A poignant ballad song. A tear-jerking masterpiece of Japanese pop music.
Let me introduce some heartrending ballads that tighten your chest the moment you listen.
When you part ways with someone important, when a romance fails and leaves you down, or when a sudden memory takes you back to a past you can’t return to…
In the course of life, there are moments when a quiet, melancholy mood washes over you.
In this article, I’ve gathered recommended ballad songs for those very times.
From beloved classics to recent hits, I’ve selected tracks so you can find a song that resonates with your feelings and helps you detox your heart.
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A poignant ballad song. Tear-jerking masterpieces of Japanese music (81–90)
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.
the depths of the heartrokudenashi
A bittersweet love ballad by Rokudenashi that resonates deeply.
It weaves delicate words about the loneliness that comes at dusk and the urgent feelings hidden behind a smile.
While yearning to be loved, the wavering heart that hesitates to face its true feelings seeps in along with gentle piano melodies.
Released in February 2025 as the lead track from the album “Sigh,” this song reaches out to those who, even while carrying wounded, unsettled hearts, try to look ahead with cherished memories held close.
dragonflyNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi has an image of being masculine, with a passionate fanbase to match.
If there’s such a genre as songs for hot-blooded men, his track “Tonbo” would surely be a representative number.
Released in 1988 as Nagabuchi’s 20th single, it served as the theme song for the drama of the same name, starring Nagabuchi himself.
It became a huge hit, one of his signature songs, and a million-seller.
It’s a track that deeply resonates with anyone worn out by city life and human relationships.
ENDLESS RAINX JAPAN
In contrast to their intense metal sound, X JAPAN’s grand ballads are a huge part of their appeal.
This song, which begins with YOSHIKI’s classically influenced, beautiful piano melody, is one that truly symbolizes the band.
Like unending rain falling on the heart, it seems to portray the feelings of carrying never-ending sorrow and unhealed wounds while still searching for the light.
HIDE’s wistful guitar solo further accentuates the poignancy.
Released as a single from the classic album BLUE BLOOD in December 1989, it also served as the theme song for the film Zipang.
The sight of fans breaking into a massive singalong at live shows is moving, and this is a ballad that keeps you company on nights when you want to quietly sink into your thoughts alone.
AitaiKato Miria
It’s a heartrending love song about longing for someone who’s looking at somebody else.
Included on the acclaimed 2009 album “Ring,” this fan favorite became a hit with over 700,000 downloads despite not being released as a single.
It also adds deep resonance to the film “Villain” as an in-film track.
Even if I’m not your number one, even if I know I’ll get hurt, it has to be you… That desperate cry from the heart tightens the listener’s chest.
When you fall for someone, reason can’t do a thing about it.
If you’re suffering from an unrequited love, this is a song that will surely stay close to your heart.
Last LoveKato Miria
The work she created is a breakup song that perfectly fits the phrase “a heartbreakingly sad love ballad.” Through lyrics she wrote herself, it portrays with striking realism the aimless sense of loss and the lingering attachment that won’t fade after losing the one you love.
The grand, beautiful strings only seem to accentuate the loneliness at heart, and the clear, translucent vocals resonate as if asking a question—so achingly bittersweet.
Released in June 2010 as her 18th single, the track was later included on her acclaimed album HEAVEN, which became her first to top the charts.
When you’re carrying the pain of an unforgettable love, this song gently stays by your side in your helplessness.
A poignant ballad song. Timeless Japanese tearjerker classics (91–100)
Can’t Say Anything… SummerTHE JAYWALK
Speaking of J-Walk’s signature song, it has to be “Nanimoiienakute…
Natsu” (“I Can’t Say Anything…
Summer”).
It portrays a mature romance remarkably well.
Even now, once summer arrives, you can hear it everywhere as a classic summer anthem.
It’s also a hugely popular karaoke choice that people still feel like singing when summer comes.