and lyrics resonate deeply, linking with the story that portrays the friendship of the divers who work at sea and the various challenges they face.
deep seaAwesome City Club
A gem of a ballad themed around parting, this track beautifully blends atagi’s powerful vocals with PORIN’s delicate melodic lines.
With sound production by KOHD, it achieves a calm, deep-sea-like sonic landscape, resulting in a piece that conveys hope even amid sorrow.
Released as a single in May 2025, it was created as the second installment in Awesome City Club’s 10-consecutive-release project celebrating the 10th anniversary of their debut.
Be sure to listen to this song, which evokes the depths of the ocean.
A Phantom on the Shoreindigo la End
This is a jewel-like ballad by indigo la End that evokes a fleeting feeling, as if watching phantoms of days gone by at the water’s edge.
Delicate guitar arpeggios and Enon Kawatani’s wistful vocals seep into the listener’s heart, rekindling memories of a faint seaside romance and a bittersweet yearning for time that will never return.
The song is included on their EP “Nagisa nite,” which condenses their early musical sensibilities, and gained wider recognition in September 2012 as Space Shower TV’s POWER PUSH.
It’s a song that will stay close to your heart when you want to quietly immerse yourself in memories while gazing at the sea at dusk.
Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu
Since their debut in 1974, Southern All Stars have been a leading top band in the Japanese music scene.
This song is one of the most popular in their catalog.
The CD sold 850,000 copies and won the Rock Gold Disc Award, Best Rock Vocal Award, and Composition Award at the 32nd Japan Record Awards.
It captures the bittersweetness of summer romance with an acoustic sound.
It’s also highly recommended for listening on the way home after hanging out with friends or a significant other!
