A classic medium-tempo ballad

Song of LoveKōda Kumi

Kumi Koda / “Ai no Uta” (from the new album “WINTER of LOVE”)

Koda Kumi is a female musician who sometimes sings with a hard edge and other times with a gentle touch.

That multifaceted nature is the secret to her popularity.

“Ai no Uta” showcases the gentler side of Koda, and it’s a superb medium-tempo ballad.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Stand by Me Doraemon theme song: “Himawari no Yakusoku” (Promise of a Sunflower)

Motohiro Hata, whose gentle singing voice is captivating, is also a well-known singer-songwriter recognized as a performer of medium-tempo ballads.

His song “Himawari no Yakusoku” was used as the theme song for the Doraemon film Stand by Me.

fragileEvery Little Thing

Every Little Thing / fragile

“fragile” is Every Little Thing’s 17th single, released in 2001.

ELT originally had three members, but Igarashi—who had been the main songwriter—left the group.

Under immense pressure, “fragile” became the first song that Mochida and Ito recorded as a duo.

Let’s count your kissesKoyanagi Yuki

Let's count your kisses {Furū} | Monique Dehany

“Anata no Kiss wo Kazoemashou ~You were mine~” is Yuki Koyanagi’s debut single, released in 1999.

Her overwhelming vocal ability, soulful voice, and somewhat non-Japanese looks left a strong impression.

Moon DropsRUI

Tsukino Shizuku

Speaking of RUI, it’s the stage name actress Kou Shibasaki uses for her music activities.

The song she sings, “Tsuki no Shizuku” (Moon’s Droplet), is a beautiful medium-tempo ballad.

Her sweet, wistful vocals are striking.

It also gained popularity as the theme song for the film “Yomigaeri” (Resurrection).

36.5kobore

"36.5" (kobore x Film "Koko de no Hanashi" Short Lyrics Video)

A guitar rock band from Fuchu, Tokyo, kobore has written a brand-new medium-tempo ballad as the theme song for the film “Koko de no Hanashi.” The song gently expresses each person’s own warmth without trying to be something it’s not, filled with kindness that supports those doing their best in the rush of everyday life.

It was released digitally on November 8, 2024, and is included on their 5th album, “FLARE,” released on November 27 of the same year.

This is kobore’s first song written specifically for a film.

Vocalist and guitarist Takeru Sato reportedly worked closely with the director throughout the production.

It’s a recommended track for when you’re worn out by daily life or want to be reminded of the importance of living true to yourself.

Little by littleSARD UNDERGROUND

SARD UNDERGROUND “Little by little, little by little” MV YouTube Size

This medium-tempo ballad by SARD UNDERGROUND breathes new life into previously unreleased words left by Izumi Sakai of ZARD.

The song carefully portrays the delicate process of how our relationships with loved ones—and our own hearts—slowly change.

Many listeners will likely see themselves in the earnest protagonist, who refuses to rush yet steadily strives to move forward.

Vocalist Yua Jinno’s clear, pure voice gently wraps around that single-minded sincerity.

Released in February 2020, the track served as an ending theme for the anime Detective Conan and has been cherished by many fans.

On nights when your heart feels unsteady, listening to it may leave you with a warm feeling, as if someone is softly giving you a push from behind.