A classic medium-tempo ballad
A medium ballad featuring lyrics that offer support for love and life—words that sit close to the listener’s heart—yet with a slightly more up-tempo, brighter feel than a typical ballad.
Isn’t it the perfect choice for when you want to listen to ballads but are in the mood for something a bit more light and lively?
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of recommended medium ballads!
There are so many medium ballads that really hit you in the heart, so be sure to listen carefully.
It’s also great to listen while reading the lyrics!
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Masterpieces of medium ballads (41–50)
Hide-and-seekYuuri
Yuri’s debut work, which likens a heartrending unrequited love to a game of hide-and-seek, is a soul-stirring ballad that delicately portrays loneliness and the pain of parting.
In a room left behind after his live-in girlfriend has gone, the man’s feelings—surrounded by objects that still evoke her presence—are woven together by a gentle, translucent voice.
Released in December 2019, the piece is a labor of love born from street performances following the breakup of the rock band THE BUGZY.
The warm timbre of the acoustic guitar closely follows the man’s earnest emotions.
It’s a song recommended for those who wish to soothe the pain of heartbreak—perfect for a nighttime drive or for quietly sipping a drink alone at home.
MetronomeYonezu Kenshi
A gemlike ballad that gently captures the subtleties of meetings and partings.
It likens the relationship of two lovers to a metronome, meticulously portraying how hearts that once beat in unison gradually fall out of sync.
Kenshi Yonezu’s delicate vocals and memorable melodic lines convey the ache of love with nothing left unsaid.
Included on the album Bremen, released in October 2015, the song also garnered attention for its distinctive music video composed of hand-drawn illustrations.
It is a track that will surely resonate deeply with anyone suffering the pain of heartbreak or struggling with growing distance from someone dear.
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko
A masterpiece that portrays the delicate feelings of a woman in love.
Released in November 1999 as aiko’s fourth single, this work has become one of her signature songs.
The lyrics, which express shifting emotions through the changing seasons, are striking.
The beautiful melody line captivates listeners and doesn’t let go.
aiko’s clear, transparent vocals blend perfectly with the emotionally rich lyrics.
It’s a recommended track for times when you want to empathize with the bittersweet feelings of being in love or reflect on memories with someone special.
MissingKubota Toshinobu
“Missing” is a song included on Toshinobu Kubota’s first album, “SHAKE IT PARADISE,” released in 1986.
It was surprising that it wasn’t released as a single.
Many artists still cover it today.
It has undoubtedly become one of Kubota’s signature songs.
Shadows of YouthMoriyama Naotaro
When you think of the classic song Seishun no Kage (Shadows of Youth), it’s Tulip’s signature track.
This time, I’d like to introduce a cover version by Naotaro Moriyama, who possesses outstanding vocal ability.
It’s a wonderful medium-tempo ballad that rivals the original.
pure whiteFuji Kaze
This is a heart-cleansing medium-tempo ballad filled with kindness and purity.
Released in February 2025, it was written specifically for the i·ro·ha·su commercial “Surely Tomorrow Will Feel Good.” Fujii Kaze’s gentle vocals blend seamlessly with a bossa nova–style rhythm and the sound of acoustic guitar.
The lyrics gently encourage us to keep moving forward, accepting the inevitable farewells and changes in life.
When your heart is weary or you’re about to take a new step, why not immerse yourself in this song?
Why did I end up falling in love with you?Tōhōshinki
A gem of a ballad that captures the aching heartbreak and pure love for another, pressing on the listener’s heart.
It delicately portrays the feelings of a protagonist watching a bride and groom at their wedding, touching on the subtle emotions woven from a wish for a loved one’s happiness and lingering regret.
Released by Tohoshinki in July 2008, the song’s elegant piano-and-strings arrangement blends beautifully with the five-member harmony, earning it the No.
1 spot on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It also won an Excellent Work Award at the 50th Japan Record Awards, paving the way for the group’s first appearance on the Kohaku Uta Gassen.
A track that seeps into your heart on night drives, rainy days, or when love is weighing on your mind.