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. Masterpieces of tear-jerking Japanese music (1–10)
Dried flowersYuuri
Yuri, a singer-songwriter who went viral on TikTok and became a hot topic—especially among younger generations—for being “heart-wrenching,” released Kakurenbo, a breakup song from a man’s perspective.
Dry Flower is a follow-up told from the perspective of the ex-girlfriend.
If you listen to Dry Flower after Kakurenbo, it’s even more likely to move you to tears, making you feel as if you’ve been watching the two of them all along.
Most people have experienced heartbreak, and this song resonates deeply because it so vividly captures that painful feeling.
Moon DropsRUI
“Tsuki no Shizuku” is the song performed by the singer RUI, played by Kou Shibasaki, in the 2003 film “Yomigaeri.” It was actually released under the name RUI and reached No.
1 on the Oricon singles chart.
The mystical lyrics, which feature many archaic expressions, complement the song’s dreamy atmosphere.
The character name RUI is said to derive from “tears,” which pairs perfectly with the song title “Drops of the Moon.” I highly recommend watching the movie, too!
Close your eyesHirai Ken
Ken Hirai’s “Hitomi wo Tojite” was the theme song for the blockbuster film Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World, starring Masami Nagasawa and Mirai Moriyama.
Released as a single in 2004, it reached No.
2 on the Oricon Singles Chart and sold a million copies, achieving million-seller status.
Its lyrics about parting from a loved one, combined with the film’s story, are heartbreakingly moving.
It’s a classic that has been covered not only in Japan but by artists overseas as well, so definitely give it a listen!
Poignant ballad songs: Tear-jerking masterpieces of Japanese music (11–20)
budKobukuro
When you think of ballads, many people probably have the song “Tsubomi” start playing in their heads.
Released in 2007 as Kobukuro’s 14th single, it was written as the theme song for the TV drama “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad.” Its lyrics resonate with anyone, and it’s the kind of number that makes you picture someone dear to you; the soaring chorus is sure to move you to tears.
It’s a classic, gently heart-stirring ballad.
One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi
When it comes to ballads and heartrending love songs, many people might think of this track.
Masayoshi Yamazaki’s “One more time, One more chance” is his fourth single, released in 1997.
It became famous as the theme song for the film “The Moon and a Cabbage,” in which he starred, as well as for the animated film “5 Centimeters per Second.” It’s a tear-jerking love song about someone you can’t forget—someone who’s always in your heart, always on your mind somewhere.
I long to see you now.MISIA
MISIA’s 23rd single, “Aitakute Ima,” released in 2009.
The song became widely known across generations as it was the theme for the hit drama “JIN.” Many listeners say it brings back memories of the show.
It’s a track that showcases MISIA’s remarkable vocal ability, with a chorus so expansive it gives you goosebumps.
While many ballads are about sad romances, this one evokes memories of someone who has passed away—someone you can no longer meet.
A Naked Heartaimyon
This is a work that teaches you the importance of being honest with your feelings.
It’s a hit number by Aimyon, a singer-songwriter from Hyogo Prefecture, released in 2020 as her 10th single.
It was chosen as the theme song for the drama “My Housekeeper Nagisa-san.” The lyrics and vocals seep into you, as if the emotions in your heart are spilling out one by one—simply irresistible.
Even when you think “I won’t do it again,” love makes you do it anyway.
If you’re in love right now, or nursing a crush, this song will resonate with you all the more.
