A soothing, mellow song that heals the heart

The light is far away.sukaato

Skirt – The Lights Are Far Away [Official Audio]

Skirt is the solo project of Wataru Sawabe, known for delicate melodies and literary lyrics.

Centered on pop and city pop, its genre-fluid sound captivates many fans.

Released in July 2025, this track was written as the opening theme for the TV anime “Futari Solo Camp.” Sawabe’s own camping experiences served as the creative spring, with memories of the night’s quiet and distant lights melting seamlessly into the mellow, comforting sound.

The lyrics’ poetic worldview—searching through loneliness for a faint glimmer of hope—further deepens the track’s chill atmosphere.

It’s truly a perfect piece for relaxing in nature.

Hallelujahharuka nakamura

[MV] Hallelujah / haruka nakamura (vocals: maika)

It’s as if the piano’s tones gently seep into the depths of the heart.

Composed by haruka nakamura and released in June 2025, this piece feels like a contemporary hymn.

It serves as the theme song for a documentary set in an elementary school in Shizuoka Prefecture, imbued with a warm prayer to carry a story of hope into the future.

And maika’s clear, translucent vocals are truly cleansing for the soul.

When the busyness of daily life makes you feel like you’re losing yourself, these sounds will be there to gently stay by your side.

Chronostasiskinoko teikoku

Kinoko Teikoku – Chronostasis (MV)

This is a song that wraps you in a calm, cozy feeling—like taking an evening stroll with your lover.

Its exquisitely measured tempo of BPM 83 soothes the heart, unhurried, like the rhythm of two people walking side by side.

It’s a story-like track that gently portrays a love in which everyday, modest moments feel eternal.

Included on Kinoko Teikoku’s October 2014 album “Fake World Wonderland,” the song was also featured in the film “We Made a Beautiful Bouquet,” warming the hearts of many.

It’s the perfect track for relaxing in a café, unwinding at home, or sharing special moments with someone you love.

milk teaShimizu Shota

milk tea

When you think of ballads you want to listen to as autumn deepens, many of you might picture songs with warm melodies that really touch the heart.

That’s why I recommend this one by Shota Shimizu! With its memorable electric piano intro, the song is a love ballad that portrays a calm moment where two hearts melt together, like milk slowly blending into tea.

You can really feel his talent for weaving irreplaceable affection out of everyday scenes.

The track was included on the single “My Boo,” released in October 2016, and later featured on the 2017 album “FLY.” If you listen to it on a chilly night with a warm drink in hand, thinking of someone special, you’ll likely find yourself wrapped up in its sweet, gentle world.

Dear dropsTani Yuuki

Dear drops

A tender, soaring vocal that sinks into your heart—this is an emotionally rich ballad by Tani Yuuki.

Based on the first song he wrote in high school, it represents the very origin of his journey as a singer-songwriter.

The lyrics, which layer subtle emotional nuances onto the motif of “tears,” gently touch the listener’s heartstrings and awaken a poignant ache.

Released as a digital single in June 2025, it also serves as an advance track from the album Navigator, released the same month.

Give it a listen when you want to quietly immerse yourself in music or spend a night reflecting deeply on your own feelings.

Bridge Over Troubled WaterŌhashi Torio

Bridge Over Troubled Water

This is a cover of an immortal ballad beloved around the world, rendered with a gentle sensibility by Ohashi Trio and THE CHARM PARK.

Woven through their tender harmonies is a devoted message: standing quietly beside those wearied by life’s rough seas and lonely nights, becoming a bridge to support them.

The original’s gospel-like solemnity is suffused with the warm tones of acoustic guitar and piano, soothing the listener’s heart.

You can hear it on their collaborative album “Trio & Charm,” released in February 2024.

On nights when your spirit feels worn out, listening to its calm resonance will surely give you a gentle push forward.

Rainbow and KiteŌhashi Torio

Rainbow and Kite

Many of you may remember it with a sense of deep emotion as the theme song for the feature-length anime Fruits Basket -prelude-.

This gentle song portrays a earnest wish to transform the weakness hidden in one’s heart into the strength to protect someone precious.

The sound woven by ohashiTrio’s delicate piano and sweeping strings lights a spark of hope in the listener’s heart, like a rainbow spanning the sky after the rain.

The track was included on the album ohashiTrio best Too, released in February 2022 to commemorate the 15th anniversary of his debut.

Offering quiet comfort to anxious feelings, this piece is perfect for moments when you’re thinking of someone dear or when you want to calm your heart.